Nikon 24-70 VR or 24-200 VR: I'm getting a Nikon D850 and need to choose a lens. My plan is to use the camera mostly for landscape and nature photography. This lense will be my first...

riderz49

I'm getting a Nikon D850 and need to choose a lens. My plan is to use the camera mostly for landscape and nature photography. This lense will be my first lens. I've narrowed the choice to the Nikkor 24-120 f/4 VR and the Nikkor 24-70 f/2 VR. The 24-120 is shorter than the 24-70 (a positive for me) but the 24-70 seems to have much better reviews. A longer zoom lens is probably in my future no matter which lens I choose. Any opinions?

justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan

I got my camera with the 24-120 that you are contemplating. I don't yet have the 24-70. So far, I have concentrated a bit more on the telephoto end of things. If I am going to spend a day with my camera, walking around, not wanting to haul more, I would easily opt for the 24-120 again. However, when I have an option and weight is less important, I opt for one of my "better" lenses, if I have one in range I need. Just my thoughts/experience, so far.

Hyperhad Loc: Thunder Bay, Canada

The 24-70 2.8 is the better lens optically, although check reviews comparing it to the same range and aperture in off-brands like Tokina and Sigma. This lens will serve best for landscape, as it does not have much "reach" for birds, etc. Im not sure what you mean by nature photography. If you mean birds and animals, the 24-120 F4 has a longer reach, with slightly less low-light usability (not as much of an issue with the 850's excellent low-light capabilities). I have the 850, and am looking at a lens in that exact range. I'm waiting for more reviews of lenses used with the 850 (DXO Mark). I have the Nikon 14-24 and the Sigma 150-600 Sport, so I need something between those two. I did check out a used 24-120 with a scratch on the front element. The scratch had no effect on the image, but it just bugged me to have it there, so I passed on it. Let us know what you discover, and decide to buy.

trueshots

Tamron 24 - 70 G2 much better lens on all account, shaper better colour etc. I have purchased and the photos are excellent and it cost less than Nikon

jtang2

I have used the 24-120 for several years as a general walkabout lens and has served well. The 24-70, according to reviews, is optically better, but weighs and costs more. Just have to pick what would work better for your needs.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

For what its worth; since the D850 started shipping I have seen a large number of sample images taken with it using the latest 24-120. The images are excellent and I would be happy to call must of them mine. I suggest looking at samples and ignoring reviews

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Rich1939 wrote:

For what its worth; since the D850 started shipping I have seen a large number of sample images taken with it using the latest 24-120. The images are excellent and I would be happy to call must of them mine. I suggest looking at samples and ignoring reviews

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

Tamron 24 - 70 G2 much better lens on all account, shaper better colour etc. I have purchased and the photos are excellent and it cost less than Nikon

I also bought this lens. There is nothing to complain about. It has been really excellent. Except, that I really miss the range of a 24-105 for a walk around. In that regard I am certain I would get along really well with the 24-120. I may just rent one and make sure I love it as much as I think I would. Cany143 has posted quite a few images taken with this lens, and seeing is believing. Judge for yourself.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

riderz49 wrote:

I'm getting a Nikon D850 and need to choose a lens. My plan is to use the camera mostly for landscape and nature photography. This lense will be my first lens. I've narrowed the choice to the Nikkor 24-120 f/4 VR and the Nikkor 24-70 f/2 VR. The 24-120 is shorter than the 24-70 (a positive for me) but the 24-70 seems to have much better reviews. A longer zoom lens is probably in my future no matter which lens I choose. Any opinions?

riderz49, I have a D750 and I chose the Tamron 24-70 G2 Series (with image stabilization) over both of the Nikon cousins. No regrets at all. In my opinion the Tamron has the edge over Nikon in overall quality, performance. and certainly price. ~FiddleMaker

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

When you find one of those 24-200mm VR Nikkors, let me know. I'd like to try it out.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

cameraf4 wrote:

When you find one of those 24-200mm VR Nikkors, let me know. I'd like to try it out.

I cannot find a 24-200mm VR in Nikon's inventory of lenses.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

When my wife and I went to Taos and Santa Fe, the 24-70 did not come off my D800, despite having both the 70-200 and 28-300 with me. If anything, for landscape, I might have liked it to go a little wider. My suggestion would be to purchase the Nikon 24-70 (the old version) and a 20mm prime lens for wide angle photography.

Note: Whomever you purchase the 20mm from, I would ask about their return policy. This would allow you time to see if 20mm is what you need. If not, Nikon also has an 18 mm lens.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

SteveR wrote:

When my wife and I went to Taos and Santa Fe, the ... (show quote)

The NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S is toted to be one of Nikon's finest prime lenses.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

riderz49 wrote:

I'm getting a Nikon D850 and need to choose a lens. My plan is to use the camera mostly for landscape and nature photography. This lense will be my first lens. I've narrowed the choice to the Nikkor 24-120 f/4 VR and the Nikkor 24-70 f/2 VR. The 24-120 is shorter than the 24-70 (a positive for me) but the 24-70 seems to have much better reviews. A longer zoom lens is probably in my future no matter which lens I choose. Any opinions?

The 24-70 f2.8 is a very good lens, but be advised, it is a heavy bugger.

Acufine3200 Loc: Texarkana USA

Welcome to UHH! You’re getting a fantastic body, and plan on mostly landscape and nature. I have the 24-120–it came w/my d750, and I love it. I’ve used for everything from sports to landscape. That said, 24-70 has the advantage of being faster, and has the reviews to stake a claim of being sharper. Even though you won’t need the extra speed for most landscape shooting, I’d spring for the 24-70 because of the d850’s high pixel count and need for the sharpest glass possible. Most of your landscape shots should fall within the 28-50 range. You can’t go wrong in this case “buying up.” After a time if you do decide you need longer, then you’ll have plenty of zoom and prime options to complement the 24-70.