24-70mm f2.8 or 85mm 1.4D for Nikon D7000

[heidi720]

I just got a Nikon D7000 and would like to add a new lens. I am debating between the 24-70mm f2.8 or the 85mm f1.4D.

I currently own the 50mm 1.8, the 18-55mm and the 70-300vr. I use the 50mm the majority of the time. I'd like to add a lens that's good for video as well.

I shoot a lot of portraits/street photography for journalism work, which is why I liked the 85mm. And I love the bokeh it produces. But I also started shooting jiu jitsu matches, which is why I liked the versatility of the 24-70mm. Plus, I heard it was faster.

I want to make a wise investment and I am a little torn between the two. In the future I'd like to get into more lifestyle photography. Can you please offer your suggestions. Thanks so much in advance.

[zona5101]

you heard the 28-70 f2.8 is faster than the 85f1.4? Heck, buy 'em both, they're twice as fast when stacked together...

no! i'm kidding.
Get the 24-70.
it will be more versatile and you already have the 50 for fast and or portrait work.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

They're both very different lenses with very different uses; the 24-70 is def. much more versatile and it'd make a great [fast] walkaround lens. The 85mm, however, will likely have the better resolution and bokeh.

[heidi720]

Thanks for your advice so far. My work right now mainly consists of multimedia projects, so I wanted a sharp lens that I could get the most use out of..plus, I can get a deal @ Samys Camera for a new 24-70mm for $1400. I figured that's a great deal. But then I started seeing the lovely results from the dreamy 85mm and I started wondering which would be best for portfolio work.

Essentially, I will be using it for freelance journalism work, candid shots and short video interviews, but I am starting to get asked to do more lifestyle shoots, like engagements, shots for professional dancers and jiu jitsu matches. I will eventually be putting these shoots up on my web site.

Thanks so much guys. I really appreciate your advice.

[sk66]

The 24-70 is a great lens for versatility and even portraits but for what you are doing it might not be ideal..
You can get a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR1 for 1500 or less (used from Adorama or Ebay) I think this would work better for the jiu jitsu and your (apparent) style of "street photography".
For "my idea" of street photography I would choose the 28-70.
For portraits strictly I would consider the 105 or 135mm f/2 DC

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by sk66

For portraits strictly I would consider the 105 or 135mm f/2 DC

Sorry but after trying both those lenses, I simply cant recommend them. The DC feature is nice if you know how to use it, but the lens has SO much CA that it would not be my choice. Until Nikon updates it, I won't be considering them.

I'd much rather go for the 85/1.4

[sk66]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Sorry but after trying both those lenses, I simply cant recommend them. The DC feature is nice if you know how to use it, but the lens has SO much CA that it would not be my choice. Until Nikon updates it, I won't be considering them.

I'd much rather go for the 85/1.4

Really? I haven't heard of it being a problem before. Usually CA isn't an issue unless high contrast backlit.... But I haven't used one for quite some time and CA with digital is more of an issue than it was with film.
The 105 is on my short list to get (again)...maybe I'll reconsider.

Does camera sensor/processor have a big impact on CA? I would think it does.

[inkista]

Just me, but I think the 24-70/2.8 is going to be more general purpose for you and might be a better buy right now, as you already have the 50 as a fast prime. If Nikon updates either the 85/1.4 or 85/1.8 with an AF-S G version, like they did with the 35/1.4, you'd likely be happier with that, (assuming you could afford it).

In the meantime, you could blow $250 on a manual focus Samyang/Rokinon/Bower/Vivitar/Phoenix/etc. 85mm f/1.4. It will utterly suck at the sports shooting being manual focus, but could work for you portrait-wise and video-wise, and is certainly worth its purchase price. Below is a link to a dpreview thread about the Samyang 85/1.4. It's part 2 of 3.

Inexpensive Korean 85/1.4 thread continued [Page 1]: Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

And here's the photozone.de review of the lens (on a Canon 5D Mark II)

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical (full format) - Review / Test Report

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by inkista

If Nikon updates either the 85/1.4 or 85/1.8 with an AF-S G version, like they did with the 35/1.4, you'd likely be happier with that, (assuming you could afford it).

I'll, uh, just leave this here then...

sk66:
From almost all examples I've seen, the DC lenses are very prone to CA, especially wide open even in conditions that wouldnt normally be considered CA candidates.

The processors does have an impact, but only if youre shooting JPG: if you're shooting RAW you have to do it manually for each image.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I'll, uh, just leave this here then...

Right. Knew I forgot something. Did I miss a G/AF-S version of the 50/1.2, too?