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Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S ...

binary visions

The voice of reason
Jun 13, 2002
22,092
1,132
NC
I have a 50 f/1.4, and feel like I am constantly hampered by the too-long focal length.

Actually, it's not a too-long focal length. It's just the smaller field of view from the crop sensor. But you know what I mean.
 

Polandspring88

Superman
Mar 31, 2004
3,066
7
Broomfield, CO
I get what you mean. I still don't really feel like the 35mm has brought a whole lot more to the table for me. If I had it to do over I'd probably grab the 28mm 1.8. Of course it is an extra $500, so I guess it's not quite a no brainer on that front.
 

bean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 16, 2004
1,335
0
Boulder
I have the 35 1.8. Great lens. I like it better than the 50 on crop sensors. I had a 20 2.8 for a while and liked it better than both.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Yum.

I haven't had my camera out much lately, but I keep eyeing the 35mm f/1.8...
I have one, bought it to replace the 50mm f/1.8G that the airline lost with the rest of my gear. Not too crazy about it, I think I preferred the 50mm. It was more... "portraity". The bokeh was smoother.

I was in a crunch to replace the D7000 before going to Europe for a month in May, so I picked up a kit with the 18-105mm VR and then added the 35mm. Not crazy about either lens actually, but I'm slowly building up a new set starting with the above 28-70mm, and a Tokina 16-28mm is on the way.

I'm done with DX lenses as I eventually want a full frame body.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Sweet. I lust for the 24-70.
I rented one for a wedding shoot. I realllly liked it but the price of even a used one is insane. So far the 28-70mm is damn close to it. Similar handling. No "nano" coating and 2mm less wide end, not a biggie.

This one was at a local shop that just got it back from Nikon after a full re-build. (gutted, replaced the focus motor and circuit boards, full cleaning, calibrating and new rubber) It's essentially brand new and was less than half the cost of a used 24-70mm. I've seen beat up ones go for hundreds more on CL and eBay.

No-brainer.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Oh and it has an aperture ring so I can use it on old relics like my FG.

Lulz:

 

dante

Unabomber
Feb 13, 2004
8,807
9
looking for classic NE singletrack
I have a 50 f/1.4, and feel like I am constantly hampered by the too-long focal length.

Actually, it's not a too-long focal length. It's just the smaller field of view from the crop sensor. But you know what I mean.
I'd rock a Sigma 30mm 1.4 in a heartbeat. The 50mm length seemed to "in between" on a crop sensor, too long for indoors and too short for outdoors. It's also between the Canon 1.8 stuff and the L series in terms of quality/sharpness. Unfortunately I'm not quite ready to cough up the $500 for one just yet....
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
So since I picked up the 28-70mm...

Bought a used Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 from B&H. Bad copy. Could not get it to focus correctly, it back-focused no matter how far it was fine tuned in the camera. (tack sharp with live view though) Returned it. They had another used one of the same lens, same condition so they are sending that as exchange. Hopefully it's a good copy, cause other than the focus issue of the first one it's a wicked sharp UW.



Then on a trip to Chicago last week I picked up a used Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S for $675. Some dude was clearing out what was left of his photo gear. These usually go well above $1k. Crazy fast and sharp. No VR like the later 70-200mm's but it was less than half the cost of even a used one of those.

So I have the poor man's holy trinity now - 16-28, 28-70, 80-200.
 

Polandspring88

Superman
Mar 31, 2004
3,066
7
Broomfield, CO
Nice score. You using those on a d7000? Or is this in preparation of going FF?

I'd be curious to know how the IQ, focus speed, and build quality compare between the 24-70 and 28-70. I'll be getting one or the other in the not too distant future and don't want to sell myself short. Already learned that lesson when I dumped the 80-200 for the 70-200 VRII.
 
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RUFUS

e-douche of the year
Dec 1, 2006
3,480
1
Denver, CO
The 24-70mm is faster and has less chromatic abrasion than the 28-70. I have owned both and currently have the 24-70. I would go with that if you can spare the extra few dollars.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
The 24-70mm is faster and has less chromatic abrasion than the 28-70. I have owned both and currently have the 24-70. I would go with that if you can spare the extra few dollars.
Nope, I'm good. I can see CA in some cases, like very high contrast stuff in the daytime, but LR4 seems to clean it up nicely. (and it's only when shooting wide open in those situations)

I rented the 24-70mm and it's amazing, but I can't discern any difference in focus speed with the 28-70mm. At least not a 2x the price advantage.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Nice score. You using those on a d7000? Or is this in preparation of going FF?

I'd be curious to know how the IQ, focus speed, and build quality compare between the 24-70 and 28-70. I'll be getting one or the other in the not too distant future and don't want to sell myself short. Already learned that lesson when I dumped the 80-200 for the 70-200 VRII.
If you can get a screaming deal on a 28-70mm, go with it. If it's the $1000 or more average they seem to be going for, then forget it and go for the the 24-70mm.

My 28-70mm was $795, so yeah.
 
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H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Oh and build quality is crazy good, aside from there is no ass gasket on the 28-70mm, so it's not "weather proof" like some of the later Nikons. None of their lenses are officially weather proof anyway, they are all subject to internal moisture if you get em wet enough.

Focus speed is quick and quiet.

It's heavy, but so is the 24-70mm.

And to answer that first question, I'm using all this on a D7000 for now, and either going with a used D700 (with the D7000 as backup/video) or if the price is right, a D600 when it's been out awhile. I'm abandoning DX glass and going all FF for future-proofing.
 
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Polandspring88

Superman
Mar 31, 2004
3,066
7
Broomfield, CO
I'm in the same boat right now. To date I have purchased mostly DX lenses but am ready to take the leap to FX. Cash in hand waiting for the imminent D600 release.

Good to know about the 28-70 vs 24-70. I'll probably end up with the 24-70 as I'd appreciate the ass gasket. Not that it probably makes a whole lot of difference, but I take my camera out in some pretty nasty weather and every little bit helps right?
 

Polandspring88

Superman
Mar 31, 2004
3,066
7
Broomfield, CO
Aaaand D600 on order. Essentially just looks like the D7000 with a full frame sensor. Seeing as how I haven't had many issues with the D7000 (with the minor exception of the body being too small sometimes and a few other things), this should work out perfectly.

I'll have to post up some pics and first thoughts when I unbox.
 
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H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Aaaand D600 on order. Essentially just looks like the D7000 with a full frame sensor. Seeing as how I haven't had many issues with the D7000 (with the minor exception of the body being too small sometimes and a few other things), this should work out perfectly.

I'll have to post up some pics and first thoughts when I unbox.
Cool. I'm waiting till I see more samples, but it looks promising.

It's a tad bigger than the D7000, and it looks like they gave it a curvier, roomier grip with a more pronounced hump for your thumb.

Tons of people are whining about the top shutter of 1/4000 and top sync of 1/200. Meh, not a biggie.
 

stevew

resident influencer
Sep 21, 2001
40,494
9,524
i daydream of a full frame camera without all the unnecessary bullsh!t.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
i daydream of a full frame camera without all the unnecessary bullsh!t.
D700

Once the D600 starts getting actual reviews and starts shipping, the D700 on the used market will plummet.

Also, I am seeing D3 bodies on Craig's List for mot much more than the D600. I can give a **** about video really, (and I have a D7000 for that) so the older FX bodies are looking mighty nice.

12mp is plenty, I'm not shooting for billboards.
 

stevew

resident influencer
Sep 21, 2001
40,494
9,524
D700

Once the D600 starts getting actual reviews and starts shipping, the D700 on the used market will plummet.

Also, I am seeing D3 bodies on Craig's List for mot much more than the D600. I can give a **** about video really, (and I have a D7000 for that) so the older FX bodies are looking mighty nice.

12mp is plenty, I'm not shooting for billboards.
i was looking at 5D's on egay....can be gotten for cheap...
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
I dunno about that. Judging by the amount of bitching taking place on the interwebz relative to the D600 the D700 might go up in price. :panic:
That will calm down in awhile. There was bitching about the D800 and now everyone is raving about the thing.

Whatever you choose, not a bad time to be into taking pictures, especially compared to just a few years ago.


In the meantime I'm shooting lots of B/W film with my F100. Fvcking LOVE this camera. Full frame with matrix metering and autofocus for $100.
 

Polandspring88

Superman
Mar 31, 2004
3,066
7
Broomfield, CO
Aaaaaand I took advantage of the $200 off on the 24-70 by purchasing it with the D600. God I am a hot mess right now. :dead:

I'll quit hogging your thread and get my own.
 
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H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
Aaaaaand I took advantage of the $200 off on the 24-70 by purchasing it with the D600. God I am a hot mess right now. :dead:

I'll quit hogging your thread and get my own.

NICE.

Hide it from the wife or you're a dead man.
 
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