Nikkor 24-120 or 28-105??

[coughlin47]

Hello ... First time poster! As an advanced amateur (probably giving myself too much credit ... just read into it that I don't make money) I'll be purchasing an S2 in the near future. Of course, I recognize the importance of not skimping on the lens and to get as much quality lens as possible. Most of my shooting is general purpose .... anything from family portraits (in a leased studio) to landscapes. One of the first lenses I want to get is a general purpose with the intent of acquiring additional lenses (if needed) next year. I've just started the research on the lenses, and in particular I've read some reviews on:
Nikkor 24-120 f3.5-5.6D AF
Nikkor 28-105 f3.5-4.5D AD
a friend of mine has the 35-105
I'd like to keep the cost in the $500 or less if posssible for this lens.
Feedback on these specific lenses, or other suggestions in this same range.
Thank you!
Bill C. (Eastern PA)

[mrrjm]

Bill,

I was considering the same lenses. Check out


http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html


I went with the 28-105. It is rating better the then 24-120. I only thing I need now it something wide angle like an 18mm and I want the 80-200mm. Nikkor has a double rebate in dec on most lenses. So now is the time to buy.



ray

[teski]

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom.html

The 28-105 got a 4.0 and the 24-120 got a 3.5.

Most people I know love the 28-105 for its price, but I've heard very mixed results on the 24-120 with the S2. Plus, with the 28-105, you get some macro.

Teski

[jomar]

Here in Australia the Nikon rep uses what he sells and claims the 24-85 ED is sharper than 24-120 ???. so I took his recommendation even though the bigger range was really desirable.

[jargonator]

I tried out both of them and went with the 24-120mm. Sure the ratings have been quite questionable but if you were to take two of the same shots with both lenses you probably would not be able to really tell the difference. The only people who could tell would be the pros who would probably not carry any of the two lenses and go with all primes. I love my 24-120mm!