So I've been shooting with a D750 for about six years now and I've always been a strict prime lens guy. I usually carry a 24mm, 50mm, and 85mm in my bag and just swap them out. But here's the thing, I just booked a two-week hiking trip to Banff for next month and my knees and back are already complaining about the weight of carrying all that glass. Plus, swapping lenses in dusty or rainy conditions on a trail is just a recipe for sensor dust disaster, which I really want to avoid.
I need to transition to a single walkaround zoom that can handle most situations. I'm looking for a solid all-rounder that stays on the body 90% of the time. Here is what I am looking for:
- Budget: around $800 max, totally fine buying used on MPB or KEH
- Focal range: needs to go from reasonably wide to at least short telephoto
- Weight: under 800g if possible, I don't want a massive brick hanging off my neck all day
- Image quality: needs to be sharp enough that I won't cry coming from prime lenses
I was looking at the old 24-120mm f/4 VR but I've heard mixed things about the corners being soft. Is the 24-70mm f/2.8 too heavy for hiking? What are you guys using when you can only bring one lens?
I hauled a heavy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED up through Glacier National Park a few years back and honestly, my neck was ruined by day three. It is just too much glass for long trails. For your D750, I would suggest the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR. You might want to ignore the internet hate about corner softness. Those reviews are usually pixel peeping at f/4. When you are shooting landscapes, you will likely be at f/8 anyway, where it is very sharp. You can easily grab a clean copy on MPB for around $350. Just make sure to check the zoom ring for rubber slipping before your trip, as older copies sometimes suffer from that.
> Is the 24-70mm f/2.8 too heavy for hiking? Yeah, it really is. Id be careful with those heavy f/2.8 zooms on long trails. You might want to consider the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR instead. Its only 465g and goes for under $300 used on MPB. Check the comparisons on DXOMARK, it is surprisingly sharp stopped down to f/8 for landscape shots.
Late to the party but ^ this. Also, seriously invest in a secure chest harness! Hanging any heavy camera from your neck on steep trails is a major safety hazard. Love my harness, it keeps everything totally secure! Save your cash by buying used, but definitely watch out for zoom creep on older lenses. Dust gets inside so easily!
