I have two of these lenses. One is the default lens for one of my D850s, the other for one of my D500s. It would be completely idiotic for anyone to claim that this lens is the equal of either a 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom or a 17-55mm f/2.8 DX zoom, but it would be equally idiotic for anyone to argue that either of those lenses can match the versatility of the 24-120mm f/4.

A lot of folks claim that 24mm is not wide enough on a DX camera like you are shooting. I've found that mostly not to be a problem. I refuse to be enslaved by the sharpness cult, but I do find the results from the 24-120 a little better with a notch or so of saturation boost, whether in-camera or in post processing.

You have to decide whether this lens will work for you. It offers a ton of flexibility and benefits at some costs in performance which are in reality pretty small.

They are coming down in price. Should be available for even less than that...so the first moral is don't feel compelled to make a fast decision. I have been meaning to sell mine for about $250 or so.

Secondly, the answer depends on which body you use it with and how persnickety you are. On bodies up to say 24 MP it works quite well and covers an incredibly convenient range. Once you jump into 36 or 46 MP bodies its weaknesses become more apparent. You will hear from quite a few here who are in love with their copy. Take that with a grain of salt. If you do use a higher resolution body consider the later version of the 24-85. Not quite as convenient a range but a fair amount sharper and smaller.

They are coming down in price. Should be available for even less than that...so the first moral is don't feel compelled to make a fast decision. I have been meaning to sell mine for about $250 or so.

Secondly, the answer depends on which body you use it with and how persnickety you are. On bodies up to say 24 MP it works quite well and covers an incredibly convenient range. Once you jump into 36 or 46 MP bodies its weaknesses become more apparent. You will hear from quite a few here who are in love with their copy. Take that with a grain of salt. If you do use a higher resolution body consider the later version of the 24-85. Not quite as convenient a range but a fair amount sharper and smaller.