Nikon Df with Nikon 24-70 f2.8 not sure I like this combination: After learning from all the hoggers' comments on my desire to upgrade to a Nikon Df, I did and promptly bought two...

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on my desire to upgrade to a Nikon Df, I did and promptly bought two lenses - 50mm f1.4D and a 24-70 f2.8 AF-S G ED. I could not be happier with the Df and 50mm 1.4. Not quite so thrilled with the Df 24-70 combination. Results are great but the heavy (32oz) zoom is uncomfortable and feels unbalanced on the camera. While the short end (24-50mm range) is useful, the gain from 50 to 70 does not seem useful to me. I should have begun with just the 50mm f1.4 and been more careful about popping for the heavy zoom or at least gone for the 24-120 f4 zoom. I am thinking about selling the 24-70 and getting an 18-35 "short range" zoom and just leave long range for my crop camera. Before I do, I thought it better to post my thoughts in case any of you would say, "Whoa. Hold on there" and offer opinions that I might not have carefully considered. As always, thank you for your ideas.

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

I have not used the 24-70 but have heard about it's weight. I just returned from Scotland and planned ahead of time to try to go lighter than my past photo excursions. So, I bought a used 24-120 f4 and it is better than I ever thought it would be. I took a couple of other lenses on my trip and used one of them for a few minutes. I kept the 24-120 in use for the whole trip and it was wonderful. Very sharp lens. I also used the Df body. The weight and size of the 24-120 was good for the slightly smaller Df body.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

The 18-35mm is a great lens and you will not be disappointed, but the 14-24mm, 24-70mm and the 70-200mm are the holy Trinity lenses in the Nikon world and are sharp lenses (I have all three), and yes they are heavy, but the 18-35mm is no light weight either. The purchase of your lens should reflect the type of photography you intend on doing and since you did not mention it I can't tell you what lens you would be comfortable with.

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

So you fell for the 24-70 myth.
In certain unique applications it might be good but as you discovered it has a limited zoom range and is not too good as a GP lens. Those who think it through and ignore the stupid trinity hype see the 24-120 is a far more versatile lens and a much greater range. I have the 24-105mm Canon and love it and the IS is a real bonus as well. Have no desire for the limited 24-70 that is so hyped.
If I really need a large aperture for some reason I would go prime 85mm f1.8 or as you did 50mm f1.4. Now those are fast. F2.8 is quite slow always has been considered slow by all standards. I do not remember a 35mm f2.8 as being called fast.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

"Whoa. Hold on there." It is true that I use the 24-70 more on my 800E, and not so much on my Df--usually keep short primes on the Df.
But, even without the 800E, I would not give up the 24-70. When I need a solid, sharp, short range zoom, I always grab the 24-70.
Perhaps not, but I think in time, you would regret letting it go.

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

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

A 50mm lens is what I have on my Df the most.
The 24-120mm is a good match for the Df.
I don't know anything about the 18-35mm, but if you need to go that wide for your photography get it.
Buy your lenses based on your photographic style and what you prefer to photograph, not just to buy lenses or have lenses that cover a lot of focal lengths. If you're not sure of where you're headed photographically, just go out with your 50mm and you will soon discover what lenses you need to accomplish your goals.

BebuLamar

How do you hold the camera? You need to hold the lens with the left hand and have the left hand carries all the weight.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

It should always depend on what you intend to shoot with it, when purchasing a lens. The 24-70/2,8 is a beautiful lens and capable of excellent results! You should have known this before!

MtnMan Loc: ID

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

16-35? It is a great lens. But also heavy.

For light you might try 24-85. Excellent image quality for reasonable price.

Both have VR.

breck Loc: Derbyshire UK

Kmgw9v wrote:

"Whoa. Hold on there." It is true that I use the 24-70 more on my 800E, and not so much on my Df--usually keep short primes on the Df.
But, even without the 800E, I would not give up the 24-70. When I need a solid, sharp, short range zoom, I always grab the 24-70.
Perhaps not, but I think in time, you would regret letting it go.

Fully agree, 24-70 is my best lens it is rare I change it for anything else

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

Kmgw9v wrote:

"Whoa. Hold on there." It is true that I use the 24-70 more on my 800E, and not so much on my Df--usually keep short primes on the Df.
But, even without the 800E, I would not give up the 24-70. When I need a solid, sharp, short range zoom, I always grab the 24-70.
Perhaps not, but I think in time, you would regret letting it go.

I shoot with a D8110 now and used to have a D300s and a D700. The Nikkor AFS 24-70mm f/2.8 was, is and will be My main lens for most walk about applications. Look at the Spider Holster Hand Strap (I use it with excellent results) to help with the weight.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

I have heard that the newer 24-120 f/4 is much shaper than the two previous versions. Is this true? I tried the first two versions. I found them to be a disappointment.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

I have the 24-50mm AF-D, if's fine for my Df, I have never considered the 24-70mm, besides I have a 28-85mm already, the 24-70mm is too expensive for dong too little. Df is best to pair with prime lens. Half of my collections are prime. I have the 35mm; 50mm; 100mm (macro); 135mm; 300mm. I am looking for a 20mm at the future.

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

DaveyDitzer wrote:

After learning from all the hoggers' comments on m... (show quote)

IMHO I believe you should go with the 24-120 for the range. Speed of f4 is no longer considered SLOW because of the higher ISO's you can go with on the Df, which has the same processor as the D4s.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Another consideration for you is the Nikon 24-85 lens. It is lightweight and mine is very sharp. I use it on my D800 and am very happy with it.

Dennis