Some walkaround shots from South Padre Island - Nikon 28-105/D700

[paullgj]

Here in South Texas, we just passed the summer solstice, the winds have died down, the Gulf has taken on a Caribbean turquoise hue, and tropical thunderstorms have formed over the waters.  Gone are the hazy skies and blazing sun - at least for a few days.  These shots are from South Padre Island, Texas and the associated Laguna Madre with a D700 and 28-105 lens with polarizer, processed with ACR.  Question - is it time to consider an updated mid-range zoom - 24-85, 24-120, or a used 24-70?  I have recently added a new 18-35 and a used 70-200 f4, so maybe time for a mid-range.

[Airy]

I'd recommend a used 24-70 if you can live with the size & weight. Performance of the 24-85 VR is so-so; 24-120/4 VR is better but it's another slow lens. The 24-70 has lightning fast AF, useful for event shooting.

[Jakov Minić]

Oh, how I would love to take a dip into the Caribbean
You have a wide zoom and a tele zoom. I don't see a need to cover the middle part between 35-70mm. If so, why not get yourself a 50/1.8?

[Akira]

The first image is spectacular!  Thanks for sharing.

As for the lens, I would second Jakov in this case.  AF-S 50/1.8G is affordable, sharp and flare/ghost resistant.

[armando_m]

Really like image #1

I have the 24-85VR, very useful when traveling, VR works wonder, certainly no the sharpest wide open, and has distortion but it is easily corrected

I'm currently traveling and I also brought the 50mm f1.8G,  given your zooms it does make sense

[Hugh_3170]

A 50mm f/1.8D is even lighter and much less expensive than its newer brother the 50mm f/1.8G and is almost as good if using a D700 or similar camera that still supports screwdriver AF lenses; else go for the 1.8G.  Either of these two splendid lenses should be in your bag anyway.

I have the old 24-70mm Mk1 and the latest 24-120mm f/4.0.  The old 24-70mm is lightning fast and is a very good if somewhat heavy lens.  The 24-120mm is not a bad one-lens solution for travelling, and it has more reach than the 24-70mm.

I'd recommend a used 24-70 if you can live with the size & weight. Performance of the 24-85 VR is so-so; 24-120/4 VR is better but it's another slow lens. The 24-70 has lightning fast AF, useful for event shooting.

[Akira]

Personally I'm not big fan of the large sizes and heavy weight of any FX standard zooms, but Ron (the NG member Ron Scubadiver) posts fine images taken with the 24-120.