Ive shot F-mount for a decade but just got a Z6ii for a trip to Japan next month. My logic was to grab the 24-70 f4 S since its cheap, but then I started looking at the 24-120 f4 and got totally stuck. For a single walk-around lens, which one actually takes the crown?
I went through this exact dilemma before my trip to Europe last year and honestly, I ended up pretty disappointed with how things turned out. I initially bought the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S thinking the compact size would be perfect, but unfortunately, I had issues with the collapsing lock mechanism. It felt kinda flimsy and jammed on me twice in damp weather, which really stressed me out. It just wasnt as reliable as my old F-mount gear. So I panicked and swapped it for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S. The range is incredible, but it is noticeably heavier. By day three of walking 20k steps, my neck was killing me. If you go that route, quick tip: get a good peak design strap to distribute the weight, and always keep a filter on because the front element is huge and gets bumped easily in crowded Tokyo streets. Before going further though, what kind of photography are you planning to focus on most during the trip? If you are doing a ton of night shooting in places like Shinjuku, neither of these f/4 lenses might cut it, and you might want to look at something like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 instead. Let me know what your itinerary looks like light-wise.
I rented the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S for my last trip.
- Rent first to check weight
- Watch for used deals Best decision ever.
