AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR FX Lens: I am trying to decide on a single lens for travel for my D800 and I am wondering if anyone has first hand experience with and can give me...

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

I am trying to decide on a single lens for travel for my D800 and I am wondering if anyone has first hand experience with and can give me their evaluation of the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR FX Zoom Lens or an alternative. In the past, I have traveled with multiple lenses and it has become a burden.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The 28-300 is a great travel lens. I have several friends who only bring this single lens for international travel. In my case, I'd also bring a 24 mm f/1.4 for street and evening shots.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

I have one , and its a nice lens, it was my first major purchase. used it about a year, but do not use it anymore. just setting in a pelican case in the closet, have gone to different lenses.

Bill Koepsel Loc: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

I have the lens and it is excellent buy heavy for an all day lens. You can’t do better with this lens but you will feel like a weight lift after a days shooting.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

This is the lens I use for 95% of the photos I take. The others are varied. What do I carry with me daily? That lens and a Nikkor 20mm f/2.8.
--Bob

bpulv wrote:

I am trying to decide on a single lens for travel for my D800 and I am wondering if anyone has first hand experience with and can give me their evaluation of the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR FX Zoom Lens or an alternative. In the past, I have traveled with multiple lenses and it has become a burden.

rleonetti Loc: Portland, Oregon

It is not too heavy. I have used it for 2 years on D 750 as my only lens with great success and satisfaction.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I only use the 28-300 when I travel.
When carrying and changing lenses is not practical, the 28-300 serves a purpose well on the 800E.

whwiden

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The 28-300 is a great travel lens. I have several friends who only bring this single lens for international travel. In my case, I'd also bring a 24 mm f/1.4 for street and evening shots.

I use the newer Tamron version of the 28-300mm lens (no knock on the Nikon version btw) and a Nikon 24mm f/1.8 as a minimum travel kit, often adding a Nikon 85mm f/1.8 to the mix.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

My Nikon 28-300 was very soft and I sold it.

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

bpulv wrote:

I am trying to decide on a single lens for travel for my D800 and I am wondering if anyone has first hand experience with and can give me their evaluation of the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR FX Zoom Lens or an alternative. In the past, I have traveled with multiple lenses and it has become a burden.

If I were to take my D810 on vacation ( I personally would not because of the weight) I would pair it with my Nikon 28-300, you could do it all with this lens. I personally carry two Sony point and shoots in pouches on my belt. Best way to do vacations and trips IMHO.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Great lens. Excellent range of focal lengths and the VR will come in handy on your D800 with the 36MPs. rgrenader & Bob Malarz are spot on about also taking a wider, faster prime. I have the 20mm, myself.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Well....I have the 28-300 and it's great. You can put it on your camera and never take it off. Those of us who have it love it. Those who don't have it and merely look at scores such as DXO scores will denigrate it. I originally had it on my D7000 with the Tamron 10-24mm dx lens for my wide angle. Really, if I'd stayed with that I would have had all that I needed. Since then I've purchased the D800, 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8. The 24-70 is a very nice lens. It won't meet ALL of your needs, but paired with the D800 it is very nice. I do like Bob's combination of the 28-300 and the 20mm. If you're looking for simplicity, that will work. When your grandkids get into sports, pick up a used D7100 or D7200. The 28-300mm on a crop camera is amazing.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Well....I have the 28-300 and it's great. You can put it on your camera and never take it off. Those of us who have it love it. Those who don't have it and merely look at scores such as DXO scores will denigrate it. I originally had it on my D7000 with the Tamron 10-24mm dx lens for my wide angle. Really, if I'd stayed with that I would have had all that I needed. Since then I've purchased the D800, 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8. The 24-70 is a very nice lens. It won't meet ALL of your needs, but paired with the D800 it is very nice. I do like Bob's combination of the 28-300 and the 20mm. If you're looking for simplicity, that will work. When your grandkids get into sports, pick up a used D7100 or D7200. The 28-300mm on a crop camera is amazing.

The problem about full frame is that you can get sucked into buying very expensive lenses when a lens like the 28-300 might just meet your needs.

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

I travel with a D800 and the 28 to 300 .... it is usually all I need .... but I also carry a 12 to 24 .... the D800 with the 28 to 300 is very heavy ..... you should should consider the weight factor

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have not used the Nikon 28-300 lens. My retired ophthalmologist uses one with his D750 and his images look very nice to me. He has had issues with the lens and it has been three times to Nikon for adjustments and repairs. I cannot remember all of the details but it seems as if his lens has had AF issues.