To add to the point above: while the premium S-line lenses are excellent, you might want to consider the total weight of your kit if you are traveling. A high-resolution sensor like the one in the Z7II is very demanding, but you can find reliability without always paying the maximum price tag. I would suggest evaluating these alternatives:

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
• This lens is arguably more practical for landscapes than the 24-70mm because of the extra focal length. It remains very sharp across the entire frame and handles travel well.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8
• This is a cost-effective way to get a fast aperture for wide-angle shots. It is lighter than the high-end wide zooms and takes standard screw-in filters, which is a big plus for landscape work.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
• For low light situations where you want to stay mobile, this prime is extremely compact and affordable, even if it isnt an S-line lens. Make sure to verify the weather sealing on any lens you choose for outdoor work. I generally recommend staying with the S-line for your primary zooms to ensure long-term reliability in the field... especially since that sensor captures so much detail and shows every little flaw.

Came here to say the same thing lol. Great minds think alike I guess.

Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷

Works great for me

Nice, didn't know that

I have been dealing with this exact same dilemma for months now and its driving me crazy! I love the Z7II so much, the performance is just incredible, but im totally stuck trying to find glass thats reliable enough for serious pro work. Its so frustrating because I want to make sure the build quality is top-tier before I drop the cash. Ive been looking for answers for like three months and still havent pulled the trigger on anything... honestly it feels impossible to find that perfect balance of speed and ruggedness!

Nikon Z7 II is a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera that works well with a wide range of lenses for various photography styles. 

Standard Zoom

1. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
   • Description: A professional-grade standard zoom lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture, ideal for a variety of shooting situations including portraits, landscapes, and events.
   • Pros: Sharp optics, great low-light performance, and weather-sealed construction.

Wide-Angle

2. Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S
   • Description: A compact and versatile wide-angle zoom lens perfect for landscape, architecture, and interior photography.
   • Pros: Lightweight and portable, consistent f/4 aperture, and excellent image quality.

Prime Lenses

3. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S

   • Description: A fast standard prime lens great for portraits, street photography, and general use.
   • Pros: Excellent sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and compact design.

4. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

   • Description: A portrait prime lens that provides flattering perspectives and beautiful subject isolation.
   • Pros: Superb sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and a great choice for portrait and event photography.

Telephoto

5. Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

   • Description: A professional telephoto zoom lens ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography.
   • Pros: Exceptional optics, fast aperture, and robust build quality, with effective image stabilization.

6. Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

   • Description: A versatile telephoto zoom for wildlife and sports, providing an extended reach.
   • Pros: Excellent image quality, good stabilization, and weather-sealed design.

Macro

7. Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
   • Description: A macro lens that allows for stunning close-up photography while remaining versatile for portraits.
   • Pros: Sharpness at all apertures, beautiful bokeh, and effective vibration reduction.

To add to the point above: you are totally right about the weight factor, but unfortunately, finding honest info on what actually lasts in the field has been such a letdown lately. I have had issues with some of the more popular glass not being as good as expected when things get dusty or wet, which is super frustrating when you are out shooting landscapes. Honestly, since you are looking for pro-level stuff, you should really do a deep dive yourself to be safe:

• search for long-term reliability tests on YouTube
• check the Nikon subreddit for real-world user complaints about specific zooms
• basically just go to the Nikon site and look at their detailed technical repair diagrams I saw a really helpful video about this a few months ago where a guy did a DIY teardown to show the weather sealing. Just search something like Nikon Z mount lens weather test and it is probably the first result. It is much safer to see it for yourself than just taking someone's word for it... hope that points you in the right direction!

For an all-around, versatile zoom, check out the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S. This lens produces super sharp images across the frame and is compact enough to carry around all day. If you need something more specialized for low light shooting, consider the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. It's heavier and more expensive but lets in a lot more light.

For travel and street photography, the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a lightweight prime lens that delivers beautiful bokeh and low light performance in a compact package. If you want something wider, look at the Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S for stunning landscapes and architecture shots.

For portraits, Nikon's Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is tack sharp wide open and gives gorgeous separation between your subject and background. And for telephoto reach, check out the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S for everything from portraits to wildlife and sports photography.

If you need more reach for wildlife, sports, or compressing landscapes, the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a top choice. This pro-level telephoto zoom is built like a tank and delivers lightning fast autofocus paired with stunning optical quality.