Whats the best all-around lens for Nikon Z if I only want to carry one? I read the 24-70 f4 is great but then everyone says the 24-120 is way more versatile. Im going to Japan in two weeks and have $850 for a used one. Is the extra weight of the 120 actually worth it?...
Honestly, if youre headed to Japan, you want the extra reach. I spent two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto last year and basically lived on the long end of my zoom. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is the gold standard for a one-lens setup. Yeah, its a bit heavier than the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, but honestly you wont notice the weight as much as you will notice missing shots because you couldnt zoom in enough on a temple detail or a street scene. Here is why the 120 wins for me:
- That 70-120mm range is clutch for portraits and compression.
- Constant f/4 is decent for low light if you use the Z series IBIS.
- The close focusing is actually surprisingly good for food shots (youre gonna take a lot of food photos in Japan, trust me).
- Used prices are right around $800-$850 lately on places like MPB or local shops. The 24-70 f4 is a great little lens and you can find it for like $350 used, which is a steal, but its just... limited. If you have the $850 budget, definitely grab the 24-120. Its the best lens Nikon has made for the Z system in terms of pure utility. Just make sure you have a comfortable strap because you will be walking like 20k steps a day... your neck will thank me later.
