The Nikon 24-70 (original) is $1800 right now. The Tamron 24-70 is $1250.

I'm considering picking up the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC. I currently have a 50mm 1.8G, 85mm 1.8G, and 150-600 Contemporary (and a D750 body).

Anyone have any thoughts on the Tamron lens? I am worried about copy variation & buying an actually new product and not something that was returned.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jan 3 2016 03:40am

i haven't actually looked into the 24-70 nikon alternatives much, but from what i've understood the nikon is still #1. i know on the canon side the tamron is just as sharp and the savings are worth it.

my limited understanding of the nikon is it is definitely better. personally i'd save for the nikon or save for a lightly used ver. 1.

If you do go for the nikon, get the non VR as it is optically better than the newer one. I have tried both and the coating and the glass doesn't make it as sharp as the older model.

Downsides to the Tamron:
- Worried about copy variation (I don't want a soft copy).
- 3rd party manufacturer, warranty probably isn't very good in Canada.

Downsides to the Nikon:
- no VR
- $550 more, which means $75 more tax approximately, net of $625 more

That $550 is getting to me.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jan 3 2016 05:02pm

i don't think no VR is a downside on a 24-70 really. if you need lower shutter speeds you should be on a tripod.

Just thinking about that price stretch. Even if I could get it for 1700 that's a lot of money.

look for a used one. it may be a zoom, but it's a sealed piece. check your local Futureshops that turned into best buys and london drugs, too. they may have open box units that you could get for a lot cheaper.

I just might look for a good used one. Not sure yet. The $$$ end of things is bugging me. $1000 is doable... but it's looking to be about $2000 all said and done.

I am not fond of flashes, so I might be able to sell my SB-700. But otherwise I don't have anything I particularly want to part with.

I am fairly decided on the Tamron now so long as I can find a good copy. That $600+tax could go toward a good prime lens, other gear, or simply a 24-70 replacement in the future.

Guess I'll see in store at some point.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jan 4 2016 10:13pm