should i dump my 16-85mm for the new 24-85 f/3.5-f/4.5?

domu221 · Jul 15, 2012

i have my hands on both 16-85mm f/3.5-f/5.6 and the new 24-85mm f/3.5-f/4.5 and all have VR ("VR II" for the new 24-85mm).

would it be wise to dump my 16-85's wider focal length for a larger aperture at 85 and "VR II" (if it makes a difference),

Trever1t · Jul 15, 2012

no keep the 16-85, unless you have something to replace your lost wider end?

orb9220 · Jul 15, 2012

Yep would rather have wider when needed as can't compensate for that.
But lacking on the high end all you have to do is take a few steps forward.
Do have a specific Need for the change? Or just a undefined want?
.

domu221 · Jul 16, 2012

Thanks for the replies! I was bothered when I heard that the more magnification you have, the lesser quality you have with your lens. I believe it was also from this forum so...

I'm considering buying a new lens and when nikon released the 24-85 f/3.5-f/4.5 (i believe it is compatible with FX), I considered buying one as my walk around lens and buying a wide-only zoom lens. but my main concern now is throwing away my walk around lens that serves also as a wide lens.

So, should I just buy 2 lenses (wide and this 24-85) or keep the 16-85? cause... if i can get similar image quality and performance (with the "VR II"; i hope this isnt just some marketing scheme) as my 16-85 then i may not replace it anymore. The matter at hand here is whether or not the extra zoom on the 16-85 compromises img quality.

btw, DX user. 2% might upgrade to FX if rumored d600 is cheap.

Trever1t · Jul 16, 2012

VRII does not make a better quality image than VRI, it only allows a slight bit better stabilization.

If you have an FX body then by all means use the FX lens but otherwise I don't see any advantage. The 16-85 is a good quality lens.

Patrice · Jul 16, 2012

Seems to me you have a case of NAS. If you really must spend the money upgrade something else instead of replacing a perfectly good lens with more of the same.

Do you have a decent flash?

How about a good tripod and head?

A nice second hand 135 mm f/2 or f/2.8 would be nice.

A good quality CPL maybe?

How about a fast prime?

Or you could spend the cash on a mini photo holiday or even a photography seminar or night course.

Lots of choices available to satisfy the urge to spend some cash?

domu221 · Jul 16, 2012

two reasons why i wanna dump the 16-85 is bc the 24-85 has a larger aperture at max foc length and the VR"II". its cause i shoot in low light.w/o tripod so the vr"II" and the max aperture really apeals to me

soxOZ · Jul 20, 2012

domu221 said:
two reasons why i wanna dump the 16-85 is bc the 24-85 has a larger aperture at max foc length and the VR"II". its cause i shoot in low light.w/o tripod so the vr"II" and the max aperture really apeals to me

If I was you, I'd keep the 16-85 f/3.5-5.6VR if you have no plans on going FX in the near future, and if you want faster glass at 85mm, just add the new 85 f/1.8G lens to your pack and you'll have the best of both worlds...