Picking a new lens for D800

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Picking a new lens for D800

m_appeal
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p.1 #1 · Picking a new lens for D800

I'm buying a new lens for Christmas whenever I get paid... I don't have a normal zoom at the moment, but I don't have any requirements to have one either... I am just shooting for fun.

I'm considering 2 lenses right now - the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC and Sigma 35mm f1.4. I'm leaning towards the Sigma, because it will be sharper, faster and have better bokeh.

the Tamron is more versatile... (Considered the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 but don't want one, as it's absplutely huge and I'd rather have VC on this lens if I'm getting a 2.8 lens)Which would you choose if you were deciding between these 2?

Dec 11, 2012 at 09:47 PM

m_appeal
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p.1 #2 · Picking a new lens for D800

This review really has me sold on the Sigma 35mm f1.4

http://fstoppers.com/sigma35review

Dec 11, 2012 at 09:51 PM

Dustin Gent
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p.1 #3 · Picking a new lens for D800

it depends on what you shoot. These are two totally different lenses. If you can live with 35mm focal length, that get that lens. The Tamron is supposed to be great as well. If I had just one lens an didn't shoot just landscapes (I have a 17mm prime and just picked up an 85mm 1.8G) I would get the Tamron..

Dec 11, 2012 at 09:56 PM

m_appeal
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p.1 #4 · Picking a new lens for D800

Well, I shoot just about everything... not so much landscape. 35mm could be a bit limiting, but primes are supposed to make you think more about composition (well maybe a bit of a myth) / encourage creativity. And I'm curious just how good the Tamron is compared to the prime.

Dec 11, 2012 at 10:07 PM

SloPhoto
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p.1 #5 · Picking a new lens for D800

Ummm, what do you have now?

Dec 12, 2012 at 01:53 AM

tjpenton
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p.1 #6 · Picking a new lens for D800

For the price of the Tamron 24-70 I would probably buy a nikon 24-70 used.

The tamron I tested extensively vs the nikkor was absolutely softer at almost every instance, especially in the longer ranges

Dec 12, 2012 at 02:10 AM

m_appeal
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p.1 #7 · Picking a new lens for D800

SloPhoto wrote:
Ummm, what do you have now?

28-75 f2.8 (selling), 85 f1.8, 70-300 (selling). Selling 28-75 and 70-300 to finance the 35 or 24-70 VC

Dec 12, 2012 at 02:21 AM

m_appeal
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p.1 #8 · Picking a new lens for D800

tjpenton wrote:
For the price of the Tamron 24-70 I would probably buy a nikon 24-70 used.

The tamron I tested extensively vs the nikkor was absolutely softer at almost every instance, especially in the longer ranges

Bad one maybe?

Was it worse than these samples?

http://horshack.smugmug.com/Other/Tamron-24-70-on-D800/25653517_pc7Qv3#!i=2118494460&k=bxF43Cx

Dec 12, 2012 at 02:23 AM

davidnholtjr
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p.1 #9 · Picking a new lens for D800

m_appeal wrote:
I'm buying a new lens for Christmas whenever I get paid... I don't have a normal zoom at the moment, but I don't have any requirements to have one either... I am just shooting for fun.

I'm considering 2 lenses right now - the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC and Sigma 35mm f1.4. I'm leaning towards the Sigma, because it will be sharper, faster and have better bokeh.

How about the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR. It's a great lens with a nice range. It's pretty much glued to my D700.

Dec 13, 2012 at 04:56 PM

Red G8R
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p.1 #10 · Picking a new lens for D800

Because I have the Nikon 24-70 f2.8, I'm looking at the Sigma 35mm f1.4. Between the two, the 24-70 is far more useful for me.
That said, here is a comparo that might interest you. Nikon vs Tamron 24-70mm.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_vs_Tamron_24-70mm_comparison/

Dec 18, 2012 at 11:48 PM

fsiagian
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p.1 #11 · Picking a new lens for D800

In general I prefer speed over flexibility. So, I would go with 35mm 1.4 + the (currently cheap due to D600 sale) 24-85mm kit lens for the same cost as the Tamron. I read that the Sigma is a wonderful lens.

Dec 18, 2012 at 11:59 PM

m_appeal
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p.1 #12 · Picking a new lens for D800

fsiagian wrote:
In general I prefer speed over flexibility. So, I would go with 35mm 1.4 + the (currently cheap due to D600 sale) 24-85mm kit lens for the same cost as the Tamron. I read that the Sigma is a wonderful lens.

Yep, my thoughts as well. Can't find a Sigma 35mm f1.4 in stock though

Also even stepped down 24-85 isn't going to match the 24-70 off center.

Dec 19, 2012 at 02:24 PM

Chris Dees
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p.1 #13 · Picking a new lens for D800

Just got myself a 28/1.8G and 85/1.8G as a Christmas present.

Dec 19, 2012 at 02:50 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #14 · Picking a new lens for D800

Yeah, any of the 3 new FX f1.8G's is worth having...absolutely love 'em on my D800.
Just got my preordered Sigma (A) 35 f1.4 last week...200% crops will blow your mind

(I shoot for money, but it's much more fun now)

Dec 19, 2012 at 03:01 PM

James R
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p.1 #15 · Picking a new lens for D800

trenchmonkey wrote:
Yeah, any of the 3 new FX f1.8G's is worth having...absolutely love 'em on my D800.
Just got my preordered Sigma (A) 35 f1.4 last week...200% crops will blow your mind

(I shoot for money, but it's much more fun now)

I was surprised at the size of the Siggy. Does it feel as big as it looks? I have always thought of 35's as being more compact, even the Nikon 35 G 1.4 is pretty light and reasonably compact.

Dec 19, 2012 at 04:43 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #16 · Picking a new lens for D800

It's about the same size as Nikon's. Similarities end there.

Dec 19, 2012 at 04:53 PM

m_appeal
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p.1 #17 · Picking a new lens for D800

I ended up buying the Tamron 24-70 f2.8

Dec 30, 2012 at 12:40 AM

RRRoger
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p.1 #18 · Picking a new lens for D800

I got an AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 G in the mail today.
I've had several "Nifty Fifties" in the past and
am pleasantly surprised how good this focuses up close in low light.

I got it for indoor Video but
I expect to use it much more than those earlier models for stills.

Dec 30, 2012 at 04:31 AM

lsutigerfan
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p.1 #19 · Picking a new lens for D800

Hope your happy with the Tammy. For me, the Sigma is the FL used most often -- not too wide, not too tight on headshots. Give it a few months to cool off, and the Sigma will drop in prices (some used copies will be available)

Dec 31, 2012 at 06:47 AM

jsbeith
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p.1 #20 · Picking a new lens for D800

I have never shot with the Sigma, but I can tell you the Tamron 24-70 VC is fantastic on my D7000. I had to return the first copy as it was soft across the range (which didn't match the reviews). So I gave it a second chance and I am thrilled that I did. It is a hammer! As soon as my D600 arrives tomorrow it will be the first lens I mount.

Best of luck with your choice and I look forward to hearing your results.

Scott

Jan 03, 2013 at 01:30 AM

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