What is the best everyday lens I should get for my Nikon Z6?
I literally just got this camera used from a friend and I have zero clue about lenses, sorry if this is a super basic question but I am totally lost. I have a family trip to Japan in two weeks and I need something that can just stay on the camera the whole time.
My budget is pretty tight, hopefully under 500 bucks if possible. I want to take photos of street food, my kids, and just random scenery. What is something simple that just works for everything? I need to order it like today so it gets here in time...
> What is something simple that just works for everything? I need to order it like today so it gets here in time... In my experience shooting with the Z6 for years, you want to pack as light as possible for Japan. I made the mistake of bringing a massive lens setup on my first trip to Tokyo and my shoulder was ruined by day three. If you want cheap and simple, grab a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3. You can find them online right now for under 200 bucks. It is tiny, basically turns the Z6 into a point-and-shoot, and covers the exact range you need for street food and family photos. My quick tip: spend the leftover 300 bucks on a few extra batteries and local food. You will thank me when you are walking 20k steps a day in Kyoto.
Regarding what the first reply said about the Z6 lenses for Japan, those are solid, but I want to throw in a couple of warnings and other options. Just saw this thread and since I shoot with a Z6 myself, here is my take. Japan trips involve a ton of walking and crazy different lighting, so you might want to consider these points before rushing to buy:
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR: You can find these used for right around 500 bucks. It is the ultimate lazy travel lens because of the zoom. But be careful, the aperture drops to f/6.3 quickly. That means when you are shooting street food in a dim alleyway in Kyoto at night, your Z6 will have to crank the ISO way up.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8: This is a tiny pancake lens. Super cheap, brand new it is well under budget. It is awesome for cramped ramen shops and street photography. The downside is no zoom, so you will have to use your feet to frame the kids.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S: If you go with this used, make sure to buy from a store like MPB or KEH that tests them. Don't risk a random Facebook meetup right before a big trip. Also, check the locking mechanism when you get it, they can get sticky on older copies. Personally, I would lean toward the 24-70mm but seriously, watch out for shipping times.
I absolutely love my Z6! For Japan under 500 bucks, you have two amazing options that I use all the time:
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S (buy used): Fantastic zoom range for scenery and kids. It is incredibly sharp but a bit heavier.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2: Super tiny, cheap, and amazing in low light for street food! The only downside is no zoom. Get the 24-70mm used, it is the ultimate travel lens!
