Nikon 24-70
This lens is one of the reasons why I am writing these pages. This is a beautiful lens, no question about it. However, it is also very heavy, expensive and for most people frankly quite unnecessary especially for amateur photographers. See my comparison with the Nikon 28-80
Zooms in general are practical, they give you options for the focal length, but they usually sacrifice in quality. This lens is fast, and the quality over the range is excellent. The lens has a great reputation (rightfully so), this is also why, even used it costs quite a bit.
I do not like mid-range zooms a lot, let's face it. If you have a 24mm you do not need to have 35mm. Likewise if you have a 35mm you do not need a 50mm. And if you have a 50mm you do not need a 70mm and so on. Of course there is quite a difference between 24mm and 70mm. But this zoom is not really replacing a bag full of (really good) lenses, it is replacing more like two, and giving you the opportunity to be lazy when framing something in between.
The 24mm is a very nice wide angle, probably as much as anyone will ever need, but if I were to pick a longer second lens, it would be slightly longer than the 70mm, probably something in the 85 - 135mm range. Of course this is a matter of preference.
I technically do not own this lens, it is part of a setup at my work, and since it is available this is more or less the main lens I use for everything at work, apart from a Nikon 105 macro I need for the close ups.
Versions
- The picture is the older f/2.8 ED version
- There is a newer f/2.8 VR version with vibration reduction. A bit more pricey.
| Price | Very expensive |
|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy, 900g |
| Good for | Indoors, people, landscape |
| New or used | New is about 1500, used you can get it around 1000, I would not buy this, but if you do, go for the new one. |
This is definitely a lens only for full frame cameras. This is a high-end lens, and like me if you end up having access to one, you will be using it
Technically this would work on a APS-C body, but there is hardly any reason for using it. It would work like a 35mm-105mm zoom. Without the wider range, it would be quite limited and even the basic Nikon 18-105 would be more practical for day to day use. The alternative for an APS-C would be the much much cheaper 18-55 which is also way lighter. At 200g the 18-55 is as light as any prime lens and also in the same price class, so it is harder to argue against it.
Gallery
Comparing the 24-70 to Nikon 24
Comparing the 24-70 to Nikon 24
A Nikon D610 with the 24-70 attached
I use this lens for most of my pictures at work. It is a great lens, and if you have one, you will want to use it for everything.
These pages are for Amateur Photographers and not really for seasoned photographers and professionals. I have no affiliation or commercial interest with any brand/make. I write from my own experience. I ended up using mainly Nikon, so I am more familiar with this brand than others. See price for notes on pricing as well as photography related links.