So I finally did it and pulled the trigger on a Nikon D850! Upgraded from my old D7100 and oh my god the viewfinder alone is incredible, I am so hyped to start shooting with this monster. But now I am stuck in a massive rabbit hole trying to find the ultimate walkaround lens. I have a big trip to Iceland coming up in October and I really want a single lens that can stay on the camera most of the time because swapping lenses in the wind and rain there sounds like a nightmare.
I did a bunch of reading online and everyone keeps pointing to the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR. People say the autofocus is lightning fast and it is super sharp, but then I see others complaining that it is a absolute brick to carry around all day. Plus it is pretty pricey even used. The other option I keep seeing is the 24-120mm f/4G VR. It sounds perfect on paper for the range but a lot of forum posts say it is too soft for the 45 megapixel sensor and wont do the D850 justice. So now I am just sitting here totally torn between getting a heavy expensive lens or a lighter one that might make my photos look muddy.
Here is what I am working with:
- Budget: Trying to keep it under $1200, totally fine buying used gear
- Main use: Landscape, travel, outdoor stuff, and some street shooting
- Must be weather sealed because of the Iceland trip
- Weight: I want to be able to hike with it without needing a chiropractor the next day
Is the 24-120 really that bad on the D850? Or is there some third party option like Sigma or Tamron that I totally missed that hits the sweet spot for a do-it-all lens? What are you guys using when you only want to bring one lens out?
I would suggest the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR.
- just be careful with corner sharpness wide open
- way lighter for hiking than that 24-70mm brick lemme know if you need help!
I once hiked Glencoe with a heavy rig and my neck hated me. Be careful; I would suggest the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for superior weather sealing and stabilization.
Like someone mentioned, that weight starts to feel like a lead pipe after five miles. In my experience, the 45.7MP sensor on the Nikon D850 makes people get way too hung up on technical MTF charts. Practical handling and weather sealing matter way more in the field. Are you planning on making large prints from this trip? Also, how much low-light shooting are you expecting to do? Saving on glass might let you afford better filters.
