24-70mm zoom recommendations? Other focal lengths?

[Platypus]

I am looking at the Tamron G2 24-70mm ($1200), the Nikon 24-70mm (with and without VR ($1800, $2300)) and the Sigma Art 24-70mm ($1300) currently.

All the reviews seem mixed overall, but the Tamron G2 keeps coming out highly ranked, especially for the price point. The Nikon usually wins quality, but at a 1K price difference, I kinda doubt it's worth that much of a jump in price.

Has anyone here used these lenses and have any advice?

A bit of a back story. I have only shot prime lenses my entire life. Both in film and digital days. I prefer their sharpness and quality and for years never minded the hassle of bringing lots of lenses with me. These days, I seem to keep getting dust and other bullshit on my sensor and it's becoming a huge pain in the ass to change lenses in the locations (mostly outdoor) that I am traveling.

I am looking for the most useful/quality zoom I can get within the price ranges listed above. I know it's always a quality compromise compared to primes, but I am hoping to have something I can throw on and deal with pretty much any situation I need with a huge priority on sharpness and color quality. I prefer these things over speed of autofocus, weight, etc.

My primary focal lengths are 85mm and 20mm (sometimes 28mm). I also shoot 105mm for macro stuff, but generally I am happy at the 85mm range for most things I shoot, and 20-28 for wider shots I need to take.

Is there a lens or different focal length I should be checking out? I will be pairing it with a Nikon D750

Thanks AT photo nerds

 

[CuriousMike]

Depending on your need for 2.8 and/or critical sharpness, I'd also suggest the Sigma 24-105 or the Nikon 24-120, both f4's. For my hobby, the 24-120 has been super... It's on my body 90% of the time. The extra range beyond 70mm is frequently appreciated. And because it's a typical kit lens with the D750, it can be found second hand inexpensively.
The other suggestion would be the 24-85 Nikon.
These suggestions are from a value perspective, not premium perspective.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

I got into an AF-D 35-70mm f/2.8 for like $300. No VR, screw drive focus and not as much zoom on the wide end like the 24-70, but the optics are pro. It's built like a tank. I have a 24mm/2.8 prime for when I want something wider. It's kind of a hassle yeah, but the prime is tiny and it's super sharp.

 

[MrSquished]

I'd go with the Tamron if you won't utilize VR and the Nikon if you will. How many stops does the Nikon VR give you?

I'm spoiled, my Oly OMD has in body IS, 5+ stops worth so all lenses come with IS already basically. I find it highly useful. And forget about only being able to shoot very still subjects, you can get creative with that many stops of IS with motion blur.

 

[turtile]

The Tamron is the best value but if you need good AF, I'd go with Nikon instead. I always buy used so you can pick up the non-VR Nikon for around the same price or less of the Tamron. It just depends on the trade off between AF speed and having VR.

 

[Anubis]

i own the nIkon 24-120 and the Tamron 24-70 (last revision)

the tamron is a much better lens and the G2 is a hell of a value. unless you are swimming in money or photography is your actual job i would pass on the VR nikon 24-70. its not 1000$ better than the tamron

the tamron does have their equive of VR, while it doesn't promise 4 stops or whatever nikon claims now it is good and usable

 

[radhak]

I was on this same boat - wanting the 24-70 for my D750 but willing to look at other, cheaper options; but at the same time I kept stalking Craigslist for it, and recently was able to snag a barely used Nikon 24-70/f2.8 for $800 (the guy was graduating to Medium format photography)! Love the lens!

Having bought a lot of my camera gear from CL, I'd suggest you take a look at your local sellers. It may not be readily available, and you do need to check each piece on offer carefully, but you can end up with quality stuff for a fraction of the cost.

 

[jhansman]

its not 1000$ better than the tamron

This. Tamron makes some of the best third-party glass on the market, and reasonably affordable, too. I want this zoom as well; very popular range and versatile.