Robeng Loc: California

Okay fellow Hoggers,

I got my new Nikon 24mm-70mm f2.8 VR lens!

I know a lot of Hoggers said its a waste of money, and the old 24mm-70mm lens was just fine and who needs VR. Here are the reasons why I went for the new lens.

I shoot a lot of models in natural light in high ISO. When the models are moving and I'm trying to focus on them the VR comes in handy. My one complaint was that the old 24mm-70mm was lacking in VR.

The other issue was cost, the new lens had a MSRP of $2,396.95 a big chunk of change for most photographers. Do I really want to spend that kind of money.

Then my buddy at Nikon called and told me about a deal. I could trade in my old 24mm-70mm which I paid $1500.00 for brand new five years ago and get a $1000.00 credit for it towards my purchase of a new version. In other words I could get the new 24mm-70mm lens for $1399.95.

That was a hard deal for me to turn down. Plus they kicked in a Hoya HD3 UV filter for free.

Hopefully I'll be able to test this baby out this weekend.

I attached an image of a model I shot with natural light using the old Nikon 24mm-70mm lens to give an example of my work.

I apologize for the iPhone images of the new lens. I just worked 13 hours and to tired to break out my dslr.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Must be hell to have to go to work.;-)

Moles Loc: South Carolina

We need a lot more pictures of the models to properly evaluate the lens. :-)

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

:thumbup: :thumbup:


Oh,yeah, enjoy the lens. :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Jim Bob

All I can say is I hope the extra money buys better image quality than the old lens. Otherwise, in my view $1400 is a lot to spend for VR.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Congratulations on your new lens. Enjoy.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I agree and it makes me curious how much difference it will make. My hands are bad, so when not using a tri or mono, I sit,kneel,rest,prop, whatever....I may spend the money as well.

Robeng Loc: California

Just for you! Go to my website and click on the models gallery. The password is "Girls."
Enjoy!

Robeng Loc: California

When I picked up my lens yesterday, the owner asked if they could take a look at it. I told him to grab a couple of camera bodies and the old 24mm-70mm and lets do a comparison.

The bad news:

Initial reaction is the new 24mm-70mm lens is bigger about 1/2 inch longer in length, the circumference is larger, and about 4 oz heavier.

Now the good news:

The lens balanced well on a D750 & D800 body. The biggest surprised is it focus, the new lens focus much faster than the old 24mm-70mm. In addition it focus much better in low
light than the old version.

Hopefully I can take it out this weekend and give it a run.

jcboy3

I don't get how VR helps with focus in low light when the subject is moving. Fast aperture (f/2.8 or better) does help with focus in low light. VR is good for slow shutter speed, but moving subjects require higher shutter speed.

70mm is a bit short, especially for head shots, so I don't see the attraction of the lens for portrait work. I might grab it for full body shots, but your example is a head shot; that close and distortion becomes a problem

Thanks for the pictures of the lens, however. Never seen one of those before.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a very good deal. I have the older 35-70mm, and although it's large, it's nowhere near as large as your lens. Enjoy!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

:thumbdown: :thumbdown:

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Your Smugmug galleries are fabulous; with your skill set, the VR lens was an appropriate purchase. Thanks for sharing your images.

SueMac Loc: Box Elder, SD

I have the older version and I'd love to have one with VR. There are times when it would come in handy....like when going down the road taking pix out of the big windshield of the RV. They might look smooth and the air ride helps, but just as you think you're steady enough the road gets rough and the camera is going up and down like a yo-yo! I have to say, I use this lens 75% of the time.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I could not understand either how VR helps with moving subjects in low light. VR is a tremendous help for hand movements but not for subject movements.
There could be different opinions on this but I also prefer focal lengths beyond 70mm for portraits, especially head shots. As an example, the 105 f2.5 AIS looks like my favorite.
I do not own a 24-70 lens and I do not really have much need for it. I used the original 24-70 once while visiting West Virginia and it did not make me miss my old lenses. As a matter of fact and as ridiculous as it could seem I was more at home with my old 28-105 AF-D that yielded excellent images during that trip.
I am sure the new lens is worth the investment for those in need.