latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

I have found a Nikon 50 mm (75 mm equivalent) F 1.8 and my Tokina 100 mm (150 mm equivalent) have worked very well for portraits. Actually I have been surprised the the Nikon F 1.8 is so sharp.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I saw what was at the bottom of your post, but did not see anything but a link. Based my response on what you were saying in your post. Sorry if I did not realize you were not talking about the 24-70mm, but rather about some other lens you did not specifically mention. I do read all the posts in a thread, but do not go backward, only forward as more are added.

Regardless, I disagree that the 24-70mm is "a somewhat limited lens on a crop frame camera". Perhaps you read my post where I mentioned that I used the Nikon 24-70mm on my D7000 for about a year before buying the D810. So I cannot understand why you describe it that way. I could use it on the D7000 in the same way I now do on the FF camera, shooting a wide variety of subjects and getting good pictures, and the crop factor did not bother me at all.

The 85mm f/1.4 prime lens is undoubtedly a great lens. But the problem with it, especially on a crop sensor camera, is that it has only one focal length, which would be similar to using the 24-70mm only at 70mm all the time. The zoom allows you to open up or narrow down without moving from your position, whereas with prime lenses you have to move your feet in order to change the perspective.

I agree with you that lenses should be purchased with an understanding of their capabilities and their best uses. Not because of a GAS attack! For me, the versatility of a short zoom lens makes sense because sometimes I cannot find another position to get the view I am looking for.

Susan

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Susan, I never said the 24-70 was a somewhat limited lens. If you read what I said I am talking about the 85mm f/1.4. You really need to read more carefully. I think using a quote reply where the poster is talking about and linking to a Nikon 85mm f/1.4 nearly $1600 lens makes it fairly clear what lens I am talking about. I also have a very nice 24-70 2.8 lens and it is nice on both my FF and APS-H crop sensor cameras. I fully understand the differences and compromises between a fixed focal length lens and a zoom lens. Zoom lenses, especially the highest quality ones, can take very nice photos without carrying a half dozen prime lenses.

Happy shooting,
Todd Ferguson

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

If low light is a THING for you go with the D500. Since you do not do sports and action I believe you should keep your system. Stay away from the Tamron fast. If you go with a 24-70 go with a used MINT Nikon. That is the best way to upgrade the IQ of your images.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

whenever the choice comes to body/lens, go with the lens. you can always use the body in its manual setting to obtain what you want.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Once again, sorry if I misinterpreted what you were saying! You never mentioned the 85mm by name, nor did you mention the 24-70mm. I did mention I had not gone backwards to read previous posts, although I had read them previously. Perhaps I ought to do that, but perhaps you should also try to be more specific. There are others who probably only understand a post by what is said in it, too.

You are right about the "quote reply" - I probably sort of glossed over it because it was at the bottom of the page.

We all make mistakes, I apologize for this whole line of misunderstanding!
Susan

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Susan, It is not personal and I don't take it as such. I do find that a lot of people just like to chime in on these threads without reading or understanding what is being or has been said. I have done it in the past and I am sure I will do it again sometime. We all do it at times I think.

Happy shooting,
Todd Ferguson

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Thanks Todd! I got the impression you were not taking it personally. But when I make a mistake, I like to own up to it.