AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED - Any advice?

[KimberleyPhotography]

Hi there!!

So its March break and were off to Toronto with my hubby and my Mom and sisters so I rented the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED!!! I am so excited to try it out, I figured it would be a good bet for getting some nice candids as we are sightseeing at museums and places they don't allow flash. I have heard great things about it and this will be the first fast(er) lens that will actually autofocus on my D40x!

Does anyone have this lens? I heard that its HEAVY!! Hopefully I will be able to carry it around all weekend without breaking my arm lol.

I am planning on trying to get some nice portrait shots of my sisters (age 7 & 10) in the museum lobby (the ROM in Toronto) because from pictures I've seen it looks like it has a lot of natural light!

Anyways I just wanted to share in my excitement!! If I get anything decent I will be sure to share!

Here's the problem. once you use it, you'll realize that all your other lenses in that range are pure junk.

It's the best lens on the market in that focal range. Price doesn't even come as a factor.

~Eric

[KimberleyPhotography]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Here's the problem. once you use it, you'll realize that all your other lenses in that range are pure junk.

It's the best lens on the market in that focal range. Price doesn't even come as a factor.

~Eric

HAHA yes I'm a little worried about that... But at least my hubby is coming along, I'm gonna let him play with it a little bit and then he will realize how much we NEED it!

[Taallyn]

Originally Posted by KimberleyPhotography

HAHA yes I'm a little worried about that... But at least my hubby is coming along, I'm gonna let him play with it a little bit and then he will realize how much we NEED it!

No. Then you'll need two of them as neither one will want to give it up.

[kirbinster]

Seems a little short for candids. I typically use either my Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 or Nikon 70-300VR for that type of shot so people don't notice me.

I have a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX that I love. I picked it up used for only $270, and while it won't autofocus on your D40x, you could buy one and a brand new D200 for $599 these days and still have money left over compared to the lens you are talking about.

[KimberleyPhotography]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Seems a little short for candids. I typically use either my Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 or Nikon 70-300VR for that type of shot so people don't notice me.

I have a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX that I love. I picked it up used for only $270, and while it won't autofocus on your D40x, you could buy one and a brand new D200 for $599 these days and still have money left over compared to the lens you are talking about.

Thats true, it is a little short, but we will be in fairly close quarters most of the time so I didn't want to limit myself as far as backing up distance goes.

Thanks for the info on the D200, I had no idea you could pick it up so cheap? Thats the price (at least here in Canada) that D80s go for used...

[ARKreations]

I just got the 24-70 about 6 weeks ago. It's been off my camera a total of twice in that time.
You will absolutely love that lens to the point that you won't even mind carrying it around.

[Taallyn]

Originally Posted by KimberleyPhotography

Thats true, it is a little short, but we will be in fairly close quarters most of the time so I didn't want to limit myself as far as backing up distance goes.

Thanks for the info on the D200, I had no idea you could pick it up so cheap? Thats the price (at least here in Canada) that D80s go for used...

Best Buy here in the US has had the D200 discounted to $599. I don't know if they still have them in stock though. It was a web only price as well.

[LoveDSLR]

I have the 24-70 f/2.8 and it is a wonderful lens (wait till you try the 14-24 f/2.8). You will have a fun time using it but remember to hold the lens as well while shooting. It's almost like the lens is holding the camera (being front heavy).
Keep your 50 f/1.8 handy for museums and low-lit places. The AF-S DX 35 f/1.8 will be better.
If you like the lens and wish to get one, then the Nikon AF-S DX 17-55 f/2.8G should be consider as well.

[jdepould]

Nah, it's not heavy at all ... if you're used to the 400mm f/2.8VR.