Midrange Zoom lens that can double up as a decent portrait lens

SwiftTone · May 25, 2011

Hey guys, I need a little bit of guidance here. I am currently shooting a D200 with pretty much just the 35mm 1.8G. I am in a market for a mid range zoom that I could double up as a decent portrait lens. I'm not looking for top notch glass here as my budget is $200-$300(used) right now. The other requirement is that I would like to get something that can open up to f/2.8

I have narrowed it down to the Tamron 28-75mm, and Sigma 24-70mm. On my crop sensor these have a focal length equal to 42-112mm and 36-105mm, which seems to be in line with the "classic" portrait focal length, and continues where my 35mm leaves off. Are there any other lenses I should be looking at? How do these compare?

Basically, I am looking for something that is decently sharp, can open up to f/2.8, fast autofocus speed, and have good bokeh. I should also add that I am thinking of getting the 50mm f/1.8 later on, but I don't think the 2 lenses will conflict each other as one is for low light and a prime.

orb9220 · May 25, 2011

Tamron 28-75mm seems a good bet. As have the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and been a good performer last 3 yrs. for more general shooting. And wouldn't hesitate on a 28-75 for portrait needs.

And already having the 35mm then would skip the 50mm and go with the 85mm f1.8 as a go to portrait prime lens.
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chaosrealm93 · May 25, 2011

i was thinking 24-70..... until u mentioned the budget.. =[

SwiftTone · May 27, 2011

Does anyone have experience with the old Tokina AT-X AF 28-70mm 1:2.8. Its the version with 72mm filter threads. Its before the pro versions came out. Here is a photo

Mike_E · May 27, 2011

Try the Nikon 18-70mm AF-S. It's a great little lens and fits your budget.

SwiftTone · May 27, 2011

Not constant f/2.8

Markw · May 28, 2011

I've found the 18-70 has fairly bad distortion at the lesser angles. Just thought I'd throw that in.

But, for your deal, have you ever considered the Sigma 50-150mm F/2.8? It may be a little long for your needs, but I see you already have the 35mm, so you're covered on the wide side.

Mark

3bayjunkie · May 28, 2011

I was going to say 55-200 but just realized you don't have full frame. I agree with the 28-75 or even a 18-55 which would be a 27-82mm. That is perfect for portraits!

SwiftTone · May 28, 2011

I didn't consider the Sigma 50-150mm at all. Didn't know about it. I'm not well versed in 3rd party lenses.

I bought a Tamron 28-75mm on ebay last night. We'll see how this lens performs. Hopefully its not a total dud. The seller sent me this picture she took and it looks pretty darn sharp! I'm excited!

Thanks for the help guys!

MWG · May 28, 2011

^ I have the tamron in the canon version, and i have nothing but good things to say. Check out some of my threads, its used alot by me. I liked it so much that i ended up getting the tamron 70-200 f 2.8 also. VERY pleased with it so far.

usayit · May 28, 2011

I've been researching for two zooms in Pentax AF mount recently.... the two that caught my eye as good value are

Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 paired with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

KmH · May 28, 2011

The perfect lens for you is : http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/buy-sell/243848-fs-nikon-af-24-85-mm-f-2-8-4d-if-w-1-2-macro.html

Mike_E · May 28, 2011

Markw said:
I've found the 18-70 has fairly bad distortion at the lesser angles. Just thought I'd throw that in.

But, for your deal, have you ever considered the Sigma 50-150mm F/2.8? It may be a little long for your needs, but I see you already have the 35mm, so you're covered on the wide side.

Mark

The distortion is easily fixed in PP and if you like wide angle distortion (a lot of people do) leaving it as is works pretty well too. Plus you don't want to use less than 50mm for portraits anyway. It is fast to focus and for a kit lens pretty fast as far as aperture goes as well. They're also around $200-230.

Tokina makes a good lens and I have the 280 AT-X Pro, which I really like and would suggest If you can find one near your stated budget of $200-$300 but it's likely to be a bit beyond.

SwiftTone · May 28, 2011

Mike_E said:
Markw said:

I've found the 18-70 has fairly bad distortion at the lesser angles. Just thought I'd throw that in.

But, for your deal, have you ever considered the Sigma 50-150mm F/2.8? It may be a little long for your needs, but I see you already have the 35mm, so you're covered on the wide side.

Mark

Click to expand...

The distortion is easily fixed in PP and if you like wide angle distortion (a lot of people do) leaving it as is works pretty well too. Plus you don't want to use less than 50mm for portraits anyway. It is fast to focus and for a kit lens pretty fast as far as aperture goes as well. They're also around $200-230.

Tokina makes a good lens and I have the 280 AT-X Pro, which I really like and would suggest If you can find one near your stated budget of $200-$300 but it's likely to be a bit beyond.

Actually, the one I posted above is the Tokina AT-X 28-70mm 2.8AF. It's the version before the the Pro I came out. You'd be surprised how little information there is on that lens. I found 2 on ebay that sold for $175. But from what I've read, the Pro I was the best out of all the versions Tokina made, and they go for 400 +/- $50.

I bought the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. I'll update on how I like it later.