Nikon Lens Advice (short telephoto)

Hi all.

I hope that I can get some advice here in the main forum, as the gear forum does not seem to be very well traveled at this time.

For the last couple of years, I have been using an old 24-120 Nikkor (pre-VR). It is OK for snapshots, but I feel that the sharpness and the contrast are just not there for me.

I am wondering about getting a new lens, but it would not get a ton of use, and I would not want to spend a ton of money.

Do you have any advice for a lens that would match that criteria? I would like one that is at least 24mm on the short end, but 18mm would be OK. It would be nice to get an FX lens as I would guess full frame bodies are somewhere in my future.

I know that I am asking a lot. Any advice?

Thanks!

Nathan

Hi Nathan. So, this may be obvious, but what about the newer 24-120 VR? It's a good lens, generally considered much improved over the previous version. There is also, of course, the 24-70 f2.8. It's non-VR but zoom lenses don't get any better. However, its very expensive for a lens that would not get much use. The advantage of the 24-120 is cost (especially now with the available rebate), size and longer reach. I had both lenses, but sold the 24-120 and bought the 24-85 G for backpacking because it is even smaller and lighter (and considerably cheaper) than the 24-120. It's pretty good for what it is. So, I now keep my 24-70 in my bag regularly, but substitute the 24-85 for backpacking. Among third party manuf, the new Tamron 24-70 f2.8 gets good reviews, but I've never used it and it's pricey.

For all-around shooting, I'd sure consider the new 24-120 VR. Like you, I had the old one that left quite a bit wanting in terms of IQ. If I were going to add a new lens in this range, I'd rent the new 24-120 first just to make sure; but it's recommended by the good folks at my camera store. They've not steered me wrong yet.

The basic premise for these kinds of decisions is based on what you photo. Everything starts with that but so far that hasn't been mentioned. We start with the images, then immediately go to the lens. It's the lens the determines what you can photo, how, and how well. Always buy a lens for the camera you have, not one you think you might have sometime later. Cameras are the least important thing.


Kent in SD

Always buy a lens for the camera you have, not one you think you might have sometime later

I agree with Kent on this. Maximize the capability of the equipment you have on hand.

I recently purchased a D-7100 with the Nikkor 18-140 DX VR lens. It is nice and sharp, with good contrast, and light enough to carry around easily.

The above image was made with this lens @ 140mm at f11, ISO 640.

--P

Yeah, I understand the point Kent. Right now, the lens will be used mainly for family snapshots, but I want to be able to use it for scenics when it is on the camera - that is why I would like them to be a bit better quality. I just don't want to invest money for the camera that I have now if a full frame model is in my future. It is most likely farther out than I would hope anyway.

I have plenty of high-end, high quality equipment that I use; it is just that my macro equipment gets the most use and the most attention.

Thanks for the advice. I will look in to the suggestions given. The 18-140 does look very intriguing.

Nathan

I bring a Nikon 18-55mm VR and 55-200mm VR on trips, as back up lenses. Once I was in Iceland and I lost my 77mm polarizer. I did have a 52mm polarizer for my back up lenses. Shooting at f8, I honestly could not tell the difference in shots made with the kit lenses vs. the Nikons 17-55mm f2.8 and 70-200mm VR f2.8. For family snapshots, convenience is the main thing. You aren't using a tripod anyway. I'd take a close look at the new 18-140mm VR. My strategy has always been to buy used lenses when possible as I can resell them later and almost always get what I paid for out of them.


Kent in SD

Thanks Kent. Adorama has a factory refurbished version of the 18-140 for a really good deal - nearly $200 less than new. I am thinking about going that route.

Thanks everyone!

Nathan

Thanks everyone. I picked up a new 18-140 on eBay at a pretty significant savings to a new one from other sources. I should have it in a few days and I am excited to try it out.

Nathan

I have the new 24-120 VR and I am constantly impressed with the quality of it. I had the old on some time ago and I quickly got rid of it because the awful barrel distortion. I have not noticed that in the new lens. It is very sharp, and though I usually work on a tripod, the times I've used the VR, it's worked very well.

If you want, I can send you some sample images done with it.

- Dan