24-120 or 24-70

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24-120 or 24-70

david debalko
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p.1 #1 · 24-120 or 24-70

I currently use a 28-70 2.8 as my standard zoom, I've been looking at the 24-120 f4 for the extra reach but have heard it has issues with corner sharpness. I saw the 24-120 included in some photographers kits-does anyone here use it and what do you think of it. Maybe I am better off just replacing my 28-70 with a new 24-70-will I notice a sharper image in that move?

Oct 22, 2012 at 03:08 PM

Guari
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p.1 #2 · 24-120 or 24-70

Myabe someone with more experience can chime in but I'll spill my take

I've used my 24-120 f4 on my d800 and I must say I'm very very happy with it. It's plenty sharp to the corners, vignettes a bit, lovely colours, distorts a bit on the wide end, but superb glass nonetheless.

I tried a 24-70 a bit but it was too heavy, just goes to 70 and too expensive to justify it. I didn't have a chance to pixel peer it too much though.

I believe the difference of those 2 lenses is not the optical quality since both are great, but rather, do you need f2.8 or not? I believe that is what you have to answer yourself.

Oct 22, 2012 at 03:34 PM

edl415
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p.1 #3 · 24-120 or 24-70

24-120
positives: more reach, VR.
negatives: f/4, extends while zooming, IQ needs some correction in LR/PS (no big deal).

24-70
positives: f/2.8, better build, better IQ.
negatives: $$$$, less range, no VR.

Oct 22, 2012 at 03:41 PM

kovairaja99
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p.1 #4 · 24-120 or 24-70

I second edl415's input above..

I have both 24-70 2.8 and 24-120 f4..

My experience so far..both are very sharp even wide open..2.8 and 4 respectively..

Both the lenses have barrels extensions ..but it is small on 24-70..

Distortion is slightly worse on 24-120 than 24-70 at 24 mm..but easily correctable in LR (auto correct works best)

VR on 24-120 rocks..can shoot at 1/30 secs handheld..no VR in 24-70 is a big nit for me ..can't shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur..

Oct 25, 2012 at 05:56 PM

Chaz
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p.1 #5 · 24-120 or 24-70

I have both for use on D800E and am copletely satisfied. The 24-120 goes on for walk-around, the 24-70 when I want that extra ounce of IQ at the wider end.

Look at Michael Reischmann's review of the 24-120 when you scroll through his review of the D800. Note, also, his auto-focus test of his dog running. It was conducted with the 24-120 and is impressive to me.

Link: D800 Lens Review

Edited on Oct 26, 2012 at 03:26 PM · View previous versions

Oct 26, 2012 at 09:47 AM

DigMeTX
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p.1 #6 · 24-120 or 24-70

kovairaja99 wrote:

VR on 24-120 rocks..can shoot at 1/30 secs handheld..no VR in 24-70 is a big nit for me ..can't shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur..

I wouldn't consider 1/30 at 24mm to be rockin' VR. The 70-200 VRII can be shot at 1/10 at 200mm. Surely the 24-120 can do better than 1/30??!

brad

Oct 26, 2012 at 01:25 PM

kovairaja99
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p.1 #7 · 24-120 or 24-70

I recently did a 1/10 sec shot without blur ..can comfortably do a 1/15 sec shot with 24-120 VR

DigMeTX wrote:
kovairaja99 wrote:

VR on 24-120 rocks..can shoot at 1/30 secs handheld..no VR in 24-70 is a big nit for me ..can't shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur..

I wouldn't consider 1/30 at 24mm to be rockin' VR. The 70-200 VRII can be shot at 1/10 at 200mm. Surely the 24-120 can do better than 1/30??!

brad

Dec 02, 2012 at 05:42 PM

escaladieu
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p.1 #8 · 24-120 or 24-70

david debalko wrote:
I currently use a 28-70 2.8 as my standard zoom, I've been looking at the 24-120 f4 for the extra reach but have heard it has issues with corner sharpness. I saw the 24-120 included in some photographers kits-does anyone here use it and what do you think of it. Maybe I am better off just replacing my 28-70 with a new 24-70-will I notice a sharper image in that move?

I had both, I sold the 24-70 - too heavy & did not balance well on the camera (D700) very happy with the 24-120

Dec 05, 2012 at 05:52 PM

hijazist
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p.1 #9 · 24-120 or 24-70

I think both are completely different lenses. The 24-70 is one Nikon's best lenses an terms of AF speed, IQ and construction and it's intended for shooting sessions more than an everyday walk around. The 24-120 on the other hand is a general purpose lens and I had it for a while and then replaced it by a 28-300VR which has a better range for my needs and a similar IQ.

If I were you I would get the 24-70 for critical work and a 28-105 Macro as a general walkaround. I just bought one for $130. It's an amazing lens and very sharp and the macro is a bonus!

Dec 05, 2012 at 07:43 PM

gloman
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p.1 #10 · 24-120 or 24-70

hijazist wrote:
I think both are completely different lenses. The 24-70 is one Nikon's best lenses an terms of AF speed, IQ and construction and it's intended for shooting sessions more than an everyday walk around. The 24-120 on the other hand is a general purpose lens and I had it for a while and then replaced it by a 28-300VR which has a better range for my needs and a similar IQ.

If I were you I would get the 24-70 for critical work and a 28-105 Macro as a general walkaround. I just bought one for $130. It's an amazing lens and very sharp and the macro is a bonus!

I agree, re-up on the 24-70, yes it's a little heavier, yes it has no VR. It's my bread and butter lens, it's fast, it's sharp, I could never see myself going without it.
glo

Dec 05, 2012 at 09:08 PM

thedruid
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p.1 #11 · 24-120 or 24-70

24-120mm VR glued to my camera, 24-70mm sits in my closet...why, simple versatility.

Dec 05, 2012 at 09:46 PM

Erik_R
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p.1 #12 · 24-120 or 24-70

I was also contemplating which one of them to choose.

For me mainly the reach & weight tilted the decision towards the 24-120mm and partly the VR, as well.

The 24-120mm has clearly more distortion, but easy to auto correct in Lightroom!

/Erik

Dec 05, 2012 at 10:16 PM

rd4tile
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p.1 #13 · 24-120 or 24-70

I'm using a Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC which is as sharp as the 24-120 IMHO in a nice compact package.

Dec 06, 2012 at 02:14 AM

mark1958
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p.1 #14 · 24-120 or 24-70

I have both for my D800. I use the 24-120 as my general walk around. I was pleasantly surprised at how good this lens is. It is not perfect as pointed out already but it is much better than the canon 24-105 which was horrible in the corners. However, side by side comparisons-- the 24-70 is better especially in the corners. If i am going to be doing a lot of tripod shooting -- I take the 24-70. If i am going to be doing mostly walk around shooting-- then the 24-120/4.

Dec 08, 2012 at 03:59 AM

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