Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-85 F 2,8-4

[hh253]

<p>I am close to make the decision to buy this combination for travelling and portraits.<br>

For available light I have the Nikkor 50/1,8. Anyone has an experience with this combination. Many thanks and Happy New Year.<br>

Heinz</p>

[john_stockdale2]

<p>The D700 is a very heavy camera. I have just carried it around Japan for a month with the older 24-85 (around f3.5-f4.5 or thereabouts). Apart from its weight, it's superb.</p>

[walterh]

<p>"The D700 is a very heavy camera."<br>

And I though I might get one as a lighter second body to my D3 .-)<br /> I guess everything is relative. It seems to be the lightest FX format camera.<br>

A few lines down is a thread about a really light camera , the D40 in DX format.</p>

 

[wpahnelas]

<p>relative is right. i carry mine around with the grip every day, and it feels normal to me. if i want a really small, light camera, i just remove the grip...<br>

on a slightly more serious note, i use an old 28-70/3.5-4.5 AF-D lens for walking around. part of its appeal to me is that the size and weight, relative to the D700, makes it exceptionally easy to hand-hold the camera for long-ish exposures. that might be a consideration when looking at non-VR lenses.</p>

[cwphoto]

<p>I use the 24-85 f2.8-4 on my D700 & have excellents results. It's used for weddings & everyday. Might add that I have had that lens for about 8 years & it was used on a F100 & than a D2X. Very pleased with sharpness & ergonomics. No descernable mechanical wear yet.</p>

[kohanmike]

<p>I have a D70s with the 24-85 f/2.8-4 and am very happy with it. That lens will stay in my kit permanently, through the D300 next on my list, and down the line when all digital cameras become FX.</p>

[jose_angel]

<p>I`d advice you to buy the 24-85/<b>3.5-4.5</b><b>AFS-G</b> which is smaller, lighter and AFS but seems like it`s out of production (!!!). I`ve recently scratched mine and I`m so sad after that notice... specially because I believe it`s the best performer in the 24-85/24-120 range. That lovely decissions by Nikon, thought.<br>

I was almost decided to repeat lens (I suspect nobody will replace the front element on mine) but looks like the only way is the second hand market. I definitely would prefer an AFS G lens, and the only choice seems to be the new 24-120 with not so positive feedback from some. I`d like your f2.8-4 but on an AFS-G lens.<br>

The 50/1.8 is a very different lens, which I also use a lot, currently my most used lens. Both are my choices for travelling. The 24-85/3.5-4.5G and the 50/1.8 are IMHO, the best "bang for the buck" lenses from Nikon.</p>

[hh253]

<p>Curt,<br>

thanks for your mail. As you have that lens for a lomg time, how are portraits at 85 stopped to 5,6? I like sharp images.<br>

William,<br>

I think with the excellent Iso performaace of the D 700, there should be no need for a VR</p>

[g-man1]

<p>I agree with Jose Angel, I use the 24-85 af-s on D700 and it's a very good lens; sharp, good contrast, low vignetting, easy to use and fast focus. However, it's consumer grade (not tough), no VR, and no weather sealing gasket.</p>

[peter_gilbert3]

<p>I just got a D700 and I'm using my old 28-105 D lens with it. It's a good combination, balances well and the 28-105 is sharp enough. You can get one from KEH under $200. Hopefully this year Nikon will introduce a revised and improved 24-120 AFS VRii (or something close) which I might consider.</p>

<p>\Peter</p>

[graham_line]

<p>Haven't used the 24-85/f2.4-4 on a digital, but it's been in steady use for more than five years in all sorts of weather. I wouldn't be concerned about construction quality or weather sealing. As a screwdriver AF lens, there's nothing electrical in the barrel to damage.<br>

Some pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/74312783@N00/tags/2485mmf284d/">here.</a></p>