Im getting so annoyed trying to pick a new landscape lens for my D850. I read everywhere that the 14-24mm f/2.8 is the holy grail, but then I see people swearing by the 20mm prime because of corner sharpness. I need something for an upcoming trip to Iceland next month and my budget is around 1500 bucks, so I cant just buy everything to test it. Why is this so complicated? Do I prioritize zoom range for convenience or just stick to a fixed focal length if I want those crispy edges? Is the weight of the 14-24 even worth it for hiking? Im just super stuck and dont know which way to go...
Honestly, the D850 sensor is so demanding that you really need top-tier glass to see what it can actually do! If you want absolute, corner-to-corner clinical sharpness that beats any zoom, you have to go with a prime. I have been using the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED for years and it is just spectacular for wide landscapes. It is way lighter than the big zooms too, which your back will thank you for in Iceland!
- The 20mm prime is lighter and sharper at f/8
- The zoom is versatile but heavy If you really crave that extreme wide look, consider the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED if you find a good used one within your budget, but for pure crispness? Stick with the prime. You will love the micro-contrast!
To add to the point above: honestly, forget the heavy zoom for Iceland. Carrying that brick while hiking is a nightmare! If you want pro results without blowing your budget, look at the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2.
- It is way cheaper than the Nikon native glass.
- Sharpness is absolutely stellar for the price.
- That image stabilization is a lifesaver for handheld sunset shots. Save your cash for the trip!
^ This. Also, honestly, just take a breath. I remember stressing out exactly like this before a trip to the Dolomites a few years back. Everyone says you need the perfect sharpest lens, but for Iceland, you might want to consider the actual conditions first. It gets insanely windy and wet out there. If you are constantly swapping primes in a storm, you are gonna get sensor dust everywhere and regret the whole thing. I dragged the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED around for a while and it is incredible but so bulky for long hikes. If you go with a zoom, be careful about the front element since it is so bulbous. You cant use standard screw-on filters, so you will end up spending a fortune on specialized filter kits which just adds more weight to your bag. I would suggest looking at the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR. It is not an f/2.8, but you really dont need that speed for landscapes since you will be on a tripod most of the time anyway. The stabilization helps a ton when the wind is shaking your tripod and the lens is way easier to filter. Make sure to check your insurance before you head out, too. Just enjoy the trip, the D850 is a beast no matter what you slap on it.
