Charlie N Offline Upload & Sell: On
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · 24-240 Lens or Sony DSC-RX10 III? Which one lens travel solution??? | |
Gunzorro wrote:
Hi Chiron -- I can't help regarding the small sensor camera, as I have that format covered by cameras of different brand, and almost never use them or take them on trips anymore.
Regarding the 24-240 IQ, I own the 28-70 kit lens, have borrowed the 24-240, own the Zony 24-70, and have borrowed the 24-70GM. Here are my rankings of IQ, from lowest to highest:
28-70 -- Very poor overall, low contrast, veiling flare, poor color and fair overall sharpness. Best at f/8 and beyond, but not worth taking on any important trips and absolutely no professional work.
24-240 -- Terrific focal range, but suffers from the same IQ problems throughout its range, and worse for low contrast at longer lengths. Better overall than the kit lens, and much more versatile, but just makes the cut as an all-in-one travel lens. (Personally, I rather take one prime like the Loxia 35 and leave the 24-240 alone, concentrating on images appropriate to the focal length or shoot 2-3 shot panos.) Not for professional work, but okay as a tourist lens -- way better than nothing!
Zony 24-70/4 -- Used these sell for almost the same price as 24-240, but the IQ is far better. Granted this lens is weak in the sides at all apertures below f/9, but the color and contrast are definitely Zeiss inspired. Center is ourstanding in sharpness, even wide open. Certainly more limited in zoom range than the 24-240, but a different league as far as overall "look". Capable of professional work, with attention to subject position and image borders.
24-70/2.8GM -- A truly outstanding lens at almost all settings. Approximately equivalent to Canon's latest 24-70/2.8L II, but in a slightly smaller package. Certainly expensive, and that's why I don't own either of those lenses -- yet. The Sony is on my list for next major purchase. Certainly a top professional lens.
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Canon 24-105/4L IS -- certainly not up to the Sony GM, and not having the Zony 24-70/4's impressive color and contrast without more PP, I prefer to carry this Canon zoom with Sigma MC-11 for general touristy outings if not taking the Zony. Mine is a newer copy and far better than the 24-240 in all imaging characteristics I am interested in. Useable for many professional assignments from events to cityscapes. I'd rate it as a tie with the Zony 24-70/4 overall. In other words, on a budget, those two zooms would be preferable to the 24-240 for most people's needs.
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My advice is to look for (or post a "Wanted") on the B&S for a good copy of the Zony 24-70 or Canon 24-105L. Used prices should run just under $700 for the 24-70 and as low as $500 for the Canon (a really great deal if you already have the MC-11 adapter!). If you really want the 24-240, and that wouldn't be an awful choice!, again check the B&S and reputable members here for prices down to around that same price range as the Zony -- just under $700. Those would be the order of my three choices for a trip zoom I wouldn't have to worry about, or event-type photography.
Good luck on your choices with FF vs 1".
PS -- I also enjoy KR's reviews as "practical usage" tests and results. I enjoy his wit and snarkiness too! At least he gets out and takes pictures with what he reviews, and pretty darned good graphic/editorial images at that! ...Show more →
firstly, the 24-70 and the 28-70 are very close in IQ, and the 24-240 really sits in between them on the wide end.
When it comes to the long end, the 24-240 is clearly sharper than both 24-70 and 28-70.
The 24-105 is a solid lens for sure, but it's not a whole lot stronger than the 24-240 stopped down a tick, and AF cannot match, even if a faster lens. When comparing to the rx10iii which does 600mm, 105 certainly feels short!
generally, the color rendition is best with the 24-70 then 24-105, however with raw files, less of an issue.
when you shoot with the 24-240, you have to make a mental note that the really long end, you should stop down for acceptable sharpness.
Dxo's measurement on the lens pretty much mirrors my experience with it, as I was shooting with the 24-105 for a while as well.
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