Nikon 24-702.8 or 70-200 2.8 What lens first?

eyeguy · December 15, 2012

Hi all

I am asking for your opinion on what lens to get first.
At this time I shoot with a D300 but after I invest in some 2.8 glass I will go Full frame.

I do a wide verity of shooting Landscape, travel, model shoots. I am looking to go into Wedding photography and build it into a business. for my first lens Im looking at the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8
I have the money for one not both.

What would you buy first ??

at this time I have
18-85 mm f/3.5 5.6 G I have used this lens 59.88 % for all photos to date
70-300mm f/4.5 5.6 G IF used this lens 17.32 % of for all photos to date
28-105mm f/3.5 4.5D IF used 10.39% for all photos to date
50mm f/1.8D used for 8.09 %
I did rent a 24-70 2.8 G for a photo shoot and its sitting at 4.3% With 13% of the photos at a focal length of 24-31 and 38% at 70mm

When I make some money I will buy the other lens then a FF body then a wide angel lens.
Thanks for your help
dean

System · December 15, 2012

I've got both lenses you are thinking about. The first FX lens I got was the 24-70. It's on my camera most of the time. I bring out the big guy when I shoot high school sports.

Ed911 · December 16, 2012

captain78 wrote: »

I've got both lenses you are thinking about. The first FX lens I got was the 24-70. It's in my camera most of the time. I bring out the big guy when I shoot high school sports.

I'd have to agree.

babowc · December 16, 2012

24-70, but I find it too bulky/heavy for travel/landscape.
Model shoots, I always use 70-200.

18-85 mm f/3.5 5.6 G I have used this lens 59.88 % for all photos to date
28-105mm f/3.5 4.5D IF used 10.39% for all photos to date

Keep in mind that you will be "losing" reach with the 24-70 on a full frame body, compared to that of on the D300.

On the handful of times I went to shoot second/third for a wedding, I used the 70-200 more than the 24-70.
And I used primes (24, 50, 85), more than the 24-70.

I favored both the f1.4 primes and the reach of the 70-200 over the 24-70.. but it is a great "all-arounder".

Mitchell · December 17, 2012

The 24-70mm is a great lens for the "event". Wide enough for group photos but able to zoom in a bit as needed. This is the lens for group formal portraits and the reception. The 70-200mm gets used for individual/couple portraits outdoors. It may also be needed if you do not have good access during the ceremony.

I bought the 24-70mm first and use it most often.

Qarik · December 17, 2012

without a doubt the 24-70mm

lifeinfocus · December 17, 2012

Consider buying 24-70mm first because it is less expensive and renting 70-200mm from http://www.borrowlenses.com/

I bought a used 24-70mm from B&H - a good deal. Also bought used D700 on Ebay - was a little risky - but very happy with the purchase.

Also consider FredMiranda.com and Keh.com for used lenses.

Phil

Ed911 · December 17, 2012

Mitchell wrote: »

The 24-70mm is a great lens for the "event". Wide enough for group photos but able to zoom in a bit as needed. This is the lens for group formal portraits and the reception. The 70-200mm gets used for individual/couple portraits outdoors. It may also be needed if you do not have good access during the ceremony. I bought the 24-70mm first and use it most often.

Me again.

Yep. I find zooming with my feet to make up some focal distance works very well when shooting my 24-70 on my D700. I shoot the MS bike ride here every year. And, I've never put my 70-200 on my camera. I find someplace, either along the road, or in and around rest stops that I can get good images...and shoot.

I could use my 70-200 for candids at events, but I quit that years ago...after I tossed an inordinate number of images due to bad facial expression...looking away at the wrong time...averted eyes...weird lips when forming words...bad positioning relative to other event goers...and the old standby, good except for....

Of course, the 70-200 is a wonderful lens and has it's place, if the reach is what you need.

Just my two cents.

lifeinfocus · December 17, 2012

Some say the 24-70 is heavy. I did at first but I started working out to increase stamina - getting older - and found after lifting light weights it is not a problem. I love it for events.

Phil

eyeguy · December 17, 2012

Thanks for the help
At this time I am looking at going with the D600 and the 24-70 2.8 just need to scrape up a bit more cash then its all good

eyeguy · December 17, 2012

I tried the D600 and the 24-70 2.8 and it felt GOOOOOOOOD nice balance better than the D600 with kit lens

babowc · December 17, 2012

D600 has its limitations, though.
Although, not largely apparent, but it's there.

Have you tried it with any other bodies? D700, D800, used D3, etc.

eyeguy · December 17, 2012

D800 is Out of range and I have head it has some problems as well. I will look for pricing on D700

lifeinfocus · December 17, 2012

eyeguy wrote: »

D800 is Out of range and I have head it has some problems as well. I will look for pricing on D700

If you are looking for a used D700, you can probably one with very low clicks for around $1,600. If you want video though, remember D700 doesn't do it. However, it does it primary function well - great photos.

Good luck,

Phil

eyeguy · December 17, 2012

No Video I wish they would remove this from cameras don't need it don't want it.

Ed911 · December 17, 2012

lifeinfocus wrote: »

Some say the 24-70 is heavy.

I thought so too, until I found the Back Rapids RS7 cross shoulder strap. It makes carrying the D700 with the 24-70 attached, a breeze. Not to mention that you can bend over and not have camera and lens getting into your business...and it's in just the right place to grab and shoot, provided that you are a right-handed shooter.

If you haven't tried a cross shoulder strap...I advise that you do. I can't believe that I waited so long before I did and now it's never comes off my camera, unless I need the tripod mount.

Just sayin'

p27rpy · December 17, 2012

24-70 all the way. it's the perfect "do-all" lens for weddings. if you're lookin for a D700, i've got one for sale in the FS forums!

Matthew Saville · December 19, 2012

The 24-70 and D700 combo is my all around shooter. Good solid breadwinner and rentpayer etc. I've tested the D600 extensively and found I prefer the pro AF of the D700 in wedding and similar conditions. The D600 is a better all-around and casual camera, but the D700 is a high-powered workhorse.

The 70-200 or any telephoto in that range is also a must for weddings, but as a landscape photog I'm partial to f/4 glass whenever it is as sharp as f/2.8 glass. Which seems to be the case in the 70-200 department... So maybe I'd get a 70-200 f/4 VR and then just an 85 prime or 135 prime when they update that with f/2 and AFS-G VR...

Mitchell · December 19, 2012

If cash is an issue, consider a gently used 28-70mm, f2.8. These are widely available at great prices. I tried the 24-70mm but sold mine and continue to use my older 28-70mm. I've got a great copy and I found the skin tones a bit better with this lens over the newer version.

Matthew Saville · December 19, 2012

Mitchell wrote: »

If cash is an issue, consider a gently used 28-70mm, f2.8. These are widely available at great prices. I tried the 24-70mm but sold mine and continue to use my older 28-70mm. I've got a great copy and I found the skin tones a bit better with this lens over the newer version.

If cash is an option, I'd go for the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC. ~$1000, sharp as heck, and stabilized!

=Matt=

Nikon 24-702.8 or 70-200 2.8 What lens first?

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