D700... which walk-about lens ???

[snapworks]

Thanks Lord Soth, nice shoot you got there :thumbsup: But I can't be buying the same focal length since I've already got myself the 24-70; there is why I thinking should I get the 28-300VC for all rounder. I think it can be useful for travelling and it's also not so blink blink lor

 

[Lord Soth]

Thanks Lord Soth, nice shoot you got there :thumbsup: But I can't be buying the same focal length since I've already got myself the 24-70; there is why I thinking should I get the 28-300VC for all rounder. I think it can be useful for travelling and it's also not so blink blink lor

Hi Snapworks,

In that case, since the focal length is suitable for you, go ahead and buy the 28-300VC lah!

In terms of cost, it is not too expensive as compared to the Nikon Pro f/2.8 series. (As an aside, I'm more of a Landscape photographer, hence I was only willing to splurge on the 14-24 Nikon Lens and carry the heavy behemoth around!). The 28-300 VC's weight is also very reasonable at 550g.

In case you are still looking for more information, here's a very useful web link for lenses, especially for the one you are eyeing.

Before I go ahead and splurge on a new lens, I make it a point to check out the reviews (by users and testers) on this website because they tend to be more factually accurate. In addition, the lens testers are more independent. They also provide useful recommendations for the ideal F/Aperature for the focal lengths of various lenses. This saves me a lot of time and hardwork in testing the lenses myself.

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1091/cat/23

Even one of the Canon users "touristguy87" says that the Tamron 28-300 lens is an "L-Killer".

Hope you find your ideal walkabout lens soon.

As I mentioned earlier, even the Nikon Guru (Thom Hogan) is using the D700 and the Tamron 28-300VC combination for his non-serious stuff.

Afterall, the basic idea of photography is to have FUN!

Have a nice day!

 

[snapworks]

Thanks Lord Soth, you are of great help.:thumbsup: I've read a lot on Canon and all are on crop sensors; there's why I would like to check if there are users on D700. Wow, "L-killer" from one of the user review :bigeyes:

I also like the 14-24 for landscape but only don't like the very protruding front element and can't uses screw-in filters. May get the AFS 17-35 or maybe Tamron 17-35 later la cos spent quite a bit recently :sweat:

 

[John Mama]

Snapworks, not to put a damper on your enthusiasm ....but I tested 2 copies of the 28-300 VC on my D700 just last week at Cathay, and I found the AF slow and clunky on both. It really struggled even in the shop (Peninsula) to lock, and it was loud and noisy while doing so!

On the other hand, I've tested the much older Nikon AF 28-200D, and I own the older AF 28-105D, and they work like a charm on the D700. The latter in particular, the 28-105, focuses very quickly, and is very sharp for such a little lens. Many brothers in this thread have attested to this one already, so I concur whole heartedly! It does very well even in relative low light, whereas the Tamron, in MY experience, failed miserably.

Your mileage may vary, so the best thing for you to do would be to test the Tamron, and then the Nikkors if you can get hold of them these days heh heh...Thom Hogan really likes the Tamron, so you need to chalk it to individual experience, and test it yourself for the best "review."

 

[Lord Soth]

Snapworks, not to put a damper on your enthusiasm ....but I tested 2 copies of the 28-300 VC on my D700 just last week at Cathay, and I found the AF slow and clunky on both. It really struggled even in the shop (Peninsula) to lock, and it was loud and noisy while doing so!

Hi John Mama,

I know why you were having such a hard time with the Tamron......must be because you were trying to focus on the item "CHEAP PRICES" in Cathay (Peninsular).... hee hee

But seriously speaking, yes I agree with you that the focusing is slow with this Tamron 28-300. A lot of other users have also expressed such a view on other lens review sites. As long as one is not trying to use this Tamron on fast moving objects especially in low light situations, it should still suit them fine.

Ultimately, the idea of a "walkabout" lens varies from user to user.

Thanks for sharing your "live" experience with this Tamron lens! :thumbsup:

The 28-105mm Nikon is also highly rated, especially by Bjørn Rørslett.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom_02.html#AF28-105IF

It's a real pity that this lens is hard to find, even on the Internet.

 

[snapworks]

Thanks John Mama for the headsup

 

[achanth]

Dig my thread...


24-85 @ 24/2.8
Resized

I notice there is vignetting at 24mm. I have the same problem with the 24-85mm f 3.5-4.6G lens, which was recommended by Ken Rockwell, and which I bought from a second hand lens shop.

Tried the vignetting control, at off, low and high: not very effective. Do you have the same issue on vignetting control with the 24-85 f/2.8 lens.

If you try to set image size to DX control, the vignetting is lesser.

 

[lsisaxon]

I notice there is vignetting at 24mm. I have the same problem with the 24-85mm f 3.5-4.6G lens, which was recommended by Ken Rockwell, and which I bought from a second hand lens shop.

Tried the vignetting control, at off, low and high: not very effective. Do you have the same issue on vignetting control with the 24-85 f/2.8 lens.

If you try to set image size to DX control, the vignetting is lesser.

Yup. Vignetting is an issue for FX with wideangle lenses meant for film but I think it can be lived with. Otherwise you can make do with some cropping.

 

[surefire]

I notice there is vignetting at 24mm. I have the same problem with the 24-85mm f 3.5-4.6G lens, which was recommended by Ken Rockwell, and which I bought from a second hand lens shop.

Tried the vignetting control, at off, low and high: not very effective. Do you have the same issue on vignetting control with the 24-85 f/2.8 lens.

If you try to set image size to DX control, the vignetting is lesser.

it's very easy to compensate for vignetting using photoshop

 

[achanth]

On the other hand, I've tested the much older Nikon AF 28-200D, and I own the older AF 28-105D, and they work like a charm on the D700.

Hi, I read about this lens first on Ken Rockwell's lens review. Was this lens available in Cathay? Tks.

 

[achanth]

Good walk about lens with good IQ for D700 I recommend the following :-

1) 24-120 VR
2) 18-35 3.5/4.5 (Currently my walk about lens)
3) 24-85 f3.5/4.5 AFS (Not the f2.8 / 4.0)

First 2 I have and IQ will equal or exceed the 16-85 which I also own.
Forgot to mention both the 18-35 and 24-85 are old lens which may be hard to find.

I am using the 24-85 f3.4-4.5 G AFS. Fast and sharp. Very good lens.
How is the 24-120VR? Is it good? some reviews say it is good, some no good? Not sure ...depending on the writer reviewing it.

 

[Dennis]

I am using the 24-85 f3.4-4.5 G AFS. Fast and sharp. Very good lens.
How is the 24-120VR? Is it good? some reviews say it is good, some no good? Not sure ...depending on the writer reviewing it.

24-120 is an old lens an usage depends, the VR is slow and thus require it to be stable before shoot unlike the newer ones, perhaps that is why some get soft images. When I first use this lens many years ago I too get soft images but at times are OK so I believe it may be due to the VR. Once you get to know the lens it is OK. Now I get sharp images most of the time and other times is because I am the problem. If you have steady hands try switching off the VR and you should get sharper images.

 

[pisduck]

all these discussion,

I wonder why nikon DID NOT release an updated walkabout "kit" lens for the new FX format?

I mean they have seen that the canon 24-105mm f4 IS is clearly the BEST seller in canon FX lens and there is a huge demand for such a lens. Nikon should have updated the 24-120mm VR lens when they released D700.

 

[lsisaxon]

all these discussion,

I wonder why nikon DID NOT release an updated walkabout "kit" lens for the new FX format?

I mean they have seen that the canon 24-105mm f4 IS is clearly the BEST seller in canon FX lens and there is a huge demand for such a lens. Nikon should have updated the 24-120mm VR lens when they released D700.

They already have problems making the corners sharp for zooms with shorter ratio. For such walkabouts, better to stick with DX. Otherwise, use 14-24 and 24-70.

 

[achanth]

all these discussion,

I wonder why nikon DID NOT release an updated walkabout "kit" lens for the new FX format?

I mean they have seen that the canon 24-105mm f4 IS is clearly the BEST seller in canon FX lens and there is a huge demand for such a lens. Nikon should have updated the 24-120mm VR lens when they released D700.

My theory is Nikon spent so much time developing a good camera, they did not have time to develop the lens. Canon spent much time developing the lens, they fell behind on the camera...until we see their 5DMkII

 

[lsisaxon]

My theory is Nikon spent so much time developing a good camera, they did not have time to develop the lens. Canon spent much time developing the lens, they fell behind on the camera...until we see their 5DMkII

They should go back to the early days.. Canon makes the body and get Nikon to make the lens.

 

[archon75]

Good evening. Can any senior advice where to get a new Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5? Tried to shop around only find one piece at TCW, not really satisfy with the condition. Please help.

 

[DR THE]

24-70 f/2.8
70-200mm VR f/2.8 or VRII

 

[Lord Soth]

Good evening. Can any senior advice where to get a new Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5? Tried to shop around only find one piece at TCW, not really satisfy with the condition. Please help.

Hi, you can try Alan Photo in Sim Lim Square.

They told me that they could try to get hold of that lens for me.

BTW: I needed a standard zoom for an overseas trip and eventually got the Tamron 28-75 instead.

 

[Dearboy87]

i'm on 18-35 for my walk abt currently..

sharp sharp lens..

welly light too~