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!
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!
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 VRÂ 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.
