Im honestly getting so annoyed trying to pick just one lens for my Z6ii. I read that the 24-70mm f4 is the best bang for your buck but then others swear the 24-120mm f4 is the only lens youll ever need. I'm going to Japan in three weeks and dont want to be swapping glass in the rain or crowded subways. The 24-120 seems great but its expensive and looks kinda bulky for walking 20k steps a day.
- Budget: around $900
- Use case: street and some nature
- Priority: must be sharp and light
Is the extra reach actually worth the weight or should I just stick to the basic kit lens...
@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly tho, I had issues with the 24-70 range. Unfortunately it wasnt as good as expected when I needed more reach for street shots.
- I tried the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR but was disappointed by the sharpness.
- Maybe look at a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S?
- Its kinda heavy, but swapping lenses in rain is risky... trust me.
> The 24-120 seems great but its expensive and looks kinda bulky I would suggest being careful with weight for a trip like that. Quick question though, how much low-light street stuff are you planning on? The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is really the safest bet for quality, but the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 might actually be better for your budget and those dark subways. Just make sure to double check the weather sealing since you mentioned rain... you dont want to risk your Z6ii.
I actually went with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for my first trip and felt really safe with it. It is so light and just works well for everything I needed. Im very satisfied because it didnt weigh me down during long walks. For street photography, the 70mm is usually plenty and it feels way less bulky than the alternatives.
Japan is a lot of walking so trust me, every gram counts. 20k steps is a low estimate honestly. I've tried many setups for travel over the years and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR gets a bad rap for no reason. In my experience, if you stop it down slightly, it is plenty sharp for nature and street. Having that 200mm reach for shots of Mt Fuji or distant temples without swapping glass in the rain is worth its weight in gold. Plus it fits your $900 budget perfectly. If you're worried about low light in the subways, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is the better play. It's surprisingly light for a 2.8 zoom and handles those neon-lit streets way better than the f/4 kit lens. It is basically the budget-friendly version of the heavy pro glass and keeps your kit really nimble. Personally, I'd go with the 24-200 for the sheer versatility. You wont regret having the extra reach when you're trying to frame a shot across a crowded street in Kyoto... swapping lenses in a crowd is just asking for a dropped cap or a dirty sensor.
Get the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S. Here's why it wins for your specific situation:
| Factor | 24-70mm f/4 S | 24-120mm f/4 S | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 500g | 630g | 24-70 is 130g lighter (like carrying an extra lens cap vs. a water bottle) |
| Size | 89mm long | 118mm long | 24-70 is noticeably more compact for subway/bag |
| Cost | ~$740-900 | ~$1,300-1,450 | 24-70 fits under your budget; 24-120 blows it |
| Sharpness | Excellent, especially at f/4 | Slightly better at wide end, but barely noticeable | Both are "must be sharp" winners |
| Reach | 70mm max | 120mm max |
