What is the absolute best all-around zoom for the Nikon Z system right now? I finally ditched my old F-mount gear after 15 years and got a Z8 last month and honestly the autofocus speed is blowing my mind. I have the little 24-70 f/4 kit lens but I really need something better for my big family trip to Iceland next August. My budget is about $2,500 and I cant decide if I should go for the 24-120mm f/4 or if I really need to spend the extra on the 24-70mm 2.8 S... I do mostly landscapes and street but I need to keep up with the kids too. Is the 24-120 really sharp enough for the 45mp sensor or am I gonna regret not getting the faster glass?
TLDR: Go for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S. It saves you over a grand and that extra reach is a lifesaver for travel. I went through this exact same dilemma when I switched to the Z8. I was really worried about the sharpness on a 45mp sensor but after using it for a year, I have no complaints at all. I took it on a family trip to Zion last fall and it was just so reliable. Honestly, having that extra zoom range out to 120mm meant I didnt have to swap lenses while hiking with my grandkids. I am very happy I stayed under budget instead of springing for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. The f/4 is plenty fast for outdoors and the Z8 high ISO handles the rest. Save your money for the actual trip!
Building on the earlier suggestion, I actually went through three different lenses before settling on my current setup for the Z8. Over the years I've realized that for landscapes and travel, f/2.8 is kinda overrated unless you're doing weddings or pro sports. I took the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S to the Dolomites last year and it was tack sharp across the whole frame... literally no regrets. A few things to think about for Iceland:
- The weather sealing on the S-line lenses is top tier which you'll need for the mist near the waterfalls.
- You're gonna want the extra reach for those distant puffins or mountain peaks.
- If you really crave that bokeh for the kids, maybe grab a fast prime like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S with the leftover cash. Honestly, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a masterpiece but its heavy as hell for a family trip. Save your back and your wallet.
honestly i spent way too many years and way too much money chasing the most expensive glass thinking it would change my photography. it usually didnt. i eventually realized that for travel and family stuff weight matters way more than that extra bit of aperture. anyway i remember seeing a bunch of really detailed comparison videos about this exact dilemma on youtube recently. just search for nikon z8 landscape lens comparisons and youll find plenty of people who have tested them side by side on 45mp sensors. itll give you a much better idea of the real world sharpness than we can here. i did that before my last big purchase and it saved me a ton of money. definitely worth a look before you drop your budget on something you might not even need.
I've spent a lot of time with both and unfortunately, neither is the perfect lens I was hoping for when I moved to the Z8. The Nikon glass is technically impressive, but both of these options have some real letdowns for the price you're paying.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S: The range is great for Iceland, but I was disappointed with the bokeh. It is pretty busy and doesnt give that professional pop when you are taking shots of the kids. Plus, f/4 in dim Icelandic winter light can be a struggle.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S: Tack sharp for sure, but it is just so heavy. Carrying this all day on a hike is a nightmare, and honestly, 70mm is often too short for landscapes where you want to isolate a mountain peak.
- Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z: If you dont mind third-party, this is way more versatile for family stuff, though you lose that wide 24mm end which hurts for landscapes. It is kind of a bummer that even with a big budget, you are still making compromises. Dont hesitate to ask if you want more specific info on how they handle the Z8 autofocus tho!
Regarding what #3 said about "honestly i spent way too many years and way too much money chasing the most expensive glass", i totally feel that! Honestly, for an Iceland trip, you want reliability and versatility above everything else. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is freaking amazing on the Z8. I was worried about the 45mp sensor too but man, its tack sharp even wide open! Why its the winner for your trip:
- The extra 50mm on the long end is a lifesaver for isolating those massive waterfalls or getting shots of the kids from a distance.
- Its much lighter, so you wont be miserable hiking up those volcanic trails with a heavy kit.
- The weather sealing is legit solid, which is crucial for that constant Iceland mist and wind. Unless you are shooting weddings or dark indoor sports, that f/2.8 is just extra weight and cash you dont need to drop. Use the extra money for a cool excursion or a really nice dinner in Reykjavik instead... youre gonna love how this lens handles on the Z8!
