Bought my first zoom (24-70 mk i)

So I bought my first zoom since I found a 24-70mk1 for $900 and figured I should just jump at the opportunity but now I'm kind of conflicted.

I shoot all primes and I'm used to the sharpness of a prime. The 24-70 is NOT BAD but could be sharper and I'm afraid that I'm getting buyers remorse just because the sharpness isn't superb or anything (not that I should have expected that I guess). Originally I bought this as a walk around lens or indoor event lens so I can use different focal lengths but I also heard that the 70-200 f/4L IS is pretty damned sharp. I just want one zoom to have for the convenience of a zoom, just not certain on what would make me happier.

I'm sure if I wanted to I could turn this 24-70 around for enough to buy the 70-200 f/4IS but what seems more useful?

If it helps, I mainly shoot portraits and weddings (which I typically use a 35/85 prime combo for) but I bring my camera to family events too. The lenses I own are below in my sig.

Thanks.

Just give it a week. You'll fall in love. If not, you could easily sell it for $900 or more.

The 24-70 and 70-200 is one of the most versatile combinations out there. Like you said, you walk a fine line between lens characteristics and versatility. The 24-70 will go for $1100 easily, you'll make money on top.

Give it chance for a bit.

It's a great price you bought it for do you won't lose money if you decide to sell it.

When I had mine, it wasn't sharp until F3.2 onwards. Shooting it wide open definately wasn't the sharpest for that lens.

It's very versatile thought and sometimes I regret selling it and going for my 50L.

Maybe ill buy the mk2 of that lens later

Good job.

I would just sell it as you don't sound satisfied at all.

I know exactly what you mean. Once you shoot prime, it's hard to be amazed by any zoom. 24-70II and 70-200II might be the only exceptions

kin2son wrote in post #15638806
I would just sell it as you don't sound satisfied at all.

I know exactly what you mean. Once you shoot prime, it's hard to be amazed by any zoom. 24-70II and 70-200II might be the only exceptions

This is what I'm afraid of considering the prices. But keep in mind I haven't taken this lens out to play yet, just minor point and shooting around the house (just got the lens earlier in the evening).

Like Richie said, I might have to give it a week or two. Just trying to figure out if I end up not enjoying this lens, will going with the 70-200 F/4 IS be a good idea.

catchquan wrote in post #15638815
Like Richie said, I might have to give it a week or two. Just trying to figure out if I end up not enjoying this lens, will going with the 70-200 F/4 IS be a good idea.

Zoom is all about versatility. Looking at your gearlist you have some nice SHARP primes with great IQ. I highly doubt you'd be satisfied apart from the convenience.

Here's a thought for you though -

I've owned many primes (including hyper sharp Zeiss primes) and also the 24-70 and the 70-200.

When you open your RAW files in PS or Lightroom or whatever you can see the difference between the primes and the zooms for sure. Zoom into 100% on those Zeiss shots and it's staggering how sharp they are while the 24-70 certainly isn't tack-sharp at that level.

But - for me the 2 places where my images are shown is either on the internet or printed in albums not much bigger than A4.

Now - with a decent sharpening & resizing method I can get most images to look equally as sharp on the internet. And - when it comes to print that micro-contrast that you get with lenses like the Zeiss is lost..

So - I really think sharpness isn't that important for the "real world" where people are actually going to look at your images. Sure - you wont be as blown away when you view them in Lightroom but you're the only person that will see that.

The 24-70 is all about versatility matched with image quality and it's a great lens for that (still wish I had mine).

At the moment I'm shooting with 2 old manual focus prime lenses that cost me £20 each.. They are in no way sharp but, by the time I re-size and sharpen for web, there's not really any difference between them and much sharper lenses.

Here's some samples shot with the pentacon 50mm and 135mm: http://johnloydall.co.​uk/samples/mf/

I'm just starting to think that this pursuit of sharpness is a pointless one because your images ultimately wont benefit from it.

As far as zooms go your new lens is one of the best.
I dont use primes because I dont remove the lenses from the body once they're on. I did a whole afternoon with a hair on the sensor. One lens one body now.
The 24-70 on full frame is the most versatile range for wandering about with. If you cant get close to the subject whack the camera up to full resolution and crop later.

The 24-70 is one of the best zooms. Give it a chance, if you still don't like it, sell it. Looks like you picked it up for a great price.