GLKTN Loc: TN

I am a newbie and just bought my first dslr, a Nikon d750. I have watched a number of videos that say a 28-300 mm lens is a great walk around lens. I also have family that has that range lens but on a dx body. I don't have a lot of money to spend and am looking at the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 av lens. My kit lens is the Nikon 24-120 f4g so I cannot see duplicating that with the 28-300 mm lens. The only issue is carrying 2 lenses as opposed to one. The Nikon 24-120 is a great lens and the reviews on the Tamron 70-300 mm lens are great. I am starting from scratch so thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Jim Bob

If you do not wish to carry two lenses have you not just answered your own question?

GLKTN Loc: TN

I didn't say I was opposed to carrying 2 lenses just that that was the down side. In your experience, would the 24-120 be all I need?

coj Loc: NJ, USA

IMHO you are not really duplicating lenses. You are using two cameras in different formats that require different lenses. As a walk around lens, a zoom is the best, especially if you tour Europe. Your kit lens is short on the long side (haha). Get a better zoom for your D750. I would stick to Nikon lenses, though. You will find out why if you need to sell one, and Tamron, Sigma, etc. are not the same quality. Good luck with that, It's a great camera!

SS319

I would think the 24-120 would be an ideal walk around lens. I would wait 6 months to a year to get that second lens so you can learn the camera and the art.

You may want to rent to find out what you want from a second lens. Most Camera dealers rent semi-reasonably. After a weekend of lugging two or three lenses up and down trails and then looking critically at the output from those lenses will give you a much better idea of how YOU want to shoot rather than asking an old codger here.

SS319

Actually, Sigma is producing some of the world's best glass today. Critical side by side reviews are giving the nod to Sigma - and at about 60-70% of the cost of named lenses.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've been using the 28~300 on my Nikon D700 and then my D800e. It's been on the camera 98% of the time. The only other lens I carry is a Nikkor 20mm f/2.8, for that little bit of extra reach for interior photos. So, I'd go along with the videos you mentioned and go with the 28~300.
--Bob

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Let me start from the beginning, I do not own the 24-120 f4 but everything I have heard and seen from this lens has been good news. Yes, it is a great walk around for a full frame camera and it should give you great service for the majority of the subjects that you could encounter.
You have not said why you want to buy the Tamron 70-300 lens except that it has great reviews. Do you buy a lens because it has a great review or do you buy a lens because you need it in your photography?
Without knowing the type of photography you do I am going to say that the 24-120 f4 should prove to be a very useful lens for a variety of subjects. The 70-300 has a little bit more of range and it could prove to be very useful for some sports, wildlife and all those cases where a tele is a must. Keep in mind that your subject should be in good light otherwise you will have to crank the ISO speed to cope with the low light or to stop motion with a high shutter speed.
If you do not see immediate use for the 70-300 just skip it. Look at the subjects you photograph more often and then you will be in a better position to make the right selection of the lens you need.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

The 28-300mm is a great all around lens for general use and would allow you a lot of flexibility without carrying more lenses and will give you that extra reach with a little more light than the Tamron. The 24 to 120 lens is a great lens to use for portraits. It might be a kit lens but it's an exceptional lens none the less. I know you will be duplicating ranges but if you want to avoid that trade in the 24-120 for a 12-24mm Sigma lens and that will complete your range to 300mm.

bearwitme Loc: VA, USA

________________________________________________________________________
Take a look at the 28-300mm (Nikon is $900+ or Tamron $600).. You may find a used or refurbished one. You can always sell the 24-120mm. I have both and use both at different times depending on the situation. Check the reviews for both and you can base your decision on those.. Good luck..

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Without knowing what you want to capture, there is little value suggesting another lens. You have already invested a large sum of money for someone who is a newbie.

My suggestion would be to put your wallet away and start shooting. In doing so, you will notice what subject matter that another purchase may help.

I am sure the folks at the camera store love your visits. Not sure how they convinced you to purchase a D750 as a first camera. I would like to offer that person a job as a sales rep for my company. Lol

Good luck with your search...after you do some shooting.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Which end of the range are you using most? Are you shooting at the 120 and need more reach? Or are you at the 24 end and need the coverage there? Personally I seldom need more than 70mm on my T4i, I'm using a 10-18 quite a bit lately, Bob.

GLKTN Loc: TN

I like your and SS319's comments. Solid and sensible. I definately need to have fun and practice, practice, practice to learn the art and my camers. I am not in immediate need of a new lense. I am mainly mining for information. I enjoy this forum and feel there is a treasure trove of wisdom and experience. I realize I have yet to develop a photography personality and don't intend to start buying fancy shiny add-ons. Information is power.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

You might want to avoid any super-zoom. According to DxOMark, he 28-300 (10:1 zoom range) only produces 11 MP of sharpness (Nikon) or 10 MP (Tamron) on a D800e. It would do worse on a 24 MP sensor - probably in the 7 MP range.

You would be better off selecting two separate zooms with complimentary focal length ranges each with a 3:1 or 4:1 zoom range. Consider a 28-70 and a 70-200 in your price range.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

...except AF. All other categories, Sigma is awesome...AF is a crapshoot. My 50mm1.4 Art is almost unuseable and the 140-600mm locks fast and accurate.