Nikon 28-70 2.8 vs. 24-120 F4 VR

gad-westy

gad-westy

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I posted a topic a little while ago about Nikon full frame lenses. I think, though don't hold me to this, I've narrowed it down to these two. They're approximately the same price used but clearly a little different in terms of function. I'm struggling to find any back to back reviews presumably because they were never on sale at the same time.

So, what I'm looking for is opinions on which one to opt for. The extra stop of the 28-70 would be handy though not crucial as I will have one or two fast primes in the bag as well, so I do wonder if VR may be of more use. I would anticipate that the lens will be used predominantly for landscapes and urban stuff.

Right now I'm leaning toward the 28-70, partly for it's chunky construction but mainly because I get the impression that this is a 'wow' lens where as maybe the 24-120 is only a 'great' lens but this is based more on perception than anything.

Anybody used both?
 
The 28-70 f2.8 have the pretty much the same optic as the 24-70 f2.8. The 24-120 f4 is great lens but if you need that extra reach and alright with f4 then thats the lens for you, plus VR is good as well to shoot with slower shutter speed.

The 28-70 f2.8 can give you that bokeh that you cannot get on the 24-120 because of the f2.8 plus the image quality is outstanding as well.
 
Not had the nikon 28-70 but have had the Tamron 28-75, for me the extra 4mm on the wide end is crucial. I wouldn't give up the range and vr of the 24-120 for the extra stop, the versatility of the 24-120 is worth more to me. Not to mention the nano crystal coat! If I need fast apertures that's what 1.4 primes are for.
 
i think it all depend on what do you shoot etc.

If you ask me ask a walk around lens and general use i probably would pick up the 24-120 simply for reach, VR and weight probably.

The 28-70 is pretty heavy but sometimes i need that extra stop and bokeh i get from the f2.8.

i.e shooting a wedding with the 28-70 is pretty good where you don't want to change lens often.

It all depend on what you want and what you prefer.

For me i'm happy with a wide angle lens 16-35, 28-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 and couple of primes.

Thats me but everyone is different
 
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Thanks chaps. Still no closer to a decision but that is my fault rather than a reflection on the quality of answers. Still leaning towards the 28-70, in fact the lens line up that badboy1984 mentioned is pretty much what I was aiming for.
 
i've gave up my 18-70 lens for the 28-70 f2.8 but that means i need to buy a wide angle.

But i'm perfectly happy with that tho lol.

The 28-70 is a quality piece of glass consider is an older version.
 
As much as I wanted the 24-120 to be top notch, its not really it seems. I've read quite bad things about CA with it.

The 28-70 will be much better... assuming of course image quality is the main driver and not weight or zoom range.....

I assume you are still thinking about using either of these on a D300 though (as per your forum profile)? If so, I'd say that 24mm isn't particularly wide on DX and even though its only 4mm difference, 28mm is a fair bit narrower field of view.
 
i guess if you thinking about wide angle lens, mid range zoom and tele zoom setup then that 24 or 28mm is not really a problem.
 
I've heard the original 24-120 was somewhat mediocre, but the current one is much better. Don't know as it's not a lens I've ever used, although I'd probably pick that one now if I was in your situation, as the 70mm end of the 28-70 seems a bit short at times. Image quality is superb though, if you don't mind the sheer bulk of the lens.
 
Only thing wrong with the 24-120 f4 are vignetting and distortion, both corrected with a single click (or on import) with Lightroom. No issues with CA.
 
Just to update, I've taken the plunge on a 28-70. Not sure if it's the right decision yet but I was starting to get the impression that I wouldn't go far wrong with either of these. I have a 70-200 as well so the two should stack up well together (Going to be one heavy bag though!).

I should have mentioned earlier that I was switching to full frame. D700 should arrive this week. Can't wait.
 
gad-westy said:
Just to update, I've taken the plunge on a 28-70. Not sure if it's the right decision yet but I was starting to get the impression that I wouldn't go far wrong with either of these. I have a 70-200 as well so the two should stack up well together (Going to be one heavy bag though!).

I should have mentioned earlier that I was switching to full frame. D700 should arrive this week. Can't wait.
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Good choice- not a fan of the 24-120 f4 having used one and you can't beat having f2.8 - well ok, you can have f1.4 but you know what I mean:lol:
 
Dr_O said:
Good choice- not a fan of the 24-120 f4 having used one and you can't beat having f2.8 - well ok, you can have f1.4 but you know what I mean:lol:
Click to expand...

Cheers. Hoping both the D700 and 28-70 are waiting for me when I get home tonight. I'm going to be like an excitable child waiting for the school bell.
 
You won't be disappointed with the combination.

Prepare to go wow factor when you shoot the D700 in 12800 ISO and view it on the computer.
 
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