Looking for an "event" lens: I was shooting in the exhibitor/vendor hall of an event this weekend, and using an 85mm prime lens produced great pictures, but it was somewhat limiting.

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Looking for an "event" lens

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Apr 9, 2014 17:03:29 #

amehta Loc: Boston

I was shooting in the exhibitor/vendor hall of an event this weekend, and using an 85mm prime lens produced great pictures, but it was somewhat limiting. It seems that a "mid-range zoom" might be best for situations like this, so I can get shots of different sized groups or a person and their table. The crowds can constrain how much I can move around to "zoom with my feet". Of course I also want the kind of image quality I'm used to with the 85mm.

I would probably need this lens about 6-10 times a year, not often enough to justify the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, but too often to justify renting each time.

I have it narrowed down to these choices:
* Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR, $600
* Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G VR, $1300
* Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS, $900

Feel free to recommend one of these lenses, suggest another lens, that I'm being silly for not getting the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, that I've over-constrained the problem, or just laugh at me. :-)

Apr 9, 2014 17:07:29 #

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Hi Amehta, I use Canon but the 24-105 is probably the most used lens I have. The price is fair too compaired to others I have and use less. Good luck.

amehta wrote:

I was shooting in the exhibitor/vendor hall of an ... (show quote)

Apr 9, 2014 17:13:01 #

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

My 24-120 f4 lives on my D800E. It comes off when I want to use another lens for a specific purpose, then it goes back on. I have read all the criticisms of this lens, including Rockwell's rant on how much better the 28-300 is, but I like the range for general purpose photography and for travel.

Apr 9, 2014 17:15:59 #

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Your silly!
Although expensive, the 24-70, f/2.8 TAMRON is the one you should get. The Tamron, beat the Nikon in testing by DxO.
DxO testing
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/AF-S-Nikkor-24-70mm-f-2.8G-ED-on-Nikon-D600-versus-Tamron-SP-24-70mm-F28-Di-VC-USD-Nikon-on-Nikon-D610___175_834_885_915

Pricing.
Tamorn - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/845350-REG/Tamron_SP_24_70mm_f_2_8_DI.html

Nikon
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520637-USA/Nikon_2164_AF_S_Nikkor_24_70mm_f_2_8G.html

Good Luck!

Apr 9, 2014 17:25:28 #

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

You need the Nikon 24-70. It will solve your immediate need, and prove to be a very valued part of your photography for years to come. It is the "event" lens.

Apr 9, 2014 17:28:23 #

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I am very happy with my 24-85 f3.5 lens. Fast enough for me and very sharp.

Dennis

Apr 9, 2014 17:38:27 #

amehta Loc: Boston

traveler90712 wrote:

Your silly! br Although expensive, the 24-70, f/... (show quote)

Yes, the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 is a solid lens. On the D800, it scores slightly better than the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, it has VC (VR), and it is one-third cheaper.

My problem with the 24-70mm focal length is that it is too limiting. I know it's odd for me to say this, since I have used only primes for almost two years. But it doesn't get to the 85-105mm focal lengths which I like for portraits, which I consider an aspect of my event photography. I know many wedding photographers will use the 24-70mm, but they would also have a 70-200mm on hand, right? My goal is to have a single lens for things like fundraisers, or at least a single primary lens for the event.

Apr 9, 2014 19:08:54 #

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

You're overlooking the obvious, ametha. With your 36 megapixels, go with a fisheye, one shot from each end of the building and done for the day. Crop as needed.

Apr 9, 2014 19:14:33 #

amehta Loc: Boston

OddJobber wrote:

You're overlooking the obvious, ametha. With your 36 megapixels, go with a fisheye, one shot from each end of the building and done for the day. Crop as needed.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Apr 10, 2014 05:58:17 #

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

you are in the right ballpark as far as range is concerned. if price is a factor, then the used market maybe a goo0d option.

Apr 10, 2014 07:07:10 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

traveler90712 wrote:

Your silly! br Although expensive, the 24-70, f/... (show quote)

Matt Granger liked the Tamron in his 70-200mm comparison, although that might be a bit long for events.

http://mattgranger.com/gear-talk/item/446-70-200-showdown-pt1-tamron-vs-canon-vs-nikon

Apr 10, 2014 07:49:18 #

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

This is when I mount my trusty 28-300. Lightweight and covers everything. I know from previous posts you don't like this lens but it is the ultimate "event" lens and does quite well on a D800. Just sayin'... ;)

Apr 10, 2014 07:55:10 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Db7423 wrote:

I use that on my D610. Nice lens.

Apr 10, 2014 07:59:01 #

amehta Loc: Boston

Db7423 wrote:

I still have to do a hands-on evaluation of the Nikon 28-300mm, the two stores I asked about it didn't stock it. There is a local rental place which has it, but I have to convince them to let me rent it just for an hour or two.

I do not think I need a lens going much past 100mm. I don't mind changing lenses occasionally, I just don't want to have to change them for every pair of pictures. But thanks for the suggestion. :-)

Apr 10, 2014 08:24:34 #

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

jerryc41 wrote:

I use that on my D610. Nice lens.

Yea, it is, Jerry. Maybe the best lens on the market considering the range it covers. Would do Anand's job well with room to spare and also work well for events where additional reach may be required. A twofer? ;)

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