DFA 24-70 - is it worth it?

I currently use the DFA 28-105mm with the K1, but am wondering whether it would be worth getting the DFA 24-70 mm f2.8 for landscapes? This format seems to be the go-to lens for Nikon and Canon landscape photographers, and another reason is that I have the Lee filters SW150 filter system for the DFA 15-30mm and I could use the same set on the 24-70 whereas the 28-105mm needs a smaller system. Does anyone have both to compare?

You can use your filters with a smaller lens without issues, just get a step down adapter, a couple of quid on Amazon. As for the lens, I personally thought it wasn't worth it. Tried both, returned the 24-70, the only thing it has going for it over the kit is the extra 4mm on the wide end. For landscapes, unless you are shooting moonlit ones, you probably won't benefit from the fact that it's faster. It's also substantially heavier, not to mention pricier. I opted for kit and an ultrawide and still had spare change. IQ wise I just could not see the difference between the two. Granted, I have not used it in low light; which is where it will most likely be an advantage.

I would be interested to hear the follow-up on this discussion. I have the FA*28-70 and wonder whether there is value to get the DFA* 15-30 or 24-70 (or both), or just save money and use the 'other' system for the wider shots...

Oh one more thing, vignetting is substantially worse on the kit v the DFA 24-70 on the wide end. Easily correctable in post, but nevertheless a visible difference.

Me too !!

Thanks Mag07, the jury is still out! As for the DFA 15-30mm, Ilovesaabs, the design is very similar to offerings from others and from what I recall compares very favourably. Personally I love it and the inevitable distortions are easily corrected, there are a couple of recent examples in my gallery of evening shots in Stratford upon Avon if you are interested.

Hi Rob

I won't comment on the quality of the 24-70 as others are doing that and I don't want to appear biased, but if you decide you want one I stall have a mint copy available for sale for a great deal.

Cheers
Andy

Pm sent

Well I took the plunge and bought the FA 24-70 from Hullman, I confess I didn't take much persuading. So thanks Andy and great to finally meet. Just playing so far but it looks promising, focus is quick and sharp in poor light and it is for twilight and interior shots I really wanted it. I will give it more of a trial at a photography day course on Friday. Changing between the FA 24-70 and the FA 28-105 really highlights the difference in size and weight so I am sure there is a place for both. Andy still has the DFA 70-200* if anyone is interested.

My question was is the FA 24-70 worth it. I am taken with how close it will focus, 38 cm, and here are some from my garden today.




and the same cropped


I think I am going to love this lens!

I had both and I think the 24-70 is a step up from the 28-105 although thats a cracking lens too.
Remember this is basically the Tamron 24-70 which even in Nikon/Canon circles is rated very very highly.