I'm leaving for this big road trip through the PNW in literally two weeks and I still havent figured out which lens to keep on my Z6ii most of the time. I've been looking at the 24-120mm f/4 S because everyone says the range is killer for hiking but then I see the 24-70mm f/2.8 and think maybe I need that extra stop for when we're at the campfire or doing stuff indoors.
My logic was:
- 24-120 gives me more reach for those mountain shots
- 24-70 is way better for low light and bokeh for portraits of the kids
- 24-200 is way cheaper but is it sharp enough for a once in a lifetime trip?
I've got about $1800 saved up so I could technically swing either of the S-line zooms if I find a good deal but I can only take ONE lens. Space is super tight in the camper van so I'm not bringing a whole kit of primes. I'm honestly panicking a bit because I need to order this by Wednesday to get it in time for the drive out of Portland. Is the 24-120 the best all-arounder for travel or am I gonna regret not having that f/2.8 speed when the sun goes down?...
Honestly, picking just one lens for the PNW is tough because the lighting is so unpredictable. I spent a month out there and, unfortunately, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S just wasnt as good as expected for a solo lens. It is heavy and you will constantly find yourself wishing for more reach when you see a bald eagle or a distant peak. I had major issues with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR in terms of clinical sharpness. It is a convenient range but the diffraction and slow aperture at the long end make it pretty disappointing for a once in a lifetime trip. You will regret it the moment you try to crop a photo of a mountain goat or a distant waterfall. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is your best bet, though you will have to deal with some trade-offs:
- The f/4 aperture is a limitation in deep forest cover, but your Z6ii sensor handles high ISO well enough to compensate.
- It weighs only 630g, which is a massive relief compared to the 805g of the f/2.8 version when you are hiking all day.
- You get a 1:2.5 reproduction ratio which is actually better for close-up shots of moss and PNW flora than the more expensive zooms. I would grab the 24-120mm for around 1100 bucks and maybe use the leftover cash for a decent travel tripod. The f/4 is a compromise, but it is the most logical one for a camper van setup where space is a premium.
