Looking to buy a new lens, need advice

[SlimPaul]

Hey,

I currently have the following lenses that I use with my D90:
- Nikkor 18-105mm VR (kit lens)
- Nikkor 50mm f1.8
- Nikkor 70-300mm VR
- Sigma 10-20mm

Now that I got the ultra-wide, I very rarely use the kit lens. When taking portraits I use the 50mm but I must admit I'm not very happy with it's performance. There are two reasons. First, It's really difficult to compose, when trying to capture two or more people in a small room (but that of course is not a performance flaw ), and the second, most disturbing, is the focus. I rarely manage to get sharp shots with this lens (I often shoot with SB-400 bounced). Since my birthday is soon to come, I was thinking about getting a new lens, and the 24-70mm caught my eye. It could replace two lenses in my bag (18-105mm & 50mm) and hopefully do a better job. And here's where I'm asking for your advice. Will the 24-70mm outperform the 50mm and will I be able to forget about focusing problems? I'm open to other lenses up to the $1,700 price range as well, but I think the 24-70 is the perfect coverage for portraits I need. Help appreciated.

Thanks, Paul

 

[PhotoXopher]

You probably know it's a great lens, and only you know what range you need... so, if you can swing a 24-70 go for it!

I'm still shocked you get a $1700 gift for a birthday present.

 

[Plato]

You probably know it's a great lens, and only you know what range you need... so, if you can swing a 24-70 go for it!

I'm still shocked you get a $1700 gift for a birthday present.

I got $17.00 once.

 

[SlimPaul]

You probably know it's a great lens, and only you know what range you need... so, if you can swing a 24-70 go for it!

I'm still shocked you get a $1700 gift for a birthday present.

It's my 17th birthday To be honest, I don't want my parents spending this much money on a lens but I couldn't find anything comparable at a lower price (yes, there's sigma and tamron but I've read opinions that they're not as good). Is there any better lens for the price? And what do you think about the focusing issues?

Thanks,

 

[SlimPaul]

Any help guys?

 

[Dao]

I believe people always say, if you can afford it, get it.

From what I read, that Nikon lens is great! However, different people have different priorities, so it is really up to you.

 

[SlimPaul]

Can anyone tell me how the 24-70mm compares to 50mm 1.8 in terms of optical quality, sharpness?

Thanks,

 

[kundalini]

I'm surprised to hear of AF issues with the 50mm. Mine is tack sharp as long as I hit my focus point. You may have gotten a bad copy, but I suggest you might be experiencing OE, particularly in the f/1.8 to f/3.5 range.

The 24-70mm is an awesome lens with great color rendition and contrast. And yes, it is a very sharp lens. However, it is a honker of a lens (read big and heavy) and you will lose 1-1/3 stops of light gathering. I haven't done a side-by-side comparison of the two lenses, but that's something worth playing with.

 

[Derrel]

You might enjoy reading this page for a discussion on what lenses are the best ones at each different focal length. Nikkor Lens Assessment by Thom Hogan