…have an expiry date – 2 March, is what I’m told. So if you want to make the most of them, I’d suggest acting fast. Some good deals to be had – I might pick up a 70-200 for myself…
The table of links is here.
It appears that the Nikon lens offers…
February 27, 2013 by
Ming Thein | Photographer 
One sale ends another one begins…check some special Nikon lens pricing at B&H…offer expires march 30th
Thanks for the heads up!
Yeah, I hear ya. I just love the bokeh from all my lenses. You couldn’t pry my 70-200 f/2.8 from me. Even wide open it is a dream. So I don’t think I would be inclined to leave it sitting while shooting a 28-300, and I would be looking at images and wondering how much different it would have been with the 70-200. And with another prime, really thought of the 24 f/1.4 but, maybe you are right for the 28 f/1.8, I wonder how much would use I would have for the 24-70? Its been a real useful lens. But it should be updated soon IMO. I’m already spending for the best body, don’t want to go with less of a lens available to do it right.
The 85/1.8 will still give you better bokeh than the 70-200 or 24-120, and some cinematic flare (if you like that kind of thing). The 28-300 and 24-120 are the kind of thing you shoot stopped down. 24/1.4 has some focusing and sample variation/ edge issues on the D800; I dumped mine. The 24-70 is large and unwieldy – unless you need the extra stop, VR in the 24-120 makes up for it.
You like the 24-120 instead of the 24-70 for IQ? How does the 24-120 compare to using the 28 and 85 stopped down?
The 24-70 has better microcontrast. None of the zooms will beat the primes, even stopped down. But it’s pretty close by f8.
Ming… so tell me this, I have the 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8, 14-24, 85 f/1.4, and a few other great lenses. Now as enticing as the sale is, like I need another lens, so out of curiosity, which lens would you buy if you already have the cream of the crop in lenses? Also, I am maybe looking to lighten the load when traveling for pleasure, but say want the D800 with me? Thanks…
Easy. Sell the 85/1.4, and get a 28/1.8G and 85/1.8 G. Not only will the sale pay for the lenses, your back will thank you – it’s what I did. Image quality wide open is actually better on the D800, too.
See, I knew I was asking the right guy! I like that idea. You know what I am use to with these lenses, I have been spoiled with the IQ w/ my 200 f/2, but I am curious of the 24-120 or 28-300 for a all in one, with either the D800 or D4?
The 28-300 is convenient but not going to cut it for critical applications. The 24-120 has a lot of distortion, but if you use ACR’s profile for it, it works well. I’ve got one – the only problem is that it isn’t small or light, and you’re up the wazoo when it comes to low light.
Hi Ming,
Just picked up a 85/1.8G AFS through your referral link on Amazon. Saved £100.00 on what I would pay in the U.K. I am well pleased with that. Thank You.
Hope I like the lense, the reviews have all been fantastic
Gary Evans
Thanks Gary – if you get a good sample, I think you’ll be quite surprised.
You’ve got me worried now, do they not have quality control at Nikon ???
I’ve yet to handle a bad 85/1.8 G – the design is very simple. It doesn’t even have aspherical elements! Some of the more complex designs have very tight tolerances – the 24/1.4 is a good example – and there’s definitely some sample variation between copies.
Such a pity those offers are not available where I live. One would think Nikon should have uniform pricing policy in every country.
We get no love here either – just have to order from B&H.
Hi Ming,
I am new to photography, just got myself a D600 and a 50/1.4G. I was considering getting the new 70/200 F4 which seems to have had favourable reviews. What do you reckon.
Gary Evans
Optically great, providing you don’t need faster.
I already picked up the 60 micro last week and the 85 1.4 arrived tonight. 70-200 is pretty awesome, I used mine a lot in Venice this month. MIng, have you thought about speaking at B&H while you are in NY?
Great – hope you were able to use one of the referral links 🙂
Yes, I’ve just signed up with them – spent most of this morning updating posts. They’re also sending me a Fuji X20 to test this week…
I need to hurry up and get my clients to pay me. It’s about time to update from my Nikon 28-70 f/2.8D. I did a food shoot today and the 24 & 36MP files are really starting to show the shortcomings on that lens wide open. Luckily I had my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 on hand so all was good.
I think collection has got to be the bane of every pro photographer…good luck!