All good points Bob although the expense comparison and quality reference is slightly off. There are a few still cam comparisons on the net that show the 17-35 2.8 ED out performing their prime counterparts and so on with the 80-200.
These two lenses can be had in excellent condition for around 1000.00.
So take the 17-35/2.8 which gets you a 17, 20, 24, 28, 35 all in 2.8 flavors and equal to or better performance to their prime counter parts. Even if you wanted a 16, 24, and a 35 prime you would probbly see a 1k expense for glass in excellent condition for hose three. To that effect you get much more mileage out of the extra sick 17-35 than you do primes. The same goes for the 80-200 for telephoto lengths.
The major drawbacks are speed (i personally think that 2 or 2.8 is fast enough) and focal throw distance for this type of work. Also, added weight.
However beyond the dollar amount and actual quality of zooms, a host of tests can be found on the net for various zoom lenses, the rest is preference and there is no right or wrong. Only what works for an individual.
I like my hyper slow Vario Sonnar so much that I am looking into adding one or two of the push pull models to my kit.
These two lenses can be had in excellent condition for around 1000.00.
So take the 17-35/2.8 which gets you a 17, 20, 24, 28, 35 all in 2.8 flavors and equal to or better performance to their prime counter parts. Even if you wanted a 16, 24, and a 35 prime you would probbly see a 1k expense for glass in excellent condition for hose three. To that effect you get much more mileage out of the extra sick 17-35 than you do primes. The same goes for the 80-200 for telephoto lengths.
The major drawbacks are speed (i personally think that 2 or 2.8 is fast enough) and focal throw distance for this type of work. Also, added weight.
However beyond the dollar amount and actual quality of zooms, a host of tests can be found on the net for various zoom lenses, the rest is preference and there is no right or wrong. Only what works for an individual.
I like my hyper slow Vario Sonnar so much that I am looking into adding one or two of the push pull models to my kit.
