Having around $2k to spend on a prime....would you buy the 24/35/85mm 1.4G? I currently have a D7000, Nikon 16-35mm f/4, Nikon 50mm 1.8G, and Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro. I will be upgrading to FX next year in case anyone was wondering why im getting a 1.4 prime. Any opinions thoughts would be helpful
A lens is a tool. If you went to a woodworking forum and said "what tool should I buy?" how would anyone be able to answer without knowing what you intend to make?
Edit : looks like I can't type fast enough on this blasted iPad, since you answered the question while I was responding. Sounds like an 85mm might be useful to you.
supermario343 wrote:
I shoot just about anything....landscape, portraits, street
OK, so what photos would be easier to make with one of the lenses you mention - and which photos wouldn't see much benefit? When I buy lenses, it's generally to plug a hole in my lineup, to help fix a photographic problem.
For example, if I'm shooting landscapes and don't have a nice wide angle, that 24 would be tempting (although I'd go Zeiss 25 first for that use ). If you like doing low light or getting those magical wide-open portraits, then the 85 has a good reputation for those kind of shots.
You already have the 16-35/4 so I'd skip the 24/1.4 unless you're looking for in-your-face street or portraits. Ditto the 35/1.4. This leaves the 85/1.4.
Tho on FX, I personally would go with 35/85 1.4 combo. Actually I find on film that these FL's cover most of my shooting.
Yeah I was leaning mostly towards the 85mm 1.4G. I had a Rokinon 35mm 1.4, loved it but I need the AFS. I also had the Sigma 85mm and sold it. Ive always wanted the 85mm G though. Too bad its back ordered like everywhere though. Thats the problem
I too am a D7000 owner and have both the 24 f1.4 and 85 f1.4. I also have the 14-14 f2.8 so if I had to let one of the primes go it would defo be the 24 f1.4. You have a pin sharp wide angle already so I would go with the 85 first and then think about the 24 for a future purchase.
Both are incredible but I would miss the 85 more as that bokeh is just astonishing and yummy. I often just go for a walk with the D7000 and 85 and do street candid stuff. Having this short (as in physical lens dimensions) prime lens on a crop body makes for an excellent unobtrusive and discreet portrait lens.
Considering your budget and existent kit I'll spend the money buying a Sigma 85/1.4 and a Nikon 180/2.8. Both are performing great on D7000 and on D700. Another option is to go for two Nikkors... 135/2 DC and 180/2.8...
I've made a few lens purchases lately, and I picked up the 70-200 VRII before the 85 G. It's 90% of the portrait lens, but 1000x as flexible for most other purposes.
You've already got the Tamron 90/2.8. So I don't see the value of the expensive Nikon 85/1.4 for two stops more light.
I was going to say that you should investigate the Samyang series, but I see that you have. I love their lenses, owning the 85/1.4, 35/1.4 and the 14/2.8 -- all for well under $1000. They are also supposed to come out soon with a 24/1.4, and I'll be in line for that.
I also like the Zeiss idea. But you prefer AF, and I can understand that.
In your position, I'd look for another versatile zoom lens, like the 24-70/2.8, or maybe the 24/120/4 (although the 24-70 gets mostly better reviews). Then maybe you would think about filling in with one of those fast Samyang?
I'm sure you'll have fun deciding!
galenapass -- I haven't had any trouble focusing my Samyang 85/1.4 on FF or APS-H body's OVF. Crop sensor OVF are very tough for me, using MF lenses.
