So I finally made the jump to the Z system and grabbed a Z6ii, but my kit lens is just not cutting it for the kind of travel photography I want to do. I have a trip to Scotland coming up in about six weeks and I really dont want to be swapping glass in the rain if I can help it. I need something that covers a good range but isnt gonna break my back or my bank account, looking to stay under 1k if possible.
My logic was to go for the Z 24-120mm f/4 S because of that extra reach, but then I keep looking at the 24-70mm f/4 S because it is so much cheaper and smaller. I shoot mostly landscapes and the occasional street portrait, so I wonder if I am sacrificing too much quality for the range on the 24-120. Is the sharpness jump on the 24-70 really worth losing that 70-120mm versatility? Ive also heard rumors about the 28-75mm but that feels a bit redundant compared to the 24-70. If I only get one lens to live on the camera for the next year, which one is actually going to be more reliable for a trip where I cant really bring a whole bag of gear...
Honestly, skip the 28-75. If you are heading to Scotland, weather sealing is your best friend. Honestly, go with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S.
- The extra reach is a lifesaver for landscapes when you cant move forward.
- Sharpness is basically identical to the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S. Its a bit heavier, but that extra zoom saves you from lens swaps in the rain. Definitely worth the weight.
Late to the party but I have spent a lot of time testing these on the Z system. Honestly, I have had issues with the edge-to-edge consistency of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S. It is compact, sure, but unfortunately not as sharp as people claim once you start pixel peeping landscape shots. I found the corner softness a bit disappointing for such a popular lens. If you want a one-lens travel setup for Scotland, stop looking at the 24-70mm and just commit to the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S. Yes, it is bigger and will cost more of your budget, but the versatility is worth it. You simply cannot swap glass in the Highlands unless you want your sensor soaked. I tried the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for a while and honestly, the lack of that wider 24mm end really hurt my landscape compositions. It is frustrating when you are trying to capture a wide vista and you just cant fit it all in. Save your pennies elsewhere and go for the 24-120mm. It is a workhorse. It has held up for me in pretty gnarly conditions where cheaper optics started showing signs of internal fogging or mechanical stiffness. You will miss the extra 50mm of reach more than you will ever miss the tiny weight savings of the smaller kit lenses.
To add to the point above: having spent a ton of time in the Highlands, you really dont want to be swapping lenses in that mist. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is basically the gold standard for travel. I found that 70mm just cuts you short on those dramatic cliffs where you need to isolate detail. The extra weight is honestly negligible once you get used to it, and the weather sealing is rock solid.