24-70 or 70-200 lens

[Koby]

I want to buy a new lens. I have only the generic lens 18-200 and a 50mm 1.8f. I have been wondering which of these lenes I should get, 24-70 or 70-200. I don't shoot weddings at this time but getting started with my first on in August, but do some portraiture stuff. Which lens would give me more all around more useage.

[photolando]

Without question, the 24-70. I would say 70% of the shots I do at weddings are with that lens. And just about all my portraiture is done with it as well.

Look at it this way, if you do a wedding, you will need to get group shots, shots of the cake, some detail shots, dancing. You can't get those starting at 70mm. And especially if you have a cropped sensor camera.

[Narsuitus]

24-70

[MyPerspective]

Do we assume sensor size?

On a full-frame, for portraiture, you're better off with the 70-200. On a smaller sensor, without a doubt, the 24-70 will be your favorite lens!

[S_Porter]

My 24-70 is on my D7000 all the time, that's the first one I would get again between the two.

[Steven G Webb]

I have a 70-200 2.8 and a 28-70 2.8 and if I were shooting portraits and an occasional weddings, I'd pick the 24-70 2.8 first. In crowded environments having to back away from a detail shot gives room for people to get in between you and the subject (get in the way sounds pushy). For getting candid shots the longer telephoto puts you further from the subjects again. In that case not only do you have to deal with congestion but you are further from the subject which means communication and connection with them is challenging. Then there are those previously mentioned groups where you don't want to be too far away to give directions.

You will eventually want both. Make lots of money and buy the second one soon as possible.

Steve

[Bobby Deal]

You really have to make this choice based on your anticipated needs. Ultimately I want both these pieces of glass in my bag and were I in your shoes I would consider this option.

If you already have the funds to buy one or the other take your pick and buy the one you think you will need most. Then puts the 18-200 and the nifty 50 on eBay and sell them and use the money from them to buy a 80-200 f/2.8 which is as sharp or sharper then the 70-200 and the VR is a moot point if shooting people or working from a tripod . I have owned both the 80-200 and the 70-200 and the 80 is my preferred choice though I have not worked with the newer 70-200 for the price difference I find the 80-200 a clear choice.

[Koby]

Thanks. THis gives me a good idea.
I have a Nikon D300s camera. I was thinking to get the 24-70. If I need I could possibly rent a 70-200 for a few weddings until my business grows and I can justify paying for the other glass too.

[njangka]

I have a D300 & D800 and both 24-70 & 70-200. On the D300 for weddings it's a no brainer to opt for the 24-70. However on FF and for portraiture the 70-200 way beter.

[xpclassified]

Originally Posted by Koby

Thanks. THis gives me a good idea.
I have a Nikon D300s camera. I was thinking to get the 24-70. If I need I could possibly rent a 70-200 for a few weddings until my business grows and I can justify paying for the other glass too.

+1 good choice