13 replies to this topic

[BuzzardBait]

As the title says I'm trying to choose a good walk around lens for my D810. I watched a comparison review of the D810 against a Cannon and they were using a Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 on both cameras and I was impressed with the images as were they.  

 

So what are yall's thoughts on this? I know the Tamron was around $1200 new and that would be around my top range and I know I can even buy used a few hundred cheaper. Any other suggestions on lenses, other brands?

 

Thanks for any help.  

[Adam]

Nikon's own 24-120mm F4 is also very good.  That's what I'm using- the extra flexibility in reach is nice.

[Wayben]

I agree on the 24-120 f4.  It is a great walk around lens.  I need the extra reach more often than I need the larger aperture of a 24-70 f2.8.  It is also about half the price.

[Merco_61]

Here's a third vote for the 24-120 f/4. It is very nice for the price and the range makes it a good choice.

[dcbear78]

Here's a third vote for the 24-120 f/4. It is very nice for the price and the range makes it a good choice.

 

Fourth.... I kinda wish I had it instead of my 24-70mm f2.8 at times. Another option is the Sigma 24-105 f4 for a little less range but a little better quality.

[Kenafein]

I have the Tamron 24-70/2.8.  I haven't found I needed the extra reach in a walk around lens, and the 2.8 is nice.  If I want more reach, it's usually more than 105-120 that I'd want.  That difference can be made up in a couple of steps, usually.  Wider would be nice, but that's not really an option.  This is just my opinion and follows from the way that I shoot.  The lenses that the others have recommended are certainly great choices.  

[Ron]

Another vote for the 24-120/f4. This range is really perfect for a general walk around lens, and the constant f/4 aperture is a real plus along with being lighter and less expensive than it's f2.8 cousin.

 

--Ron

[TBonz]

I just said earlier today on another post that I found the Nikon 24-120 the perfect walk around lens and I wish I still had mine frequently.  It really depends on what you want to shoot as to whether or not you will want the extra 70-120 that the Nikon provides or the f2.8 that the Tamron (or the Nikon 24-70) provides.  If funds were not an issue, I would probably have both as there are times I need the 2.8 for assignments.  If that wasn't the case, I'd probably still have the 24-120 and not the 24-70.  You can find both Nikon lenses used as well at B&H or KEH.  

[esrandall]

I have both the Tamron 24-70 VC, and the Nikon 24-120mm F4.  Both are nice lenses for different reasons.  My only qualm with the Tamron is the 82mm filter size.  I have some nice 77mm filters I use for landscape, and no way would I want to replace them in a larger size.

[M.Beier]

I'd go for the 24-70 any day... Why? The extra aperture doesnt matter to me, but the sharpness certainly does, its 50% sharper at ideal conditions for both, and typically smaller focal range means its 'closer to the peak' even at worst setting.

 

Just my thought.

[Dogbytes]

Well the zooms are certainly covered above!
I'm going to suggest a 50mm prime - that's what I use and I've never regretted it. Loads of Nikkors of various types on eBay, in great condition and for very little money.
My 50, a 1.4G, is my most used lens.

[alden]

My favorite DX Walk Around lens is the 18-55mm; for my FX lens I use my f/1.8 50mm usually.

 

I'm about to get an FX 28mm lens too, so I might find I like that better than the 50mm. I really find I use a wide angle lens a lot when I am shooting inside.

[Dogbytes]

I'm about to get an FX 28mm lens too, so I might find I like that better than the 50mm. I really find I use a wide angle lens a lot when I am shooting inside.

 

I have a 24/2.8 which I use - mainly for indoors and crowded outdoor areas if I think I might want to include a bit of the environment. I also have an 85/1.8 that I use if I'm in open areas. the three of them together are lighter and take up less space than  the 28-70/2.8 I had for a (very) short while.

 

28mm and 35mm are focal lengths I've alway struggled to make the most of. Hence my avoidance of short zooms - most of the range is wasted on me!

[f.perez87]

I love my 28-300mm to walk around, I wasn't very sure about t when I bought it, but I love it now.