Which is best Z-mount lens for traveling with Nikon Z5?
@Reply #3 - good point! That f/2.8 aperture is definitely a lifesaver when you are shooting inside old buildings or at night. Basically, the thread is split between the massive range of the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the faster glass of the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2. Both are solid, but I'd suggest being a bit cautious about the environmental conditions you'll be in.
- I once brought a versatile zoom on a trip through some dusty areas and it really struggled.
- The barrel sucked in some grit while zooming and it started making this awful grinding noise.
- It eventually jammed up completely, and I spent the rest of my vacation without a working camera. I learned the hard way that mechanical simplicity is usually better for travel. You might want to consider a couple of small, weather-sealed primes instead of one big zoom. I know it sounds like more work to swap them, but my current setup is much more rugged and hasnt failed me yet. Just make sure to look at how these lenses are sealed... a lens that breaks on day two is just expensive dead weight in your bag.
Saw this earlier but just now responding... i've been diving into the spec sheets for the Z5 lately. While the superzooms are convenient, I would suggest being careful with the low-light performance on the Z5 since its sensor isnt back-illuminated like the Z6. You might want to consider the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S instead of the 24-200mm. It gives you a constant f/4 aperture which is a lifesaver for consistency when zooming, and the S-line weather sealing is much more reliable if you run into a random downpour. Compared to the Tamron 28-75mm, the Nikon 24-120mm gives you that extra width at 24mm which is basically essential for architecture and tight streets. If you're worried about weight, make sure to look at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 as a secondary lens. Its tiny and helps when the f/4 zoom starts struggling at dinner or in museums. TL;DR: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is technically the best balanced travel lens for the Z5 if you value sharpness and build quality over raw zoom range.
For an all-around excellent travel lens on the Nikon Z5, I highly recommend the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. Some key benefits:
- Extremely versatile focal range from wide-angle 24mm to telephoto 200mm
- Compact and lightweight for a superzoom at only 570g
- Built-in vibration reduction (VR) for sharper handheld shots
- Close focusing distance of just 0.5m at the wide end
- Affordable price compared to faster, premium zooms
This single lens can cover everything from landscapes to wildlife on your travels, making it an ideal "walk-around" option to keep on your Z5. The slower aperture is a tradeoff for the zoom range, but the Z5's good high ISO performance helps compensate for this.
The new released NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR will be better.
For an all-around excellent travel lens on the Nikon Z5, I highly recommend the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. Some key benefits:
- Extremely versatile focal range from wide-angle 24mm to telephoto 200mm
- Compact and lightweight for a superzoom at only 570g
- Built-in vibration reduction (VR) for sharper handheld shots
- Close focusing distance of just 0.5m at the wide end
- Affordable price compared to faster, premium zooms
This single lens can cover everything from landscapes to wildlife on your travels, making it an ideal "walk-around" option to keep on your Z5. The slower aperture is a tradeoff for the zoom range, but the Z5's good high ISO performance helps compensate for this.
The new Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 lens is another great choice: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Tamron+28+75mm+Mirrorless+Cameras+Warranty&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50
