D750 Kit (24-120 F4) lens "skippable?"

Elite83 · Mar 12, 2016

I'm looking to invest in a D750 at some point in the future and I am trying to plan what is essential (to start) and what is not. Money is a issue of course, and dropping several thousand in one fell-swoop on photo gear is never really wise anyway.

I've never really much used the kit 18-55 that came with my Sony NEX. The IQ wasn't bad, but I never found a use for it. It wasn't artsy or long enough for glamour portraits obviously, and it wasn't bright enough for anything indoors.

With this in mind, would Nikon shooters agree that the 24-120mm F4 "kit" D750 lens is worth skipping in order to put that money towards a more "specialty" type lens like an 85mm F1.4, or 27-70 F2.8? Or is it foolish to not have a "general" lens for any camera?

Before continuing, let me first address the generic advice: "buy what ever suits your needs as a photographer." This isn't a black and white question--"buy it or not." I'm curious if Nikon shooters are surprised at the IQ and versatility of such a lens, or it is worth passing over in favor of other lenses, if so, which lenses? I have an open mind and I would love to gather input from experienced Nikon photogs. It's always easier to buy gear than it is to sell gear.

--
-Matt
https://500px.com/mcooi77

Mach Schnell · Mar 12, 2016

I happen to like the 24-120 quite a bit. But it is pricey and a bit heavy and large. Even more so on a D750 (as compared to a D8xx or D4/D5). Most people want some sort of general purpose zoom for a walk around lens. If you are not inclined to the 24-120 then the 24-85 is cheaper, smaller, and lighter. You give up the extra zoom and a little detail in the corners. But the 24-85 is highly regarded. If you are willing to go with a used lens, you could save a bundle by picking up an old 28-105. I still use mine from time to time and marvel that it still performs well after all these years.

Michael Benveniste · Mar 12, 2016

Elite83 said:
With this in mind, would Nikon shooters agree that the 24-120mm F4 "kit" D750 lens is worth skipping in order to put that money towards a more "specialty" type lens like an 85mm F1.4, or 27-70 F2.8? Or is it foolish to not have a "general" lens for any camera?

It's not foolish to skip any lens you know you aren't going to use. But if you have even a little doubt, right now I'd suggest going with the kit.

Currently, Amazon is showing a US warranty D750 listed at $2000, and the "kit" with the D750/24-120mm "kit" listed at $2300. KEH will buy the 24-120mm from you for $350, and you should have no problem getting $400+ for it locally. So even counting shipping costs and the credit card "float," you can try the 24-120mm for the cost of your time.

Andrew 3 · Mar 12, 2016

Elite83 said:
With this in mind, would Nikon shooters agree that the 24-120mm F4 "kit" D750 lens is worth skipping in order to put that money towards a more "specialty" type lens like an 85mm F1.4, or 27-70 F2.8?

No, I certainly don't agree.

Elite83 said:
Or is it foolish to not have a "general" lens for any camera?

Lens choices are entirely personal and dependent on your own particular needs.

The D750 + 24-120 kit is almost a no-brainer as you should be able to offload the lens for about the same amount give or take as the increased cost of the kit if it doesn't suit you.

AT Miami · Mar 12, 2016

Mach Schnell said:
But it is pricey and a bit heavy and large. Even more so on a D750 (as compared to a D8xx or D4/D5).

Price wise is is exactly the opposite: $300 with D750 and $500 with D810. Weight and size of this lens is the same regardless of which body it is coupled with.

At $300 this lens is the best value in entire Nikon's line. I am very happy with the image quality it provides.

noflashplease · Mar 12, 2016

Elite83 said:
I'm looking to invest in a D750 at some point in the future and I am trying to plan what is essential (to start) and what is not. Money is a issue of course, and dropping several thousand in one fell-swoop on photo gear is never really wise anyway.

I've never really much used the kit 18-55 that came with my Sony NEX. The IQ wasn't bad, but I never found a use for it. It wasn't artsy or long enough for glamour portraits obviously, and it wasn't bright enough for anything indoors.

With this in mind, would Nikon shooters agree that the 24-120mm F4 "kit" D750 lens is worth skipping in order to put that money towards a more "specialty" type lens like an 85mm F1.4, or 27-70 F2.8? Or is it foolish to not have a "general" lens for any camera?

Before continuing, let me first address the generic advice: "buy what ever suits your needs as a photographer." This isn't a black and white question--"buy it or not." I'm curious if Nikon shooters are surprised at the IQ and versatility of such a lens, or it is worth passing over in favor of other lenses, if so, which lenses? I have an open mind and I would love to gather input from experienced Nikon photogs. It's always easier to buy gear than it is to sell gear.

John M Roberts · Mar 12, 2016

All good advice. I wanted a lighter option to my 24~70 2.8G and would have settled for the same range in f4 since I already added a 70~200 f4 to my set. From research the 24~120 seemed the best choice. I was going to accept a refurbished one but then found the need of a D750 and that kit deal was an unquestionable deal. For 300 more, I wouldn't skip.

Ray Sachs · Mar 12, 2016

I'm not much of a zoom shooter, but want to have something available in a standard zoom and I already have a 24-120 f4. And if I were to get a D750 today, I'd STILL get it with the 24-120, because you can probably easily get more than the $300 difference for that lens on re-sale. And in your case, there's no downside because you can try it and, if you like it, it was a screaming deal. And if you don't, you don't lose anything on the sale - might even make a few bucks. In terms of quality, the 24-70 f2.8 is somewhat better and a stop faster, but it's a good deal larger and heavier (if you get the VR version, only a bit larger and heavier if you get the older version), waaaaay more expensive, and obviously less versatile for the lack of 50mm on the long end...

The 24-70 is a pro lens. The 24-120 is a kit lens, but it's about as good a kit lens as I've ever run across and on a current full frame sensor, f4 actually goes a long way...

-Ray
--------------------------------------
We judge photographers by the photographs we see. We judge cameras by the photographs we miss - Haim Zamir
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/

Stacey_K · Mar 13, 2016

Elite83 said:
I've never really much used the kit 18-55 that came with my Sony NEX. The IQ wasn't bad, but I never found a use for it. It wasn't artsy or long enough for glamour portraits obviously, and it wasn't bright enough for anything indoors.

I think you answered your own question. Even at $300, it isn't a "deal" if you don't use it. I personally have found that zooms make me lazy and I'm much more creative leaving home with one or two primes than walking around with a zoom. Other people love zooms like this and they should definitely buy it. Personally, I would skip it even at this price.

Mach Schnell · Mar 13, 2016

Where can I buy this lens for $300? I would order 5 of them.

Ray Sachs · Mar 13, 2016

Mach Schnell said:
Where can I buy this lens for $300? I would order 5 of them.

That's the difference between the cost of the D750 with the 24-120 and the D750 body only. So if you're buying a D750, you get the lens for $300. Given how easy it would be to sell it on ebay for $400-500, it seems like a no-brainer to buy it with the D750, whether you think you actually want the lens or not...

-Ray
--------------------------------------
We judge photographers by the photographs we see. We judge cameras by the photographs we miss - Haim Zamir

Ray

Explore Ray’s 2,013 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

NikonShoot3r · Mar 13, 2016

Ray Sachs said:
Mach Schnell said:

Where can I buy this lens for $300? I would order 5 of them.

Click to expand...

That's the difference between the cost of the D750 with the 24-120 and the D750 body only. So if you're buying a D750, you get the lens for $300. Given how easy it would be to sell it on ebay for $400-500, it seems like a no-brainer to buy it with the D750, whether you think you actually want the lens or not...

-Ray
--------------------------------------
We judge photographers by the photographs we see. We judge cameras by the photographs we miss - Haim Zamir
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/

This "kit lens" is very good..Considering i paid $800 for mine 2 years ago, at these rates it's a steal

ASR45 · Mar 14, 2016

there is nothing wrong with the 24-120 VR, i have just picked one up myself and am very pleased at the sharpness and Af of the lens, for the money i would choose it and its a good match on the D750 pretty light and easy to carry.

Ray Sachs · Mar 14, 2016

Stacey_K said:
Elite83 said:

I've never really much used the kit 18-55 that came with my Sony NEX. The IQ wasn't bad, but I never found a use for it. It wasn't artsy or long enough for glamour portraits obviously, and it wasn't bright enough for anything indoors.

Click to expand...

I think you answered your own question. Even at $300, it isn't a "deal" if you don't use it. I personally have found that zooms make me lazy and I'm much more creative leaving home with one or two primes than walking around with a zoom. Other people love zooms like this and they should definitely buy it. Personally, I would skip it even at this price.

I don't like shooting with a zoom much either, but it's good to have one on the shelf for those occasional situations where you really need one, and for $300 with a D750, it'd be tough to do better than the 24-120. I think I paid more like $500 for mine - I don't use it much at all, but I'm extremely happy to have it...

ChapelThrill23 · Mar 14, 2016

I find the 24-120 to be a really good walk around landscape lens and a good deal better than the 24-85 which I used to own. Personally I think it is a steal right now as a kit lens. BH has a D750 and 24-120 for $2296 and a body only for $1996. $300 for a lens that is versatile and capable is a great deal and I think you should go for it. Were the price difference higher it might be worth holding back but for $300 I think you almost have to.

Suntan · Mar 14, 2016

It's not "artsy" and it isn't "specialty." So if that's what you are looking for, you should probably skip.

That said, I already have a number of primes and 2.8 zooms, but I still decided to get the 24-120vr when I got the D750 because it is a very useful kit lens that works well for what it is. It is fairly large (for a kit zoom) and decently heavy, but it works really well when you want a general purpose walk around lens.

Lastly, the price for the lens, when bought as a kit with the D750, is a pretty good deal. If you find you don't want it after the fact, you'd probably be able to sell it for a profit by itself.

Stacey_K · Mar 14, 2016

ASR45 said:
there is nothing wrong with the 24-120 VR, i have just picked one up myself and am very pleased at the sharpness and Af of the lens, for the money i would choose it and its a good match on the D750 pretty light and easy to carry.

I never said it was a bad lens. I'm not sure you even read my post.

I simply said if the OP is like me, and prefers to shoot with primes and likely won't use this lens, there isn't much point in buying it even at $300 if it's just going to sit on a shelf.

ChapelThrill23 · Mar 14, 2016

Elite83 said:
I've never really much used the kit 18-55 that came with my Sony NEX. The IQ wasn't bad, but I never found a use for it. It wasn't artsy or long enough for glamour portraits obviously, and it wasn't bright enough for anything indoors

One thing worth pointing out is that kit lenses are not created equal. The 24-120VR is much better than the 18-55 that comes with a NEX. I used to have that one and it isn't great. One area that the 24-120VR is better with is range. An 18-55 is a 27-82.5 equivalent on FF. 24mm is much wider than 27mm for landscapes. The 24-120 is also sharper at all apertures and better built. The color and contrast are also good. It also is bright enough for some indoor work on a body with the high ISO performance of the D750. Personally I use mine as an outdoor general purpose walkaround lens and find it excellent. It is a major cut above a cheapo APS-C kit lens.

Even if you primarily plan to shoot with primes, I'd still keep it. There are some situations where you cannot change lenses and do not know what you will come across. For those, especially if you are outside, having a lens with good range and solid optics is invaluable. I think for instance that it makes a great one lens travel solution for times that you cannot carry a lot with you. $300 is a crazy good deal for a lens that retails for $1100.

calson · Mar 15, 2016

A used 24-70mm f2.8 lens is a better choice for this camera. Better image quality and better for low light shooting as twice as much light is getting to the camera's autofocus sensors.

noflashplease · Mar 15, 2016

calson said:
A used 24-70mm f2.8 lens is a better choice for this camera. Better image quality and better for low light shooting as twice as much light is getting to the camera's autofocus sensors.

--
George Carlin “The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it."

You're not likely to find any used 24-70mm f2.8 for anywhere near $300, which is the cost of the 24-120mm F4 as a kit lens

D750 Kit (24-120 F4) lens "skippable?"

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