First post and am hoping to get some advice. I just went full frame with the D600 and am planning a trip in Hawaii in September. Basically I need some advice on a light walking around/landscape lens. I'm torn between a few lenses. Do I stick with prime and get a 24 2.8 and a 35 f2 or do I go with an all purpose zoom like the 28-85 kit lens or the Tamron 28-75 2.8?
As you can tell my budget isn't huge. I already own a 50 1.8 and a Tamron 70-300. Are their any other lenses I should consider? I'm honestly leaning towards the primes but I can't help shake the convenience of a zoom. Thanks in advance!
If you are on a tight budget then I would recommend a nicely used Nikon 28-105. They can be had for about $175 or so. I would also recommend the nikon 28-200 or the non vr 24-85.
I've seen a number of the 24-85 kit lenses for sale. They have a good reputation. I agree with the 35 f2. I bought mine used and it performs wonderfully on the D600.
The 35 f2 is a great lens but I think it's too close to your 50, I'd be looking for something wider (24mm 2.8 or 28mm 1.8 prime, or a 24-85 or 28-xx zoom)
I posted a similar thread last year, and the consensus was 24-85 . . . that's what I went with (along with a 50mm f/1.4) and couldn't have been happier.
jdanze wrote:
I posted a similar thread last year, and the consensus was 24-85 . . . that's what I went with (along with a 50mm f/1.4) and couldn't have been happier.
In my case, it was before tons were available and the price was still pretty high. I went with the original G version without VR, but I'm sure the newer version would be even better.
Nothing beats a decent zoom for versatility. I've been to Hawaii four times and am going again this summer (wife's pick, definitely not mine.) I'm leaving D7100 home and taking d5100 with Nikons 17-55mm f2.8 and 80-400mm VR. Also taking a Leica IIIc with 35/50/90mm lenses. I anticipate using the Leica the most. Very compact and versatile system.
since you have a 50 and a 70-300 get the Nikon 16-35 F4 VR at Best Buy with 18 mos interest free financing...you'll be very happy in the long run and have a great range and versatility covered with no overlap..and don't forget a circular polarizer, which does work on it except for the wide end, the closer to 35mm the better
I would look for a used Tamron 17-35mm. Second choice to that would be Tamron 28-75 2.8. Both offer a great range for a walk around. I would also recommend renting a longer fast prime (maybe something like a 105 f/2D) if you are planning on going to a luau.
Tamron 17-35 for day, 35 f/2D for night, 105 f/2D if you need reach at night. 50 1.8 for kicks since it's so small if you have space. That would be my kit.
If you want it to be lightweight.. then get a prime. I love the 35 f/2D. If you prefer a newer lens, and if it fits your budget, the new 28 f/1.8G is great too.. more flare resistant.
2.8 zoom lenses while more versatile are too heavy walking around for me.
Considering that you're on a tight budget, already have a fast 50mm and the long end covered, I'd get a versatile wide-to-normal zoom, or ultra-wide lens of some sort.
If primes are your thing, a fast 24 or 28 like the old Sigma 24/1.8 or 28/1.8 can be had for $250-350ish. The 35/2 AFD is a great lens, but too similar to your 50/1.8.
If you want a do-it-all zoom, the 28-75/2.8 is an excellent lens. You likely won't need anything else with your D600. The 24-85 VR leaves a bit to be desired in terms of light intake at night, but is otherwise an excellent option.
The 14mm f/2.8 Rokinon/Bower/Samyang prime or the Tokina 17mm f/3.5 are both fantastic as well when you want to get wide on the cheap. Alternately, if you want a wide-coverage lens, the Nikon 18-35 AFD is a great lens on FX. Lightweight, inexpensive, sharp, and compact - this is my recommendation.
If I were you? I'd pack your D600, add a 18-35 f/3.5-4.5 AFD, the nifty fifty f/1.8, and your Tamron 70-300VC and call it a day.
If you were going minimalist and trying to save on size/weight, but not planning on shooting super low light without a flash? D600 + Tamron 28-75/2.8 or Nikon 18-35 AFD + 70-300VC. Skip the middle range and "zoom with your feet"!
Pack12 wrote:
Hi everyone,
First post and am hoping to get some advice. I just went full frame with the D600 and am planning a trip in Hawaii in September. Basically I need some advice on a light walking around/landscape lens. I'm torn between a few lenses. Do I stick with prime and get a 24 2.8 and a 35 f2 or do I go with an all purpose zoom like the 28-85 kit lens or the Tamron 28-75 2.8?
As you can tell my budget isn't huge. I already own a 50 1.8 and a Tamron 70-300. Are their any other lenses I should consider? I'm honestly leaning towards the primes but I can't help shake the convenience of a zoom. Thanks in advance!...Show more →
I actually ended up with a Tamron 17-35. Really wanted the Nikon 16-35 but just couldn't spend that cash at this point. I think these three lenses will hold me over for a bit, hopefully!
