Honestly, i spent way too long agonizing over this for my Z8. The pro glass is amazing but that price tag? Ouch. I ended up going with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and it has been solid for what I do. Its basically a Tamron design inside a Nikon shell, so it works perfectly with the internal autofocus and is super light for travel. If you dont need f/2.8 for low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is probably the smarter buy for landscapes. I like that it has a flat front element so you can actually use normal 82mm filters without some massive, expensive bracket setup. f/2.8 is nice for astro tho, so it really depends if youre shooting stars or just hiking during the day. Also, if youre on a really tight budget, I’ve seen people rave about the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Z. Havent tried it myself yet but the technical reviews for a third party lens are kinda insane for the price point compared to the S-line stuff.

Seriously you guys, if you want something that really sings on the Z8 sensor without totally nuking your bank account, you have to check out the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 Z. I have been shooting Nikon for a decade and honestly, this lens is a game changer compared to the native Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S if you dont mind using a prime. The sharpness is just ridiculous and it looks fantastic on a pro body like the Z8! Such an amazing piece of glass for the price. Quick tip: definitely grab the latest firmware update via the built-in USB port to get the best AF performance. Also, watch out for the flare when shooting directly into the sun... it is manageable but something to keep in mind! Feel free to ask if you need more info on how it handles, totally happy to help out.

@Reply #2 - good point! I totally agree that the price of the pro glass is a massive hurdle. When I first moved to the Z8, I was so worried about spending too much that I ended up researching for a month. Just be careful though, because I think I heard that some of the lighter lenses can feel a bit front-heavy on such a beefy body. IIRC, some guy at a meetup told me the corner sharpness on the budget options might not totally satisfy that 45MP sensor, but I havent seen it myself yet. Some things I'd suggest checking:

• Make sure to look at the filter thread sizes because those big filters get pricey fast.
• Check if the lens has a programmable ring; I find those super handy for exposure comp.
• Dont forget to see if the lens is weather-sealed if you shoot in the rain like I do. Not 100% sure about the technical stuff, but I'd be wary of anything that isnt natively made for Z-mount... adapters can be such a pain sometimes.

^ This. Also, I am totally backing that Viltrox suggestion because it honestly blew my expectations away. I was a bit skeptical of third-party glass on such an expensive body at first, but I have been super satisfied with how it handles. The build quality is legit and it doesnt feel flimsy at all. Since you are on the Z8, there are a few things I did to make it work even better for my workflow:

• Used the built-in USB-C port on the lens mount to update to the latest firmware right away.
• Mapped the Fn1 button on the lens barrel to focus recall for quick landscape shots.
• Calibrated the OLED display to show the hyperfocal distance which is a lifesaver for astro. If you find 16mm a bit too wide, I have also been really happy with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S. It is a native S-line lens and the corner-to-corner sharpness is just nuts. Honestly, you cant go wrong with either if you are looking for that high-res detail the Z8 sensor provides.

Yep, this is the way

Z 15-35mm f/2.8 S lens.

If you want the most reliable tool for that body, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the one. It is built for professional use and handles the Z8 sensor resolution without any issues. @Reply #3 - good point! Balance is key. This lens feels right on a larger body like the Z8, unlike some of the plastic-heavy budget zooms. Quick tip: make sure you use the dedicated hood for filters. It takes 112mm screw-ons which is much more reliable than those massive square filter systems when youre working fast in the field. It just works.

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