banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Hello fellow Hedgehog members.
I have decided that at this point in time, I would like ONE quality lens for my Nikon D600. I have decided on a the focal length of 24-70 (roughly). My first thought was Nikon 24-70 of course which is very expensive. $1800+. Then I got to thinking of other brands and came across a number of articles on the Tamron 24-70 f2.8. Claims were made that it was every bit as good as the Nikon, maybe better. I realize that the Nikon brand will hold its value much better, but I never get rid of anything, so that is not a concern. I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on this, especially if you actually use the lens that you recommend.

Thanks

Raider Fan Loc: Lake County, IL.

I have the Tamron 24-70mm and I would not trade it for anything. Before I bought it I borrowed a friends Nikon and it is a great lens but for the money and performance I would go with the Tamron. I have other Tamron lenses and they are some of my prized possessions. Good luck with your decision.

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Thanks for you input.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

have and use the Tamron 24-70 f2.8.
it is everything they promise and will do even better with 800/810

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Thanks

marty wild Loc: England

I saved and got the Nikon 24 to 74 @ 2.8. Where my buddy did a number on a Tamron 24 to 74 @ 2.8. the quality is not the same! But it is very good His Mr T appears to hunt more in low light, so if you can put up with that! Save your bucks and go TAMRON! For me, I love my NIKON!! It's wonderful. Advice from my Grandpa is son! Go big or go home. This will help you decide! Good luck 8-)

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

According to DxoMark the Tamron has a slight edge over the Nikkor.

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

When I bought my D610 last August, I bought a gently used Nikon 24-70 from a fellow Hogger that contacted me during my discussion on this site about my decision to buy the D610. The price was several hundred less and the lens is perfect. I actually received the lens two days before the camera arrived from Cameta so I used it on My D80 first. I have since used a friend's Tamron, and I must say that the Nikkor is built like a tank and functions much smoother. Personally, I would recommend the Nikon.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

1. Check the DxO scores.
2. Rent both lenses and use for 2-3 days.
3. Compare results.
4. Make you decision.

Jim Ermer

Have both lenses and like the Tamron on my D800 better for picture quality. See no difference in focusing.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Look at the Nikon f4 24 to 120mm. I switched to all f4 lenses a little over a year ago, cut the weight of my bag and the 1 stop of light lost is not an issue with a d600 or 610.

The blur at f 4 isn't quite as soft as 2.8 but it is acceptable for me.

btbg

The Tamron lens is sharp and focuses nicely. However, it isn't nearly as durable as the Nikon.

I owned a Tamron 24-70. Had to have it repaired twice in six years. None of my Nikon lenses have ever needed repair. as soon as I had enough money I replaced the Tamron with a Nikon 24-70.

If you need an F2.8 lens the Nikon is absolutely worth the extra money.

glgracephoto Loc: Arlington, WA

I have neither so cannot comment from experience. However I sure have read many reviews as well as customer comments on both. It seems the consensus here is same as what I have seen elsewhere. Optically the Tamron is as good, maybe even a smidgen better, in some copies anyway. However the Nikon is built to tougher standards. I think Nikon may have an edge in overall quality as well, as it seems as long as one gets a good copy of the Tamron they will be happy, but I have never heard of one having this need with any Nikon lenses, whatever kind they all were the same.

I own the DX version of the Tamron, 17-50mm f2.8 and am love with it. I certainly hope to not be bumping or dropping it, but then I'd not want to be dropping the Nikon one either!

Tamron does have a 6 year warranty, and I have heard their service is good, so at least that is a plus. Beware they also have gray market issues though, so just like Nikon, you'd want to buy from an authorized Tamron dealer. Surprising how much higher the cost is on the 24-70 from the 17-50 too, made me glad I have a DX camera!