Cheaper alternatives to Nikkor lenses?
Apr 26, 2012 16:08:47 #
I really want to upgrade and get a better lens. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S is appealing but those are at least $1600 for a used one. Any luck with cheaper brand names? Is there a comparable lens that is cheaper? I currently own a D80 but will soon upgrade to the D7000. I would appreciate any advice, thanks! :-)
Apr 26, 2012 16:17:36 #
At 24-70mm the Nikkor is VERY tough to beat, in any fashion, its the worlds sharpest normal zoom. There are cheaper alternatives, but none as good.
Sigma makes a 70-200mm F2.8 HSM that will go neck and neck with the Nikon for half the price but in your normal zoom range Nikon is still king, probably always will be, they have been perfecting their glass for decades.
You might try to find its predecessor, the 28-70mm F2.8 AF-S (non-G) model, they sell for around $800 or less in nice condition.
Sigma makes a 70-200mm F2.8 HSM that will go neck and neck with the Nikon for half the price but in your normal zoom range Nikon is still king, probably always will be, they have been perfecting their glass for decades.
You might try to find its predecessor, the 28-70mm F2.8 AF-S (non-G) model, they sell for around $800 or less in nice condition.
Apr 26, 2012 16:23:23 #
I would say that you have to decide what focal length lenses that you need and then reseach reviews on lenses in that category. MT is correct but there are some out there that really close. I have a Tokina 116 11-16 mm Pro 2.8 that is wonderful and much less that Nikkor. Go to Ken Rockwell's site, he reviews many lenses.
Apr 26, 2012 16:56:54 #
There are many manufactors out there with good products. However you do get what you pay for. For example the Sigma 70-200 was mentioned as being as good as the nikon 70-200. It actually is not. It has a harder time focusing and will go from end to end looking for the focus point. That makes it a much slower lens to use.
You need to know what you intend on doing with any lens. Is the speed important to you? Is critical sharp important to you? If not then try some of the lower priced lenses. They are used every day by many people and they are getting very good images. If you are serious about photography and are going to be in it for the long haul then I suggest scrapping and get the best lens you can afford. Your camera bodys will change from time to time but if you have great lenses they will always be there. Just my thougt.
You need to know what you intend on doing with any lens. Is the speed important to you? Is critical sharp important to you? If not then try some of the lower priced lenses. They are used every day by many people and they are getting very good images. If you are serious about photography and are going to be in it for the long haul then I suggest scrapping and get the best lens you can afford. Your camera bodys will change from time to time but if you have great lenses they will always be there. Just my thougt.
Apr 26, 2012 17:01:58 #
Dheaton wrote:
There are many manufactors out there with good pro... (show quote)
Don't believe everything you hear. I use the Sigma 70-200mm every day and it never hunts, always snaps right to precise focus and is super sharp glass. VERY fast lens.
Apr 26, 2012 17:06:44 #
I did not say the Sigma was no good just that it is not as fast as the Nikon. I also have the Sigma and nikon. The sigma is in my bag for use on my landscapes and the Nikon in my bag for studio and people photographs. I have a little experience with both of them. Did not mean to offend you.
MT Shooter wrote:
quote=Dheaton There are many manufactors out ther... (show quote)
Apr 26, 2012 17:07:06 #
Apr 27, 2012 08:05:11 #
Georgia Peddler
Loc: Brunswick, GA
Another option (and they are still available in some used market areas) is the 80-200 2.8 Nikon. Older, yes - but still a great lens ??
Apr 27, 2012 08:24:40 #
I am not a pro (yet), but I like to get decent equipment. You have to decide just how good your lenses must be. And then read reviews. Will you be able to tell the difference between photos you take with a $2,000 lens vs a $1,000 lens? When I am interested in getting a new lens, I ask for opinions here, and I read reviews online, like kenrockwell.com, dpreview.com, etc. If a lens seems to have significant faults, I look for an alternative. Yes, there are good, less expensive alternatives to Nikkor lenses.
Check out http://photozone.de/ for lens reviews.
Check out http://photozone.de/ for lens reviews.
Apr 27, 2012 08:27:55 #
You just made a very good statement. Even Used Nikon lens hold their value. Look at it like this, If you buy a Nikon lens, use for three or four years and then sell it for near what you paid, then what are you really out?? Buy an off brand, use for three or four years and sell for less than half what you paid then what are you really out??
beanteaser wrote:
I really want to upgrade and get a better lens. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S is appealing but those are at least $1600 for a used one. Any luck with cheaper brand names? Is there a comparable lens that is cheaper? I currently own a D80 but will soon upgrade to the D7000. I would appreciate any advice, thanks! :-)
Apr 27, 2012 08:38:33 #
sbesaw
Loc: Boston
Sigma makes a 24-70 for $ 899 and Tamron, who has some great glass, has a brand new 24-70 2.8 at $ 1,299 expected release 5/30. Check reviews on Sigma and watch the Tamron. I know Pro, read make their living from Photography, shooters that shoot Tamron. I happen to have the Nikon 24-70 and it is very sharp but I will bet the Tamron for $ 600 less will give it a run.
Apr 27, 2012 23:33:52 #
Apr 28, 2012 10:54:19 #
Aren't some of the newer 3rd party lenses going with 82mm diameters, while Nikon has stayed at 77mm in similar ranges?
Apr 28, 2012 11:04:25 #
mawyatt wrote:
Aren't some of the newer 3rd party lenses going with 82mm diameters, while Nikon has stayed at 77mm in similar ranges?
Only at 500mm and longer. Nikon doesn't use 77mm longer than 400mm either.
Apr 28, 2012 15:47:45 #
Below is the new Tamron 24-70 F2.8 @ 82mm and Sigma 24-70 F2.8 @ 82mm, while the Nikon 24-70 F2.8 is 77mm.
http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_hi_speed/a007.html
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/24-70mm-f28-if-ex-dg-hsm-sigma
http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_hi_speed/a007.html
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/24-70mm-f28-if-ex-dg-hsm-sigma
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