14-24mm f/2.8 or 70-200mm f/2.8

[Algernonep]

Hello everyone. I just bought a new body (Nikon D700). I finally decided to upgrade from Nikon D60. I only bought 2 lenses for it. I got an 85mm f/1.8 and a Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 macro. But, I'm in the navy and I'm currently at sea. I haven't been home to test out my new gear yet. Out here I have a lot of time to think. I have been thinking that I have sacrified quality for price when I got the Tamron lens. I was also thinking since I have paid for a really nice body, I shouldn't be cheap with the lenses. So, now I have 2 lenses in mind. I could go with the 14-24mm f/2.8 or I could get rid of the Tamron and get the 70-200mm f/2.8. I could just wait on the 70-200mm f/2.8 because I have the Tamron. Any advice?

[LoveDSLR]

Which one do you lust for? I have a D3 but no 14-24 yet because I'm not into UWA. You cannot compare a 70-200 f/2.8 against the Tamron 28-300 (I have the VC version) because they are for different things.

If it is all work no play then replace the Tamron with the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8.

[zona5101]

I think it's apple and oranges between the 14-24 and the 70-200. Depends on what you like to shoot. But you might want to keep the Tamron because its nice to have a bum around lens when...your just bumming around. It's not like it's "bad" glass....

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by zona5101

I think it's apple and oranges between the 14-24 and the 70-200. Depends on what you like to shoot. But you might want to keep the Tamron because its nice to have a bum around lens when...your just bumming around. It's not like it's "bad" glass....

Same here: they're so totally different. the 14-24 covers the ultra-wide range, but it's an AMAZING lens. The 70-200 covers the telephoto end, and it too is quite good. It depends on what you shoot.

[dcclark]

I highly recommend spending more time using your current lens(es) before you decide to buy.

If you're not sure whether you want a long telephoto, or an ultrawide, then you really need to spend more time learning what types of photography you like. If you find yourself liking wide angles, then maybe the 14-24 is good. If you want to do longer work (wildlife, or general nature/portrait/etc. work) then maybe the 70-200, or even a 70-300, is better for you.

But -- don't buy if you're this unusure about two such different lenses.

[jdepould]

If you do decide on the 70-200, be sure to get the newer (VRII) version. The original is a little soft in the corners on FX.

[Algernonep]

Originally Posted by zona5101

I think it's apple and oranges between the 14-24 and the 70-200. Depends on what you like to shoot. But you might want to keep the Tamron because its nice to have a bum around lens when...your just bumming around. It's not like it's "bad" glass....

I like to shoot portraits and landscape. I have a good portrait lens 85mm f/1.8. I really like the idea of having a bum around lens. I am preparing for deployment. I mentioned earlier that I'm in the navy. I guess the Tamron lens can be what I walk around in the different countries that I visit. I also like wide angle but I don't really have a lot of experience with a wide angle lens.

[Algernonep]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Which one do you lust for?

If it is all work no play then replace the Tamron with the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8.

I lust for them both...lol

It's work and some play...

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by Algernonep

I like to shoot portraits and landscape. I have a good portrait lens 85mm f/1.8. I really like the idea of having a bum around lens. I am preparing for deployment. I mentioned earlier that I'm in the navy. I guess the Tamron lens can be what I walk around in the different countries that I visit. I also like wide angle but I don't really have a lot of experience with a wide angle lens.

Wide angles are fun... but they are tricky to use well, and do require some experience. Composition can change with even the slightest move -- I've found myself taking much longer to set up my photos when I use my 10mm (part of this is because it's very hard to get things straight when you're 5 inches off the ground but turned halfway upside down).

The summary is... save your money, enjoy what you have -- it's a good walkabout lens, an you can take great photos with it. Equipment isn't everything.

[kirbinster]

I love my Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR it is super sharp, one of Nikon's best lenses. I really like to shoot long. For wide I have have a Sigma 10-20 HSM that does quite a good job.