> I want to take nice landscape photos but also some of my kids running around Adding my two cents! Honestly the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is amazing for kids because that f/2.8 speed is a game changer.

• 28-75mm Pros: Fantastic in low light and super sharp.
• 28-75mm Cons: Not as wide for landscapes. Alternatively, a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is basically the perfect travel lens! Its way more versatile for Maine.

I have spent way too much time testing those all-in-one zooms and unfortunately they usually let me down when the sun starts going down. You need something really reliable for the Z5 autofocus system because it can be a bit picky compared to the higher-end models. If you want one lens that wont fail you, I would honestly look at a high-quality prime lens instead of a zoom.

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is perfect for landscapes and wide enough for the kids.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if you want to save some cash for actual lobster rolls while you are there. The f/1.8 or f/2 aperture is huge because it lets in way more light than the f/4 zooms everyone else mentioned. This helps the camera lock focus way faster so you dont get those blurry shots of the kids running. Plus, fewer moving parts means it is less likely to have mechanical issues while you are traveling. Funny enough, last time I was in Maine I lost my favorite lens cap in a tide pool near Bar Harbor. Spent like twenty minutes trying to fish it out with a stick while people just stared at me. My wife was so embarrassed she basically pretended she didnt know who I was for the rest of the day. But yeah, sticking to one solid lens is definitely the way to go.

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Stumbled upon this thread this morning and honestly, I remember feeling exactly the same way before my first big trip. I was so worried about buying the wrong thing and ending up with blurry photos of my family that I almost didnt bring a camera at all. Looking back, I think you should be careful about rushing into buying new glass before you really understand what your kit lens is doing wrong. I learned that the hard way when I spent my whole savings on a fancy lens and realized I just needed to learn how to change my shutter speed. Things to consider before you pull the trigger:

• Make sure you test the lens in a store if you can. Buying online sounds easy until you realize the weight isnt right for your hands.
• Dont feel like you have to replace everything at once. Sometimes the struggle of using one lens helps you figure out exactly what you are missing.
• Be wary of getting gear that is too heavy for long days of walking. I really think you should just practice with what you have for a few more days before deciding. Better to be safe than sorry!

If you want to maximize every cent of that 700 budget for your Maine trip, there are a couple fantastic ways to handle this. You dont need to spend thousands to get pro-level glass on a Z5!

• For a single-lens setup, your absolute best bet is a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S. It is the gold standard for travel. It covers the wide end for those rugged coastal landscapes and has enough reach for portraits of the kids. It is super sharp and honestly the only lens most people ever need.
• If you find the 24-120mm is slightly over budget, look for a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. It is a fantastic all-in-one for hiking and you can usually find them for around 600. The vibration reduction is amazing for keeping things steady.
• Another pro tip for saving money is checking the Nikon Refurbished site or reputable used dealers. You can get professional grade gear for way less than retail which helps stay under that 700 limit. Buying used or refurbished is the smartest way to build a kit without wasting money... basically gives you twice the gear for the same price! Love the Z5, its a beast for the price.

Regarding what #7 said about "Stumbled upon this thread this morning and honestly,..."

• I totally get where they are coming from. It is easy to stress over gear when you have a big trip coming up, but dont let the tech overshadow the actual shooting. If you want to keep things simple for Maine, you might want to consider these points:
• Focus on glass that offers a constant aperture. It makes your life way easier when the lighting changes.
• Be careful with heavy zooms. If you are hiking, you will appreciate something smaller even if it sacrifices a little bit of zoom range.
• Make sure to prioritize weather sealing since you are heading to the coast. The salt air and potential rain are no joke for your equipment. I would suggest looking into some fast primes from the main manufacturer if you really want to nail those shots of the kids. You honestly cant go wrong with any of their higher-end optics. Just take it slow and maybe rent a lens first to see what fits your style before dropping the full budget.

I would suggest being cautious with the basic kit lens for moving subjects. You might want to consider these two specific options to stay within your 700 budget:

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR for the best zoom range.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for superior sharpness and size. Make sure to look for used copies so you dont go over budget before the Maine trip.

Honestly, if you want to keep it simple and stay under budget for your Maine trip, you should grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3. It is tiny and way more capable than people give it credit for! If you pair that with a fast prime for those shots of your kids, you will be set for anything.

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 for the kids
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 for landscapes This combo is super lightweight and you will save a ton of cash compared to the pro zooms. The 40mm is basically a hidden gem because it is so small and sharp, plus it handles low light really well for indoor shots. I used this exact setup on a hike last month and it was fantastic. Seriously, dont overthink the glass, just get out there and enjoy Maine!