Dave (D&A): I agree with your zoom kit approach. I actually use two kits for the D800E, depending on what I feel like carrying, Tripod or hand held, the type of shoot, etc. For a zoom kit I use Nikon 14-24mm, Tamron 24-70 VC, and Tamron 70-300 VC. Both Tamrons are really really a nice set of relatively inexpensive lenses that perform well for me (I'm not a Pro, so my expectations may not be as high as some). I sometimes leave the 14-24 home, because as others have said, it is a monster. That, plus that bulbous protruding front element intimidates me. My work is around blowing fine sand and salt air/spray, so I do not follow conventional wisdom, and I do keep UV filters on ALL my lenses, except the 14-24.Jack Wrote >>>"Note: After reviewing several ZF18 shots from my recent trip, I will be keeping it and probably not bother on the 17-35 zoom as I do have the 24-120 as well, and find it quite acceptable from 24 up>>>
No doubt the Zeiss 18mm is head and shoulders above the Nikon 17-35 f2.8 when set at 18mm, especially towards the corners...even if the zoom is well stopped down. With that said, where the zoom does well is in a compact travel kit when it's paried with a relatively small telezoom such as the Tamron 70-300 VC lens which is amazingly good on the D800 and far superior to Nikon's own version. A small 50mm G lens can be thrown into the mix if desired. This gives an relatively light weight 17-300mm kit that perfoms well save for that relatively small amount of corner deterioration between 17-22mm with the 17-35mm zoom.
Jack, really nice image of the turning torso building and one of a number of favorites of mine that you've posted from your recent/current trip.
Dave (D&A)
When I want to only carry small primes, I have 18mm Zeiss ZF.2, 35mm f2 Zeiss ZF, 50mm Nikkor f1.8 G, and finally the manual focuse gem: the 90mm f3.5 Apo Lanthar (the newer chipped version for Nikon cameras). DigLloyd raves about this lens, and I agree, sharp center and edges, even at full aperature. A real gem that I have not really tapped it's potential, because I am basically a wide angle guy
Regards all....this thread is enlightening.
Dave