Nikkor 24-70mm or 70-200mm? Thx!

[Amerino28]

I shoot mostly portraits, my kids while they are playing, I'll also shoot some landscape while walking around. I read somewhere that it's recommended to replace or skip a midrange lens, with a 50mm and opt for a telephoto lens, like the 70-200mm? What do you think? Thanks! Should I get the Nikkor 24-70mm or the 70-200mm? Thanks!

 

[Light Artisan]

I love the 70-200 for so many things, it's probably on my camera 90% of the time. But inside the house (unless doing portraits), it's not practical so my Sigma 18-50 goes on.

I wonder if the 14-24 vs 70-200 isn't more your struggle.

Also, are you shooting FX or DX?

 

[KmH]

Get both and add the 14-24 mm f/2.8 Light Artisan mentioned (or the 12-24 mm f/4), and you be all set for landscapes and portraits.

Not everyone recommends skipping a mid-range lens. I have 4 zooms covering the 12-400 mm range plus - 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, and 200 mm primes.

 

[Tee]

I shoot a lot of indoor and landscape so I bought the 27-70 2.8 and the 85 1.8 for almost the price of the 70-200. So far this has been a good compliment but I'm salivating for the extra range of the 70-200. I'm almost saved for the 70-200 (tax return here I come).

 

[kundalini]

From my experience, I suggest both as well. In addition, the 14-24mm is a nice compliment.

One day I will fill my dreams with the 200-400mm.

 

[Derrel]

Skip the 24-70 and buy the 70-200 instead. The 14-24 is awfully wide and makes a lot of faraway, boring-looking images. It's also a monster, size and weight wise. The newer 16-35 VR would be a better all-around landscape lens, with a wider range of foal lengths, plus the ability to use filters like graduated NDs for "serious" landscape use, as well as a polarizer.

 

[KmH]

One day I will fill my dreams with the 200-400mm.

Im sure glad I was lucky enough to stumble across a distressed sale of gear that included one.

 

[MrLogic]

Not everyone prefers the 70-200 VR II over the VR I, BTW. The old one has some advantages, IMO.

I prefer the bokeh of the old one.

 

[hp1000]

I am having the same dilemma. I am using a DX body. I would hate to spend all this money on the 70-200 and only use it occasionally. If I get one, I will get the other one in a year. Just not sure which one to get first?

 

[ghache]

If you shoot of portrait indoor and outdoor, i would get the 24-70!
70-200 is a long for landscape.

I think the 24-70 is the do it all lens, Indoor portrait, Oudoor portrait, landscape,

I was in the same spot as you and took the 24-70 over the 70-200.

best thing you can do is rent and try them out