What is the best alternative to the Nikon 24-70mm 2.8?

jwbryson1

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It struck me yesterday as I shot with my D90 and 50 1.8 that I really need to get the 24-70mm 2.8 as my "everyday lens." Since I am not planning to upgrade to FX any time soon, I really need fast glass and with the crop factor, to get wide enough I really need to go at least down to 24mm. Otherwise, I really find myself struggling. My widest lenses are the 35 1.8, 18-200 3.5/5.6, and the 18-55 3.5/5.6 kit lens. Each has its own issues that have been discussed extensively in this forum.

I found several Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 used on KEH for under $400. Seems like a pretty good price, but the reviews are hit or miss. I know nothing of the Tamron equivalent....except that it's starting to get pricey too.

So, if one was in the market for a 24-70 or other sharp, fast lens, what would you recommend?
 
I went with a 28-70mm f2.8 Nikon and my next lens will be a 10-24 or 12-24mm Nikon for wider shots. These will be my every day lenses for my D7100.
 
Stalking this thread ..I would love that lens but can't justify the price tag right now.
 
I have a tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and its been a fantastic lens. Also have tamron 17-50 f/2.8,also a great lens. Did all my wedding shots with one of those two lenses. I believe the one i posted was with the 17-50.
 
A random guy I met on a trip during February had a Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 VC. That thing is hella sharp. The vibration control works pretty well too. I'd say that's the best alternative.

What I want to know is if the old 35-70mm 2.8 holds up compared to its successors (optically).
 
My 35 -70 is sharp as a tack. Bokeh isn't the best and many copies ( including mine ) flare pretty easily. If you learn it's limitations, you should have no issues. 35 is plenty wide enough for me on fx.
 
This thread is just what I was thinking too!

I just got the D600 and had good coverage on my D90 with the 12-24 Tokina, 17-50 Tamron, 35mm, 50mm and 70-200.
Over the weekend I was shooting a wedding and was really limited only have a 70-200 zoom and the 50. Both great lenses but not very practical for my needs.

I would love to buy the Tamron 24-70 VC but thats not in the budget right now. I used to own the Tamron 28-75 but sold it for the 17-50 when I needed something wider. I am going to look around for the 24-85 2.8-4, that sounds like it could be a great lens.
 

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