FX Lenses for Wedding Photography

[palmphotography]

Hi I have a Nikon D700 I use for weddings and portraits and am in the market for a new lens that would be suitable for both types of job.
I have looked at the Nikon 24-70 F2.8 but my budget is about £200 shy of a new one, the question is do I wait to get the rest of the money together or can anyone suggest any other lenses that are as sharp, don't compromise on aperture and that are suitable with my camera.
Thanks Jeff.

[scootermcq]

I do not have hands on with the lens I am going to mention, but I have been thinking about the 24-120 f4 VR.

My thinking is it is a much more usable range for weddings & portraits, only one stop slower and has VR. I find the 70mm range (especially on FF) is a little limiting and forces the use of 2 bodies with a 70-200 on the other. I am wondering if you could get away with primarily using one body with that lens?

Just food for thought.

[kirbinster]

What about used rather than new?

[jdepould]

You're going to need more than one lens. You could probably go with used 28-70/2.8 and 80-200/2.8. Those would work nicely, but I'd probably still want a macro and a fast prime (50 or 85 1.4).

[Zdaman]

I'd say get a 17-50 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8. If you can't afford the Nikon model, you can always look at Tamron. I love my tamron lens (17-50). That will also give you a a little extra help if you want a wider focal length for group shots that the 24 can't offer.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by Zdaman

I'd say get a 17-50 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8. If you can't afford the Nikon model, you can always look at Tamron. I love my tamron lens (17-50). That will also give you a a little extra help if you want a wider focal length for group shots that the 24 can't offer.

Won't cover full frame

[inkista]

I say wait and save up. There really aren't going to be any cheaper candidates that can do what the 24-70/2.8 does. If you go third-party, chances are you're going to regret trying to save that £200 every time you work on an image. Compare the Nikon and Sigma 24-70/2.8s.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by jdepould

You're going to need more than one lens. You could probably go with used 28-70/2.8 and 80-200/2.8. Those would work nicely, but I'd probably still want a macro and a fast prime (50 or 85 1.4).

+1
Or I'd buy the 24-70 used... but I don't think it's a 1 lens solution for weddings. the longer zoom will be necessary.
The 24-120f/4 has VR which will make it's performance capability for stationary subjects very comparable.