Whats the absolute best all-around lens for a Nikon D750 if I want to ditch swapping glass in the field? Ive been shooting primes for years but I have a trip to Scotland next month and carrying three lenses is killing my back. Looking to spend under 800 bucks, maybe something like a 24-120? Is it worth it or just soft?
Honestly, for a trip like Scotland, you really dont want to be messing with lens caps in the rain. If you have a D750, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is basically the gold standard for a one-lens setup. It gives you a great range for landscapes and decent reach for portraits without being too heavy. Here is what you should know about it:
- It has constant aperture, which makes exposure way easier to manage when your zoom changes.
- The VR is super helpful if you are shooting handheld in lower light conditions or on a windy day.
- It is not as sharp as your primes, obviously, but it is plenty sharp for travel prints and social media. Another solid, cheaper option is the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art. It is super sharp across the frame, though it is a bit bulkier than the Nikon version. Whatever you pick, just keep in mind:
- You will notice some distortion at 24mm, but Lightroom fixes that in one click.
- The f/4 aperture means you might need to push your ISO a bit during sunset, but the D750 handles that noise fine. I used the 24-120 on a hike once and barely missed my primes. Totally worth the trade-off for the convenience of not carrying a heavy bag.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I honestly found the 24-120mm kinda soft on the edges for my taste. Using it on my D750 was disappointing when I wanted sharp prints. Instead, look at these options:
- Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 - heavier but way sharper than the Nikon glass.
- Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art - much better contrast, honestly feels premium. Maybe sacrifice some reach for that sharpness?
Noted!
Solid advice 👍
