Looking for a midrange zoom f2.8 - tamron 28-75 or Tokina 28-70

johncook

Senior Member
Hey guys,

looking for a 3rd party midrange zoom with a constant f2.8 for FX, read lots of good things about the tamron lens although it sounds like there are good and bad examples with variable sharpness. Great value / size / weight though.

someone told me the tokina was great but very rare. If anyone can share view / opinions on the above would be greatly appreciated.


Ps. I know the nikon is the best. I've had a go with it. Maybe next year if the wife says yes!!
 

Rick M

Senior Member
With many 3rd party lenses you occasionally hear about "bad copies", more so than with nikon. I guess if I were to consider any 3rd party lens, I'd get it from a local store where I could test the copy I'm going to buy. The other issue with 3rd party lenses is lower resale value unless it's one of the few gems.
 

Dave_W

The Dude
Why not get the best lens made in this range, the Nikkor 24-70mm. It's not really that much more in price and it keeps its overall value much better than non-Nikkor lenses. But more over, the 24-70mm is truly an amazing lens. I've never heard a single person say they regretted buying this lens over a 3rd party lens.
 

johncook

Senior Member
Why not get the best lens made in this range, the Nikkor 24-70mm. It's not really that much more in price and it keeps its overall value much better than non-Nikkor lenses. But more over, the 24-70mm is truly an amazing lens. I've never heard a single person say they regretted buying this lens over a 3rd party lens.

Hi Dave, I know it's the best lens, I've used it! Problem is it costs 4x that of the tamron and I've just upgraded to FX so can't justify the spend right now. I'd mainly be using the lens wide open for portrait style pics so not worried about corner softness (I know the nikon is super sharp everywhere at all apertures)

i do plan to get the nikon 24-70 2.8 at some point next year. Also the tamron is smaller and cheaper so if I'm going somewhere I don't want to take the nikon 24-70 and don't mind taking the tamron would keep both lenses
 

Eye-level

Banned
Going fast means spending money in drag racing, horse racing, and photography too. Don't settle for anything but the real deal is my motto.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Why don't you try the 24-120 f4? It has VR and is a very sharp lens loosing only one stop but having a little longer reach. I suspect it should be better than the Tamron but I have to admit I've not used the Tamron 28-85. I do own a cheaper older Tamron (28-200) and it does the job for me for travel just for the size and weight.

Happy shopping!
 

Rick M

Senior Member
For the same cost of that Tamron you could start out with a great prime until you get the zoom. The Nikon 50mm 1.8g or 85mm 1.8g are both under $500. This gives you even better IQ and speed than the Nikon 24-70. These will also be lenses you will not want to unload when you get the Nikon 24-70. Don't waste the potential of that great camera on a lens that cannot match it.
 

Dave_W

The Dude
With the Tamron listed at $1299, the Nikkor 24-70mm is only ~50% more. That will easily be recovered when you go to resell your lens.
 

johncook

Senior Member
Why don't you try the 24-120 f4? It has VR and is a very sharp lens loosing only one stop but having a little longer reach. I suspect it should be better than the Tamron but I have to admit I've not used the Tamron 28-85. I do own a cheaper older Tamron (28-200) and it does the job for me for travel just for the size and weight.

Happy shopping!

I'm after a constant f/2.8 lens, plus the midrange zoom.
 

mr2_serious

Senior Member
With the Tamron listed at $1299, the Nikkor 24-70mm is only ~50% more. That will easily be recovered when you go to resell your lens.

He mentioned the 28-75 not the 24-70 hehe. I have the 28-75 on my D7000 and love it. Its holding me over while I save for the nikon 24-70mm.
I got my copy of the 28-75mm for probably 360 after the normal and educational rebate.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk 2
 

stmv

Senior Member
another low cost zoom, a bit less range, but smaller, weighs way less, really sharp photos, pro lens, 2.8,

Nikkor 35-70 2.8
 
Top