Not just a what FX lens question.

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Not been on full frame since i sold my F3 so I am giving thought as to which lens to get for my D750,have on loan a 20mm 2.8D to test the wide angle aspect,the main problem i have with choice is a change of subjects if i had bought it for birding then i could decide what focal length i wanted.
With me getting older i cant continue to lug heavy long lenses about so have decided to venture into other areas in anticipation for the time when birding becomes too much,i see my interests as being landscapes, flowers,street photography and general walk round subjects,it would seam the 24-120 F4 has a good reputation as a walk around lens on FX,if you have one on FX could you tell me what type of subjects you find it covers well, as at the moment its at the top of my list to buy on Saturday.
 

jay_dean

Senior Member
As a walkabout lens, the 24-120 f4 is a great choice. Mine is a workhorse for everything that isn't flying. It is a jack of all trades lens, and whilst not being the master of them, its pretty close. Your other option is the heavier non VR 24-70 f2.8, or non Nikon brands, but with that loss of reach
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
24-120mm almost never sees time off a body - either on the D750 or D610 constantly. From street to landscape to portraits, it works for all of them with rare exception. Unless you shoot primarily wildlife that's my recommendation.

Wildlife? 70-200mm is a little short for wildlife on FX, but on the D7100 it's adequate so that's what I use for that. Sigma 150-500mm works OK, but if I was going from scratch I'd get a 150-600mm (in your case the Sigma Contemporary or Tamron as the Sigma Sport is beastly heavy).

Others? I had a 28-300mm that I bought early on in my D7000 years before I really understood what a cropped sensor was (wasn't wide enough for an all purpose walkaround). I sold it to finance the D800 and am kicking myself. It's not a "Great!!" lens, but it's more than just good enough to make it an only lens for a while, particularly if you're on a budget. It suffers badly from creep when you're walking around and forget to lock it, but it was solid as a shoot for me on a DX camera. Alas, I never shot with it on an FX so I can't comment on just how soft it might be on the edges.
 

traceyjj

Senior Member
I have a 28-300 on my D800 and even though its not the best lens in the world, it works for what I want. If you want, I'm sure we could arrange a meet up so you can have a try of the lens
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Must admit ime leaning towards the 24-120 but open to other suggestions,the only rush i have is the shop owners is away after Saturday and the staff cant do the deals he does.
 

Jerry_

Senior Member
The 24-120/4 is my walk around lens on the D610 and it allows me to capture most of what I want, from landscape&architecture to detail captures&portraits.

While I have also a number of primes in the 24-120 range, I mostly use them if I either know exactly what I am going to shoot, either if I know i need a larger aperture, due to low light.

Other than those I am using the Tamron 150-600 for wildlife shots.

On the wider end I am using the Sigma 10-20/3.5 on a DX body, if I want wide angle.

But the 24-120/4 is defintely the walj around lens on the FX body and I could only recommend it.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Are you wanting new or second hand Mike? Theres one for £575 in 'superb' condition at my local shop. Also available online, it might get to you by Saturday
Used Nikon AF-S 24-120mm F4 G ED VR Lens - Used AF Lenses - Used - Harrison Cameras

Thanks,i do need a couple of days to decide,i keep saying i have emptied the toy fund well the lens purchase will more than empty it so going to spend a couple of days thinking and researching,just had a new macro lens come into my mind,not done much in the last few years but that was because the sigma i have does not have OS which i am needing more and more now.
 

jay_dean

Senior Member
Thanks,i do need a couple of days to decide,i keep saying i have emptied the toy fund well the lens purchase will more than empty it so going to spend a couple of days thinking and researching,just had a new macro lens come into my mind,not done much in the last few years but that was because the sigma i have does not have OS which i am needing more and more now.
To do the things you're wanting to shoot, you might have a 'lens gap' in your armoury without a lens such as this. Not that i'm trying to spend your money;)
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
I have a 28-300 on my D800 and even though its not the best lens in the world, it works for what I want. If you want, I'm sure we could arrange a meet up so you can have a try of the lens


Thanks Tracey i thought i had answered this:confused:,i will give you a shout if i need to.

mike
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
Not been on full frame since i sold my F3 so I am giving thought as to which lens to get for my D750,have on loan a 20mm 2.8D to test the wide angle aspect,the main problem i have with choice is a change of subjects if i had bought it for birding then i could decide what focal length i wanted.
With me getting older i cant continue to lug heavy long lenses about so have decided to venture into other areas in anticipation for the time when birding becomes too much,i see my interests as being landscapes, flowers,street photography and general walk round subjects,it would seam the 24-120 F4 has a good reputation as a walk around lens on FX,if you have one on FX could you tell me what type of subjects you find it covers well, as at the moment its at the top of my list to buy on Saturday.
I'm curious to see about that lens as well. I'm saving up for either that one or the AF-S 20mm 1.8 which is not that much more expensive. For a walkabout lens on the 750 I would get the 24-120. There is also a 28-300 but it's not a constant aperture lens, however it might be worth looking into as well.
 

wornish

Senior Member
The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 is superb its the default on my camera.
It has Image Stabilisation as well which is unique for a 24 -70.

It gets better reviews than the Nikon as well.

i know you have had bad experiences with the Tele Tamrons but this one is best in class and gives you more scope in low light situations.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 is superb its the default on my camera. It has Image Stabilisation as well which is unique for a 24-70.
I'd take the Tamron 24-70mm over the Nikon 24-120mm EVERY day of the week, twice on Sunday and three times if I could.

Dammit but that little Tammy is soooo on my list!
....
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
I'm curious to see about that lens as well. I'm saving up for either that one or the AF-S 20mm 1.8 which is not that much more expensive. For a walkabout lens on the 750 I would get the 24-120. There is also a 28-300 but it's not a constant aperture lens, however it might be worth looking into as well.

The problem i have is ime not sure where FX will take me,i know it will be away from birding but thats what i want,taking the 20mm out tomorrow for a go see what i think about the wider end.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 is superb its the default on my camera.
It has Image Stabilisation as well which is unique for a 24 -70.

It gets better reviews than the Nikon as well.

i know you have had bad experiences with the Tele Tamrons but this one is best in class and gives you more scope in low light situations.

Not got a problem with Tamron:D,at the moment with cash back its a £100 cheaper than the nikon.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
After a couple of mentions in this thread for the Nikon 28-300 its been brought into the possible list,my thinking being it would give me a better range for a year until i decide what focal lengths are going to be my most used.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Instead of limiting your gear, have you explored ways to transport it? I'm looking at a DIY photo cart made upon the frame of either a golf bag pull cart of a jogging/running stroller. There are supposedly several videos posted online on how to do this.

WM
 
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