Honestly im just so fed up with dragging my kit lens around and getting these blurry shots whenever the lighting gets even slightly dim. Ive been using the standard 24-50mm that came with my Z5 and im just done with it. My sister is getting married in Italy in three months and I need something that can handle a full day without me constantly swapping glass. Like I dont have the budget for a whole bag of prime lenses and I dont want to carry them anyway. So I was thinking maybe the 24-120mm f/4 is the answer? My logic was that it gives me enough reach for ceremony shots but is still wide enough for the reception stuff. But then I worry about it being too slow indoors? Its just so much money to drop if it isnt the sharpest thing ever. Im just anxious that I pick the wrong one and end up stuck with another piece of gear that frustrates me. Is there anything else I should be looking at or should I just bite the bullet and get the 24-120? Im really lost here...
Honestly, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is great, but f/4 hurts indoors. Grab the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S instead; it is sharper and handles low light way better.
Been thinking about your setup for Italy. Honestly, carrying heavy glass for a wedding is a real grind, but you definitely need more light than that kit lens provides. If you go for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, just make sure your Z5 sensor settings are dialed in for higher ISOs, since that f/4 aperture will struggle when the sun goes down. Here is my advice:
- Invest in a small, fast prime like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 to tuck in your pocket for the evening reception.
- Use a lightweight, reliable strap system because a full day of shooting will ruin your neck. Weight is the real enemy here, so be careful not to overpack. The zoom is versatile, but having that tiny prime as a backup for dim indoor shots makes all the difference. Good luck.
> Grab the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S instead; it is sharper and handles low light way better. ^ This. Also, honestly, be careful because dragging heavy glass around all day in Italy is no joke. I remember my first trip abroad with a heavy zoom, and by the end of the day my wrist was killing me. If you go with a fast lens from Nikon, just make sure you check the weight beforehand. You might want to consider just sticking with a solid mid-range zoom from them. Honestly, just get any decent f/2.8 zoom from Nikon and you cant go wrong. Itll give you that extra light you need for those dim reception halls without feeling like you are carrying a brick. Just be sure to bring extra batteries because those fast lenses eat power like crazy. Dont rush it, but whatever you choose, just go with Nikon.