Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a single travel zoom for my D850 because honestly I am so over carrying a giant bag of glass everywhere.
I am leaving for a hiking trip in the Dolomites in like three weeks and I am genuinely dreading the pack weight. Last time I went out I brought my 14-24 and the 24-70 and the 70-200 and by day two I wanted to throw the whole kit off a cliff. My back was killing me and I missed so many good shots of wildlife because I had the wide lens on and by the time I fumbled around in my bag to switch everything the moment was gone. Its just so frustrating to have such a powerful camera like the D850 and feel like the gear is actually getting in the way of the experience if that makes sense?
I need one lens that can stay on the body like 90% of the time. I was looking at the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 but Ive heard mixed things about it being sharp enough for the 45mp sensor. Like is it actually gonna look good or am I gonna regret not having my primes? I also saw some people talking about the Tamron 35-150 but that seems massive and heavy too which kinda defeats the purpose. I tried the 28-300mm once years ago and it was just muddy and soft so I really dont want to go down that road again.
Budget is around 1300 bucks and Im totally fine buying used gear from MPB or Keh if it gets me better glass. I just want something that isnt a total compromise on quality but lets me actually enjoy the hike without feeling like a pack mule. Has anyone actually used the 24-120 on a high res body for travel or is there a better all-in-one I should be looking at before I lose my mind and sell everything for a point and shoot lol...
Man, I totally get the throw the kit off a cliff feeling. The D850 is a legendary body but carrying the holy trinity on a hike is basically a gym workout you didnt ask for. I have done the Dolomites with a heavy pack and it ruins the vibe real fast. Honestly, for a one-lens setup on that 45mp sensor, you have a couple solid paths that wont break your back or your spirit.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
- I used this for a year as my primary travel lens. People trash it for the 45mp sensor, but honestly? Its not prime sharp in the corners wide open, but if you stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8 for landscapes, its actually really decent. For like $500 used on MPB, its a steal.
- Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art
- This is basically the sharper, beefier cousin of the Nikon. It handles the high res of the D850 better than the 24-120 does, though it is noticeably heavier in the hand.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
- If you can find a used one within your $1300 budget, the VR version is sharp as a tack. You lose the reach of the 120mm but the image quality is truly top tier. Tbh, Id just grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR. Its light enough that you will actually keep the camera out instead of buried in a bag. Just click the profile correction in Lightroom to fix the distortion and you are golden for those mountain vistas.
I'd disagree that the 24-120mm lacks sharpness; I'm very satisfied with it.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR (best weight)
- Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art (better optics) It's great!
Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.
