bill unger

Hi,
I have a D7000 and an 18 - 200 mm lens that is great for vacations etc. because it is light and versatile. Now I have a D800 and I would like a similar lens for it.
Please let me know any suggestions for a FX walk around lens.
Thank you

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Walk around lenses tend to be large ratio zooms and of rather low optical performance - somewhat contradictory to the reason for using a D800.......the 24-120 is about as far as I would rationally go .....

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

i enjoy my 24-70/2.8 VR. Its short and light.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

I second the motion on the 24-120. I use mine as a go-to lens on both my D800e and my D750. Very versatile focal range and reasonable size and weight.

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

I agree with the 24-120. Having said that the 24-70 f2.8 is on my camera most of the time.
Jack

Pgphoto Loc: Brooklyn, NY

a similar lens to the 18-200 dx would be the 28 - 300mm fx lens. After having both the 28 -300 is a great walk around lens for your d800. i use it on my d810 and am very satisfied with its IQ and sharpness

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I agree. The 28-300mm gets poo-poohed a lot, but as far as a good, general vacation or walk around lens goes it cant' be beat. It you want exotic, go to the gold ring lenses.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

The FX 28-300 paired with the D800 is comparable to the DX 18-200 paired with the D7000--very suitable walk around and travel lenses.

bill unger

Is the 24 - 120 a nikkor lens?

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

yes but there are several versions and the latest one is much improved.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

If you would like to save considerable money and weight, the 24-85 is an excellent choice. But only you know how much reach you'll need.

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

I recently went through that, I like to keep my zooms to a minimum. A friend told me to check out the Sigma Art Series 24-105mm. I did my home work and checked out his work. I made the move and so far am very impressed.
Not particularly small or light, it is very sharp and delivers!
Worth the time to check out. Rated better that the Nikon 24-120mm, which would have been my choice.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Strange - my 24-70 2.8 is probably the heaviest lens that I own.
Didnt realise they had brought it out with VR.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Resist the temptation to get a 28-300 - it is great at the wider end, but very disappointing at the long end.

Just look at reviews:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-28-300mm-vr

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/578-nikkorafs28300vrff

And Nikon itself -

http://d800.org/nikon-d800-and-d800e-recommended-lenses/

My personal experience was the same - I used an 18-200 and was reasonably happy with the results, and with the lens' strength and weaknesses. When I went to full frame (D700) I borrowed a friend's 28-300 and found it lacking in just about all ways to the 18-200 - I was hoping for at least equal performance. I participate in NPS, so I borrowed one and didn't even keep it for the two weeks I was entitled to - it was just as bad. I waited a year until I my first D800 - and another friend to buy a 28-300 - which I borrowed for a day. As far as I was concerned, the 28-300 was even worse on the D800. So, as much as I had wanted this lens to work for me, it didn't.

As you can see from the list of gear I use, all of my lenses are high quality, very sharp lenses. My shooting style does not provide for any compromises to be made on image quality. If I want something small and portable, I'll put an 18-200 on a D3300 and call it a day. If I want a full frame carry around lens, then the 24-120 is great. I don't own one, but I have used one extensively for events and weddings - and it is good enough for a D800.

If someone actually recommends a 28-300 they may not have experience using a D800 with that lens, or better lenses, so take out your grain of salt.