Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 or 70-200mm 2.8?

It's me again. Lol

I was in here asking a question the other day on whether or not to get a D7000 or a D300s. Well, I've decided on rather than getting a new camera body to opt for a new lens.

So, my question now is on whether to get a 24-70mm 2.8 or a 70-200mm 2.8 VRII? I currently own a 35mm 1.8 prime lens, an 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR lens.

Mostly, I shott pics of family and friends. I'm no pro, so this is just a hobby… That I love. That being said, I'd like to get a great lens. (No, I don't want to consider a Sigma or Tamron lens)

Here are my thoughts: I could go with the 24-70mm and get rid of my 35mm 1.8 while allowing me to keep my 55-200mm VR lens. Or I can ditch the 55-200mm VR lens and go for the 70-200mm VRII while keeping the 35mm prime lens.

Your thoughts?

Those two lenses are so far apart I think you need to figure out exactly what you need the lens for. Or, just get the 70-200 because that goes best with a Jeep.

You really have to sit down and figure out what exactly YOU need.

I would keep both the 24-70 mm and 70-200 mm lenses. They will cover almost 80% of the subjects you may be shooting. Add the 12-24 mm and you will be shooting almost anything there's in your interest sphere.

If you are more into macro than landscape, then substitute a 60 mm f/2.8 macro for the 12-24 mm lens

24-70mm would be good for family and friends, with 55-200mm for candid, you already have.
No point in letting go of 35mm.

Sounds like you are just an equipment collector.

You already have lenses which cover the range from 18 to 200mm so why would you want to duplicate that?

Rather than spending money on more equipment which is unnecessary, put the money to doing a course and learn more about the craft.

If you mainly shoot just family and friends then what you have is plenty for your requirements.

I'm just voting with sant kabir. Keep the 35mm, as it is nice for family parties, etc., when you don't want to carry an imposing machine with you. It is good indoors and it makes your camera less intimidating to the people in the room with you. It's not really worth that much on resale.

The 24-70 would be more useful for "family and friends" than the 70-200.

If you want a nice lens without going into the mega-bucks range, I have enjoyed the new 28-300.No, it's not in the same class as the two you mentioned, but it's no slouch and it's quite versatile. See my own samples here