I finally pulled the trigger on a Z50 last month because I wanted something light for my hiking trips around Colorado this summer. I really like the kit lens for basic street stuff but man I feel so limited when I see a bird or some cool landscape detail far away. I am looking for a solid zoom lens but my budget is pretty strictly under $450 because I spent most of my savings on the body and some extra batteries. Ive been doing some digging and everyone keeps mentioning the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR. It seems like the obvious choice but some reviews say the mount is plastic and it feels kind of cheap in the hand which makes me worry about it lasting if I am out in the elements. Then I saw the 18-140mm which sounds great for an all-in-one but its way over my price range new and even used prices are pushing it lately. I also saw some people talking about using older F-mount lenses with an FTZ adapter but honestly that seems so bulky and I want to keep this setup small. Are there any other hidden gems or maybe third party stuff from Tamron or Sigma that I missed that dont need an adapter? I just want something that wont break the bank but still gives me that extra reach for nature shots without being a total brick. What do you guys think is the best bang for your buck right now for the Z mount DX sensors?
Honestly, just go for the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR! I know the plastic mount sounds sketchy, but it is actually super sturdy and keeps the weight way down for those long Colorado hikes. The image quality is seriously amazing for the price. Its the absolute best bang for your buck right now! You wont regret it once you start getting those sharp bird shots.
@Reply #1 - good point! But honestly, I have to disagree about the plastic mount. In my experience, those mounts can get brittle in the cold. I once saw one crack after a tiny bump in a bag. Even if it is bulkier, a used Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter and an older Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR are safer. The metal mount gives much more peace of mind.
To add to the point above: I've always been the type to worry about my gear the second I step off the pavement. I remember one time I was hiking up near Estes Park and a sudden gust of wind caught my bag while it was open... my heart basically stopped. Even if a lens is rated as sturdy, that plastic feel just doesnt sit right with me when I'm climbing over rocks. I want to know my gear can survive a bit of a rough trip without me having to treat it like a glass figurine. There are some third-party options starting to pop up for the Z mount that might fit your budget and offer a better build quality than the plastic kit zooms. I've been thinking about this same stuff lately, and I have a couple questions that might help clear things up:
- Are you open to looking at third-party brands that might offer metal mounts even if they aren't the big names you usually see?
- Is the weight savings of the newer stuff more important to you than having something that feels like a tank in your hand? It really comes down to how much you trust yourself not to bump it, tbh. I know I'm clumsy, so I always lean towards the heavier builds even if they are a bit of a pain to carry up a mountain.
I am literally in the exact same position right now!! I just got my Z50 and I have been stressing so much about which lens to pick for my summer hiking trips since my budget is also capped at $450. I am so terrified of breaking something out on the trails!
- I also have a super strict budget and it feels so hard to find something durable.
- The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is so cheap but that plastic mount makes me so nervous just like you mentioned!!
- I really want to avoid using the Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter because keeping the weight low for hiking is everything to me. It is such a struggle trying to find stuff that wont fall apart but also doesnt cost a fortune... I am totally following this thread because I need to save my money for travel costs but I still want amazing shots!
