Why can two constant f/2.8 zooms with similar focal lengths differ so much in price?
Asked 12/14/2014
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I’m comparing Nikon’s 24-70mm f/2.8G and the older 28-70mm f/2.8D. They both have a constant f/2.8 aperture and a similar zoom range, yet the 24-70 costs much more. What factors besides focal length and maximum aperture affect lens pricing, and what should buyers pay attention to when comparing lenses like these?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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The focal length/speed is only one factor in the retail price of the lens. Other goodies like construction (metal vs. plastic), image stabilization (and other automation in general) and vintage can easily add (or remove) a zero.
The two lenses in the question are very different products. The 2.8G is a newer product and lacks an aperture ring - the diaphragm is controlled electronically. The older lens has internal focusing - the barrel doesn't move. The newer lens also has 3 (instead of 1) aspherical elements, and they are not cheap. Predicted market will be a very large influence - the Canon 1200mm/5.6L sold about 2 per year and cost as much as a small house as a result.
In short, price is in no way proportional to focal length.
Originally by user31541. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user31541
11y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Price is not proportional to focal length. Two lenses can share a similar range and max aperture but differ greatly in cost because of design, age, and features.
In this case, the 28-70mm f/2.8D is an older, discontinued lens, while the 24-70mm f/2.8G is its newer replacement. Newer lenses often cost more because they use updated optical formulas, coatings, and mechanics. The 24-70 also extends wider to 24mm, which is harder to design well than 28mm, and it uses more advanced elements (including more aspherical/ED elements), which are expensive.
Other price factors include build quality, autofocus system, electronic aperture control, coatings, internal design, and expected market demand. A discontinued lens may also sell for less simply because it’s older stock or commonly found used.
So when buying, don’t compare only focal length and f-number. Also consider optical quality, coatings, autofocus behavior, build, compatibility with your camera, age of the design, and whether you’re comparing a current model to an older discontinued one.
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