16-85 VR good partner for 70-200 f/2.8 VR

[iangriffiths]

Hi all,

 

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I finally get my hands on a shiney new 70-200

F/2.8 VR. I ordered it back end of March and joined the waiting list. This

week, I received the call I had been waiting for - it's arrived!

 

Any how, enough wittering on.

 

Since I sold my D70s kit to get the new lens, I am now looking for a replacement

for the 18-70 I did have. I am thinking of the 16-85 VR.

 

It will be used for general family portraits, still life, and strobist shots.

Also semi wide landscape shots.

 

Other lenses I have left after the sell-up are...

 

Sigma 12-24 - landscapes and architecture

Sigma 105 macro - errr macro work?

 

Would the 16-85 fill the gaps, or am I barking up the wrong tree? If so, what

should I consider? My budget is around ﾣ400/$800.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ian

[robert_hooper1]

If you don't mind the maximum aperture of the 16-85mm, performance otherwise seems to be quite good, according to initial reports.

[dmitry_kiyatkin]

Very sharp lens with a good zoom range for digital. VR is great. The only trouble is

the aperture size, but for some that may not be an issue. I guess it is not a huge step

up from 18-70 which is also a nice lens. The only benefit is the VR in my eyes.

[carl_becker2]

If you don't mind the lack of speed at the long end it reads like a great lens. I personally don't care for slow zooms even if they have VR. I do like my 18-70 because of it price vs performance but it does not replace my 50mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8. I would look at the Nikkor 35-70mm f2.8 used if need be.

[lonnie_schwartz]

Hey guys,

I'm in the same boat--I'm looking for the 16-85 as my main lens vs the 12-24mm. Opinions are welcomed

I have the 86mm Zeiss and 80- 200mm 2.8

thanks for your help

Lonnie

[nuwavedave]

I bought both these lenses with my D300 and while I am relatively unsophisticated (by comparison to many in this group) I am happy with the combination. Hell, I'm tickled with the whole rig.

I still have an Alpha 100 and three lenses for sale!