Just bought my first full frame Nikon (D600) Need a good first lens suggestion <$500

CR88 · Jun 18, 2013

Hello all,

I just purchased a D600 and I am looking for a good all around every day FX lens. I am open to buying used as well, I just want to stay under $500. Any input would be appreciated. I plan to buy more FX lenses as I can afford to, especially primes, but for now I am just looking for something that is decent quality that can get my by for general use and allow the camera to live up to its capabilities. Thanks!

480sparky · Jun 18, 2013

What's wrong with the 24-85 kit lens they normally come with?

cwcaesar · Jun 18, 2013

The 50mm 1.8G can be had for about $220, and the 85mm 1.8G for about $500. These are both very nice lenses. The 50mm being a 'standard' focal length and the 85mm being great for portraits. I have both lenses and I like them both.

Derrel · Jun 18, 2013

35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D. Around $300-$350 used, depending on the seller's motivation and the lens's condition and the area of the USA.

Mach0 · Jun 18, 2013

Derrel said:
35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D. Around $300-$350 used, depending on the seller's motivation and the lens's condition and the area of the USA.

+1

480sparky · Jun 18, 2013

I just scored a 24-120 AF-D for ninety clams.

goodguy · Jun 18, 2013

480sparky said:
What's wrong with the 24-85 kit lens they normally come with?

Yeh, what is wrong with the D600 kit lens ?
I have the 24-85mm VR and I love it, a very good lens.
You can get it around 300$-350$ used as I did.

480sparky · Jun 18, 2013

goodguy said:
480sparky said:

What's wrong with the 24-85 kit lens they normally come with?

Click to expand...

Yeh, what is wrong with the D600 kit lens ?
I have the 24-85mm VR and I love it, a very good lens.
You can get it around 300$-350$ used as I did.

I don't have any complaints about it either, 'ceptin' it's a wee bit shy on the long end for me. That's why I picked up a 24-120 D for now, and will save my egg money for a 24-120 G.

matthewo · Jun 18, 2013

I have to agree here, a good used copy of a 24-85vr can be had for $300-$350, and is very good for the price. sold my 24-70 to fund other things and have not missed it one bit, the 24-85 is good enough for me

gardy · Jun 18, 2013

matthewo said:
I have to agree here, a good used copy of a 24-85vr can be had for $300-$350, and is very good for the price. sold my 24-70 to fund other things and have not missed it one bit, the 24-85 is good enough for me

I would be dead without my 24-70, never leaves the camera except when the 85 or 300 go on once in a while

oldhippy · Jun 18, 2013

As they say opinions are like butt holes. Every buddy has got one. Well here's mine. I looked long and hard at the 35-70 2.8 D What a great lens. BUT
Look at the sellers descriptions at the big stores.. They list slight hazing, fungus, lens separation because of glue separation. Well I shy'd away from that one. My next go was the 24-85 3.5 G Great range But look at the rating Its rated 22 on the lens scale. The 85MM 1.8 G is rated at 40. Read the reviews. 138 gave it 90% 5 star, the other 10% gave it a 4 star. 500'00 will buy you a new one with the US papers. IMHO Later Ed

P.S. I want to get the sharpest pics I can get without investing 1000.00 plus

Mach0 · Jun 18, 2013

oldhippy said:
As they say opinions are like butt holes. Every buddy has got one. Well here's mine. I looked long and hard at the 35-70 2.8 D What a great lens. BUT
Look at the sellers descriptions at the big stores.. They list slight hazing, fungus, lens separation because of glue separation. Well I shy'd away from that one.

keh.com. Most, including myself, find them to underrate their gear.

CR88 · Jun 18, 2013

Thanks everyone for the input.

Actually I just bought the body. Picked a refurbished one up from B&H, so no kit lens. Should be in tomorrow though...yahoo.

24-85 sounds like the range I am looking for, but would prefer a brighter lens. I also like the 35-70 especially being a 2.8, but the reviews, as oldhippy mentions, have me a little concerned. I have heard from many that the 24-85 is a good lens for the money though. I did come across a refurbished 24mm 2.8 and a 20mm 2.8 well within in my price range.