First Major Lens Purchase - 24-70 f/2.8. Welcome input.

[TheBigE]

I am on the verge of my first major Lens Purchase - I am looking at 24-70 f/2.8.

I have now rented the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 non VR now over four separate occasions - travel, workshop, and family photos (on D7200). I really enjoy the flexibility of the lens (f/2.8) and the focal range has worked well for me in these situation. I think it makes a good all around lens for my type of photography. Ultimately I would like to get down to two lens for travel - 24-70 and 70-200.

I am strongly considering the new Tamron G2 version of this lens - the build quality and reviews seem to be very positive. Certainly it is not the “tank” that the Nikon lens is overall but still very durable. Moreover on size it is a bit smaller and perhaps in this case better for walk around lens. Not to mention about half the price.

I have also considered a used Nikon Lens 24-70 and there are many on the market in Germany and price is on order with that of a new Tamron G2 Lens. Sigma is also an option - but I think ergonomically it may not be the best option.

Ultimately, I think that it would be best to try the TAMRON lens and get a feel for it on the camera. It would be nice to rent this lens - but have not found it as an option yet in Germany.

Just curious if anyone here has had a chance to try the new G2 Lens? Any other comments are most welcome. Thanks

[george013]

I am on the verge of my first major Lens Purchase - I am looking at 24-70 f/2.8.

I have now rented the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 non VR now over four separate occasions - travel, workshop, and family photos (on D7200). I really enjoy the flexibility of the lens (f/2.8) and the focal range has worked well for me in these situation. I think it makes a good all around lens for my type of photography. Ultimately I would like to get down to two lens for travel - 24-70 and 70-200.

I am strongly considering the new Tamron G2 version of this lens - the build quality and reviews seem to be very positive. Certainly it is not the “tank” that the Nikon lens is overall but still very durable. Moreover on size it is a bit smaller and perhaps in this case better for walk around lens. Not to mention about half the price.

I have also considered a used Nikon Lens 24-70 and there are many on the market in Germany and price is on order with that of a new Tamron G2 Lens. Sigma is also an option - but I think ergonomically it may not be the best option.

Ultimately, I think that it would be best to try the TAMRON lens and get a feel for it on the camera. It would be nice to rent this lens - but have not found it as an option yet in Germany.

Just curious if anyone here has had a chance to try the new G2 Lens? Any other comments are most welcome. Thanks

I mentioned this lens before: the Nikon 28-70 2.8D. The predecessor of the 24-70. Without VR. Half the price of a second hand 24-70 and tested even better.
http://photozone.de/nikon_ff/1010-ni...28vrfx?start=2
http://photozone.de/nikon_ff/809-nik...7028fx?start=2

You might have a look at the 80-200 2.8 to. Take care you look at the latest afs. Also no vr, for this distance more a point. But compare the reviews and the prices.

George

[NorthernFocus]

Erik, it sounds like you've done your homework and are primarily trying to figure out the most cost effective way to go. However since you're shooting DX format before finalizing your decision you may want to try the Nikkor 16-80mm f2.8-4 or the Sigma 17-55mm f2.8. The Sigma is the sharper of the two but paired with a 70-200mm it leaves you with a gap in FL coverage. My DX (D7200) travel kit is the 16-80mm paired with the 70-200mm f4 which is much lighter than the 2.8 and still performs well optically. Since I shoot birds/wildlife most times I also carry the 300mm f4E. All together that combination makes for a well performing kit and relatively light weight.

[Manfred M]

As a long-time shooter of the Nikkor G f/2.8 24-70mm, it is definitely my favourite lens. I bought it when I was still shooting DX and found it to be versatile for both the FX and DX bodies. I probably use it in at least half of my shooting. As I often shoot wide open at f/2.8 for the narrow depth of field.

I can't comment on the third party lenses as I have not been 100% happy with most of the ones I bought and at the time I was more into buying lenses, the build quality of the Tamron line was definitely not up to what either Sigma or Tokina were producing. The only brand I found as good as or better than Nikon (optically and mechanically) was Tokina and the reviews on its f/2.8 24-70mm are quite good too.

[Polar01]

Erik, just to throw a monkey wrench into the works, now the 28-70mm f2.8 is a wonderful lens, heavy, but a wonderful lens. I use to use with my D7000 the 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 equalling the same as if you had a 24mm to 128mm on a FF camera. Weight is only 485gm compared to 900gm for the 28-70mm. You lose 1/2 stop at 16mm and 2 stops at 85mm compared to the 28-70, but you get all things equal 24mm compared to 42mm and 128mm to 105mm so a little wider and a little longer along with a weight savings and cost.

Cheers: Al

[rpcrowe]

I was using a Canon 24-70mm Mk1 f/2.8L lens on my Canon crop sensor cameras. I found the 24mm side of the 24-70 focal range a bit restrictive and, although the 70mm side was an equivalent 112mm, I felt restricted by that end also. I ended up carrying three lenses (usually with 2 camera bodies), the 24-70L, a 70-200mm f/4L IS and a Tokina 12-24mm ATX.

When Canon released the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens, I took a fly on that one and really loved the combination of 17-55mm and 70-200mm. I stopped carrying the 12-24mm because the 17mm was wide enough for most of my use.

I do not really miss the gap between 55mm and 70mm but, lately I have been trying a combination of the 17-55mm on my 7D Mk2 and the 70-200mm on my 6D Mk2. No focal length gap between these two lenses. If I really need the extra reach I can always switch the 70-200mm lens to my 7D Mk2 but, then I can't use the 17-55mm on my full frame camera.

A solution to that problem has been an oldie but goodie Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 ATX (third model of this kens) which a good friend purchased used in Japan and mailed to me. Having that lens in my kit will allow me to shoot with the 70-200mm on the 7D2 and the 28-70mm on the 6D2. Throwing in my 12-24mm Tokina and a 1.4x TC for the 70-200mm will set me up for most types of shoting.

However, that would mean 4-lenses. In reality, I am quite happy with the results of my two crop camera outfit...

BTW, the 28-70mm Tokina lens cost me a case of beer to an old friend who thought that he owed me a favor or two.

[Geoff F]

I have the older version of that 24-70 Tamron lens and it is excellent.

At one time, Tamron were considered to be chiefly a manufacturer of budget priced equipment but they are now producing some very good products as well.

[shreds]

Cards on the table….I am a Nikon shooter and have been for a quarter of a century now. (I have dabbled with just about every brand over the years including some hi-end MF versions, but having used the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 since it was introduced (along with the other two 'holy trinity' of Nikon FF Pro lenses (14-24mm and 70-200mm)), I really wouldn't suggest going elsewhere, given the absolute bomb proof build quality of the Nikons.

They get used daily and that for me is the proof of the pudding…they produce really fine results regardless of the situation they are thrown into.

The weight thing is also a bit of a fallacy unless you have some disability. The additional weight can actually prove to be advantageous in balancing out the camera and creating better stability when properly held and utilised. I don't usually carry all the lenses together, I select them based on the assignment envisaged. Any special assignments and I rent the appropriate glass for the job.

Ok so if you are trekking long distance by foot, you may want to minimise weight, but I upgraded all my lenses when I went over to FF and it showed in the quality of the results. So I sold all my third party lenses and wouldn't go back.

The glass is so important, but also when paired with a suitable body, the combination is virtually unbeatable (for what I do), which includes loads of low light stuff, so 'fast' glass helps too.

I am very critical of the finished image, so getting it right first time in the camera as far as possible is the way I attempt to go….a poor picture is always a poor picture if the input and quality isn't there in the first place. Sitting in front of a computer for hours isn't going to correct that.

HTH - yes I love the Nikon f2.8 24-70mm and wholeheartedly recommend it for most situations.

[Manfred M]

The weight thing is also a bit of a fallacy unless you have some disability. The additional weight can actually prove to be advantageous in balancing out the camera and creating better stability when properly held and utilised.

I'd go a step further, Ian, especially with a non-stabiized lens. Weight (mass really) is an advantage as it naturally reduces camera shake as it takes more energy to move the camera / lens assembly than with a lighter camera / lens. I will get a sharper image out of my D810 with the 24-70mm without stabilization than with my mFT Panasonic GX7 at an equivalent focal length with stabilization turned on.

I find that a small and light may be easier to carry, but not necessarily easier to shoot with.

[TheBigE]

Thanks for all the feedback - great input. Some good thoughts - I think third party manufacturers have come along way in the last couple of years. I have really enjoyed the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 that i have rented - everything that is said about it is true. Great quality, the weight helps with reduction itself. Frankly, it is not as much the weight but the size that I have found to be a bit cumbersome at times. I wear my camera on shoulder sling and even with the Nikon Lens it comfortable rests by my side - just have to be aware of the “extra” length of the lens at times.

I am going to try and do some more research on renting the Tamron G2 Lens if at all possible. It would be nice to give it a go in the same way as I have the Nikon .

[DanK]

If you do, please post your experience. I have been considering the Tamron G2 also.


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[PhotomanJohn]

I bought the Tamron 24-70mm original version shortly after they came out. It was the first non-Nikon lens I had purchased in my 45 years of shooting Nikon cameras. It was an excellent lens that had as good or better performance than the Nikon at the time plus had stabilization. The only issue was the somewhat funky texture in the out of focus background (bokeh) that was noticeable in some shots.

A few months ago I upgraded to the G2 version and am extremely happy with this new lens. Its build quality and optical quality is excellent and sharp across the full frame at f/2.8. Tamron has made a commitment to make pro quality lenses at a very reasonable price. They seem to have solved their unit to unit variation issues as well. They truly make excellent products.

So if you look in this previously only Nikon lens snob's bag who can afford what he wants, you will see a Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8, Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 and a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro along with my Nikon D850. All lenses are G2 versions and I couldn't be happier.

John

[David McB]

I bought the Tamron 24-70mm original version shortly after they came out. It was the first non-Nikon lens I had purchased in my 45 years of shooting Nikon cameras. It was an excellent lens that had as good or better performance than the Nikon at the time plus had stabilization. The only issue was the somewhat funky texture in the out of focus background (bokeh) that was noticeable in some shots.

A few months ago I upgraded to the G2 version and am extremely happy with this new lens. Its build quality and optical quality is excellent and sharp across the full frame at f/2.8. Tamron has made a commitment to make pro quality lenses at a very reasonable price. They seem to have solved their unit to unit variation issues as well. They truly make excellent products.

So if you look in this previously only Nikon lens snob's bag who can afford what he wants, you will see a Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8, Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 and a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro along with my Nikon D850. All lenses are G2 versions and I couldn't be happier.

John

I also am on the verge of acquiring either the Canon 24-70 f2.8 II or Tamron 24-70 f2.8 G2. I wonder if anyone knows who actually manufactures the glass for these two lenses. I'm impressed with the substantial substance I witnesses a few days ago with the Canon lens and want to feel comfortable that the actual glass quality is the same or nearly so, because if so, I'm inclined to go with the Tamron (lower price VC feature). Any thoughts?

[Manfred M]

I wonder if anyone knows who actually manufactures the glass for these two lenses.?

Welcome to CiC David. Would you mind clicking on the "My Profile" tab and adding at least your first name and country you are from to your profile?

Canon does manufacture some of its own glass, but likely buys some of it from the two main optical glass suppliers; Hoya, which is the world's largest manufacturer of optical glass and Schott (which is owned by Zeiss), who is another major player in the high end optical glass field.

No one other than the lens maker will know which glass manufacturers are used to supply the actual glass. Really it doesn't matter as long as the glass meets the specifications, the source is quite irrelevent.

[William W]

I also am on the verge of acquiring either the Canon 24-70 f2.8 II or Tamron 24-70 f2.8 G2...

I use Canon DSLR and was in the market for a (new) 24 to 70/2.8 and my options were the EF 24 to 70 F/2.8L; EF 24 to 70 F/2.8L MkII and Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007 - that's the 'original').

For a variety of my own key reasons, I bought the EF 24 to 70 F/2.8L.

Referencing the Tamron Lens, I tested two - and in both the Zoom Turret had a slight sticking point and the VR was not as useful as I required when using the lens for Video: these non-features, plus the fact that both the Zoom and Focus Turrets rotate in the opposite direction to Canon EF Lenses (and I tend to use two working cameras), were the main reasons for me to dismiss the Tamron.

You'll note that I marked as 'helpful', John's Post #12 - I reckon that his opinion is one worth noting and it makes me think that the two sticky Zoom Turrets that I experienced were a-typical and unfortunate: obviously my Turret rotation comments do not apply to Nikon users, and the use of VR for Video is more a special request, rather than a typical use.

The main reason I commented though is that agree with Manfred in so far as I think that you are asking the wrong questions and worrying about the wrong issues concerning yourself and pondering buying choices based upon who makes the Glass.

WW