cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

As the owner of the D850, a Nikon 24-70/2.8 (NOT the VR version) and the Sigma 24-105/4 ART, I am adding my thoughts. The D850, due to its capabilities, does demand the best glass to be able to perform at its best. Either of these lenses, as well as the VR version of the 24-70, are up to the task. IMHO, ANY Sigma ART lens is great stuff! When I compare MY two lenses (the non-vr version), I find the Sigma to actually weigh more and so I prefer the Nikon lens if weight is the consideration. Older lenses, while some are excellent, may not have been manufactured with digital in mind and may not have some of the more modern coatings important to digital. That being said, there are many superior, older lenses. The lens the OP already has will work well, but so will a variety of others. Personally, I have no intention of upgrading my 24-70 as I find that I don't need the VR on that lens. I'm not a big VR user, but I do use it when I feel it's needed or it will make the image better. Best of luck.

Idaho

You have more camera and more lens than you need. As a beginner you should have started out with the Nikon D5600 with the kit lens. This would have cost you a FRACTION of what you just spent, been easier to learn, weighed much less in a much smaller size, and you would have been more than satisfied with the results. In time you would likely want to add a lens to this "beginner's package" as you learned what you needed. Eventually you might go full frame after having time to study everything that's available including mirrorless.
However, there's a good chance you wouldn't. Spending that much money on a top of the line camera and lens was a very expensive mistake for you. Unless... money is no object in your life. Then it doesn't matter.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Spilt milk, and only YOUR opinion. Now let's all try to help the OP!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Baloney!

Pete B

I actually have both your lenses and love them to pieces, but for different uses and situations. I agree with others that you will get used to the weight in time and selecting another lens will only reduce your weight by a small fraction and I am not sure you would really notice the difference.

Welcome to the UHH too!!

tennis2618

abler, I hope you have as much fun as I have with the 850. It is far superior to the 800 I used to use (which was good itself). My walk around lens is the same 34-70 and I wouldn't give it up for a little weight. If it were 5 lbs, even 4, maybe I could agree. But it is also very good. You have a great camera, but the glass is still the most important component besides the photographer. My suggestion is a bit different but I noted a difference when I bought a 1 3/4" Peak Design camera strap. Great strap from a really solid company and it did feel better for me than the standard Nikon strap. I've since taken two three week trips to France and Japan with quite a bit of walking and, in Japan especially, bird and animal shooting and never felt uncomfortable with the camera--even with the 70-200 VR with an extender.

tennis2618

Abner, sorry about the misspelling of your moniker...and, of course, I met the 24-70.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

I have a D810 and older versions of the two lenses you mentioned. Yes, the Nikkor 24-70 lenses is the absolute “go to” when I am out and about. Yes, it is heavy but as mentioned by others, the maximum aperture is f/2.8 which makes it so. That’s the reason it allows you to make superior images. And the low light capability is astounding. If you find that you’d like something with less avoirdupois - get a Nikkor 50mm prime lens. For economy, I’d suggest the AF 50mm f/1.4D but you can also get new version for more $$ to create the same image.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Abner...both Susan and Rich have provided thoughtful and useful replies here. Rich also provided a good reminder in a separate post around the proper way to hold a camera and lens which when followed not only provides a stable platform for exposure but also really helps mitigate the weight of the camera/lens combination.

The two lenses you have selected represent an optimal starting point for what you have told us that you want to accomplish. The 105 Micro will do a beautiful job capturing flat inages like your students' paintings with good sharpness all the way to the corners and very little distortion. The 24 - 70 will handle more than 90% of the rest of what you are likely to do. The 105 will serve you well as a short telephoto that will handle close to 90%of what is left.

As an artist, my guess is that you are going to want the best results possible, but as a painter, you are going to want to get those results without spending hours of your painting time doing post processing. With a little bit of learning, I guarantee that you can get to the point that the D850 and those two lenses can get you to that point. That camera is capable of helping you accomplish those images with minimal work or of capturing a basic image that you can be as artistic with as your heart desires.

Welcome to this forum and best wishes on your journey.

Be happy with your purchase and look forward to what you will be learning to do.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

I’d recommend you keep your current lenses, but buy a 35mm prime lens for a couple hundred bucks. Much smaller and lighter, and you’ll be surprised how much you use it to take pictures of your dogs and the Taos, NM countryside.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

My Nikor 24-70 2.8 is always mounted to my D-800. When I need something longer or shorter it is of course removed. Happy Shooting.

Imagemine Loc: St. Louis USA

Both are wonderful lens I use my 2424-70mm lens most of the time but if you want to get lighter go for the 50mm f/1.8 they call it the nifty 50 but keep the others because they are wonderful lens

Fit4phun

I have the same camera, after upgrading from the D810. I find that no matter what I am doing, this lens is my favorite. Even when I am shooting zoom or macro, I bring it along because you never know what else you will find to shoot. I never leave home without it. And if I'm not sure what I will be shooting on a walk-about - it is my go-to lens all the time.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

Instead of the 24-70 there is the previous lens, a 28-70 2.8.
This lens is slightly smaller but the optics are just as good as the 24-70. This lens is only available used but there are some great deals on this lens.

Jerry Horton

You have to understand
Cardio
4sprints to try to get shot of that whatever - 3 reps
power training
10 bird shots as it flies overhead- 3 reps
If you spin to get the shot it counts as a balance excerize but you need to do two more reps
There you go spend your gym money on a lighter lens, but of course then you have to go to the gym
Your choice