What lens should I buy for my Nikon Z6II if I just want one that does everything? I just got the camera used and I am totally lost with all the different options out there and I dont really know what the numbers like f/4 or 24-70 actually mean in real life.
I have about 800 bucks left in my budget and I really need something before my family trip to Yellowstone this July. I mostly just want to take nice pictures of my kids and the scenery without carrying a giant bag of gear or having to change things mid-hike. Is there one specific lens that is just the standard go-to for beginners who dont know what they are doing yet?
Testing the Z system over the years taught me that constant f/4 is king for travel. The f-number is your aperture... lower means more light and better blur.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
- My current go-to. Usually around 800 bucks used.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
- Lighter and way under budget. The 24-120 is what I always pack for national parks now.
Like someone mentioned, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a safe bet. I was happy it survived a rainy hike. Its cheap used, leaving money for a spare Nikon EN-EL15c Battery.
Honestly, I went through the same thing when I first got my Z6II. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR has made me very satisfied on my own trips. It works well for everything from wide scenery to zooming in on the kids. No complaints at all about the weight, and it fits right in your budget. Its basically the perfect one-lens solution for Yellowstone!
