I'm finally taking that trip to Italy next month and I'm really struggling to pick just one lens for my Z6II. I've done a ton of reading and it seems like it's a toss up between the 24-120mm f/4 S and the 24-200mm superzoom. I read that the 24-120 is way sharper because it's an S-line lens, but then some people on Reddit say the 24-200 is actually surprisingly good for what it is. My big worry is that f/6.3 on the long end of the 24-200... I'm gonna be inside a lot of old cathedrals and walking around at night, so I don't want everything to be super grainy because I had to crank the ISO.
Here is what I'm looking for:
- Budget is around $1000 max
- No lens swapping (too much dust and hassle)
- Needs to be light enough for 20k steps a day
- Good enough for some decent landscape shots in Tuscany
I keep going back and forth on whether the extra reach is worth the slower glass. If I go with the 24-120, am I gonna feel limited? Or is the 24-200 just gonna feel like a compromise the whole time. Just curious what you all think is the better do it all choice...
Grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S! Its fantastic for cathedrals tho. Look for refurbished deals to save money:
- Sharp glass
- Constant f/4 Love it!
TIL! Thanks for sharing
Ive been really happy with the MTF charts on the newer Nikon glass, basically the micro-contrast is great. Before I dig into the data tho, are you bringing a tripod for those low light shots or is it strictly handheld?
- Superior flare control
- Minimal focus breathing
- Solid weather sealing Just stick with any pro Nikon zoom and youll be set honestly!
I am in the exact same boat as you honestly. I have been agonizing over the exact same decision for my upcoming trip as well. It is such a headache trying to balance the weight for those long walking days against the need for decent low light performance. I have learned the hard way that trying to force a lens to do something it really was not designed for usually just leads to blurry shots and frustration. Be really careful about overestimating how much reach you actually need versus how much weight you are willing to carry on your shoulder all day. I have seen too many people ruin their experience by lugging around gear that is just too heavy or failing because they bought something that couldnt handle the indoor lighting. Whatever you choose, just make sure you are totally comfortable with the ergonomics before you leave. I am still sitting here staring at my camera bag trying to figure out which way to go.
Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.
For Nikon Z series cameras, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is widely regarded as the best all-around travel lens. It offers an incredibly versatile 24-200mm zoom range, covering everything from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto details, all in a lightweight, 570g package. This "grab-and-go" lens eliminates the need to carry multiple lenses, making it perfect for hiking and family trips where changing glass is impractical.
Honestly, if you are doing 20k steps a day in Italy, maybe consider just grabbing a tiny prime to keep in your pocket for those dark cathedral evenings. Not sure if you have looked into it, but bringing one small, fast prime alongside a zoom makes a world of difference for night shots.
- The constant aperture on a standard zoom is great, but f/1.8 is basically magic for low light.
- I think keeping a lightweight prime as a backup gives you so much creative freedom without adding real bulk.
- Honestly, don't worry too much about the perfect choice, the Z6II handles high ISO surprisingly well anyway! IIRC, there are some really compact options that barely take up any room in a bag. Having that extra speed in your back pocket lets you keep your shutter speed up without the grain getting out of hand. Hope you have an incredible time in Italy, it is going to be amazing!