Which lens?

[filemanager]

I have the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens, and recently it's been giving me an F-- error, and the auto-focus hasn't been working properly

I tried cleaning the lens contacts, but it didn't help. I've emailed Tamron about it, so we'll see what they say.

I LOVE this Tamron lens, but it reminded me as to why I love Nikkor lenses so much better.

So if I were to replace it, here are the options I see on Amazon:

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens

OR

Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D AF Zoom Nikkor Lens

So my question is, aside from the price and the 9mm difference in range, what is the difference between these two lenses? Is the 9mm worth almost $2000?

[OsmosisStudios]

Unless you plan on shooting full-frame in the near future, you could spring for the 17-55 f/2.8. It's a DX lens, but it's in the pro-end of the line. COnstant aperture, all-internal. Essentially a DX version of the 24-70.

Of course, you do lose some on the long end (75-55), so whether that's a deal-breaker is up to you.

The difference between the Tamron and the Nikon is pretty heavy: better build quality, better optical quality, better use with the camera. The Nikon 24-70 is one of the Trinity, and it's amazing.

[filemanager]

What's a "DX" lens? I've never actually understood the letters at the end of the lenses, like "ED-IF AF-S" or "G ED" or "Di" or whatever...

What I'm looking for, really, is the Nikkor version of my existing Tamron lens.

So a range of about 28-75mm (maybe a bit wider would be nice, like 24 or so)... constant f/2.8 (internal *would* be nice!).

What are my options?

Thank you so much for your help!

[Aegea]

AFAIK, Nikon's designations are:

DX lenses are for use with the smaller APS-C sensor. Used with the bigger full-size 35mm sensor they will give nasty results like vignetting and poor corner resolution.

ED is low-dispersion glass, reduces chromatic aberrations.

IF is internal focussing.

AF-S means the focus motor is in the lens

G means the lens has no aperture control ring, limiting (!) its usefulness for manual use. Some say it stands for "gelded". I couldn't possibly comment.

[OsmosisStudios]

A DX lens is designed for the smaller sensor, which means it generally has a smaller image circle. That is, the "image" that the lens sees at the back (where the sensor is) is smaller than a full-frame sensor (and only slightly larger than the normal sensors). DX lenses can be used on full-frame cameras, but generally it's not a good idea.

The 24-70 f/2.8 is the Nikon equivalent. Its pricy, but absolutely lovely. It's almost 3 dimensional in quality.

[filemanager]

Doesn't my D80 have the "smaller sensor"?

[dcclark]

Yes. All Nikon DSLRs have a DX sized sensor, except for the D700 and D3 series (which are called "FX" meaning, roughly, 35mm film-sized sensor).

[filemanager]

Here's another question then, why would the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens be about the same price as the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens? You'd think it would be cheaper!

[OsmosisStudios]

Focal length has nothing to do with price. Its all about quality: optics, build, features, etc.

The 24-70 is a wonderfully sharp, contrasty and bokeh-rich lens with a fast (f/2.8) aperture and a solid, pro build. It's worth it's pricetag.

The 14-24 f/2.8 is even more expensive, because making a good ultrawide is harder than making a good anything else, and, well, the 14-24 is simply amazing.