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?
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.
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..
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.
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??!
I recently did a 1/10 sec shot without blur ..can comfortably do a 1/15 sec shot with 24-120 VR
DigMeTX wrote:
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??!
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
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!
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! ...Show more →
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
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.
