What is the best all-around lens for a Nikon Z6II if I can only bring one piece of glass on a trip next week? I'm leaving for a hiking trip in the Dolomites next Thursday and I'm panicking because I still haven't decided what to buy yet.
I read reviews saying the 24-70mm f/4 S is the way to go because it's so compact, but then others say the 24-120mm f/4 is way more versatile for travel. My budget is capped at $800 so the f/2.8 is way out of my league. I need something for landscapes but also photos of my wife without constantly swapping lenses in the dust. Is the extra reach on the 120 worth the price jump or is it gonna be too heavy for long hikes...
> That 130g difference isnt much compared to the utility of a 5x zoom ratio. Agree on the utility, but honestly your $800 budget makes the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S the smarter choice. I've flipped plenty of gear over the years and this is the absolute value king used. I grabbed mine for $400 and took it to the Alps... handled those peaks perfectly. Save the leftover cash for your trip expenses instead.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is technically the superior choice for a single-lens itinerary. It weighs 630g, compared to 500g for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S. That 130g difference isn't much compared to the utility of a 5x zoom ratio. For mountain landscapes, the 120mm focal length provides essential compression. Look for a used copy to stay under your $800 budget.
Jumping in real quick. I grabbed the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for a similar hike and unfortunately it was just frustrating. I had issues with the 70mm long end constantly... it just doesn't get you close enough to those distant peaks. It wasnt as good as I expected for mountain shots where you really need that compression. If your budget is firm at $800, getting a Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S in decent shape is gonna be a struggle. Most used ones still hover near retail because demand is so high. I'd honestly suggest looking at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR instead. Its not as sharp as the S-line glass and the slow aperture is kinda annoying when the light fades, but for a single-lens Dolomites trip? You're definitely gonna want that 200mm reach. You can usually find them used for about $650, which fits your budget way better than overpaying for a used 120mm right now.
