Ive been shooting with Nikon FX for over a decade now and Ive always carried three separate primes when traveling. My logic was maximum sharpness. But Im leaving for a two-week Patagonia trip next month and my back just cant handle the weight anymore plus changing lenses in high winds was a nightmare last time. So I need a proper all-in-one travel zoom right now. What is actually the ultimate travel zoom lens for Nikon bodies currently? Looking for something versatile enough for landscapes and distant wildlife without needing a second mortgage.
To add to the point above: Patagonia weather wrecked my gear last year so I totally get being paranoid about safety! I ended up switching to the Tamron 28-300mm f 3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD for my FX body and it was a total lifesaver. Quick tip: always use a weather-sealing filter on the front element since those winds blow grit everywhere. Have an amazing trip!
Honestly grab the Tamron 70-300mm f 4.5-6.3 Di III RXD or stick with a lighter FX zoom if you want actual budget friendly versatility without breaking your back! I took one to Iceland last year and the weight difference compared to primes is mind blowing. Sure you lose the wide end, but for Patagonia landscapes and distant guanacos it totally rocks. Plus if you drop it on the rocks youre not crying over thousands of dollars lost lol.
Patagonia wind is no joke, totally feel your pain on lens changes. Ditch the primes for this trip. For FX bodies, grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f 3.5-5.6G ED VR. Yeah, superzooms get a bad rap from pixel peepers, but this one punches way above its weight class. Sharpness holds up surprisingly well if you stop down to f 8. The vibration reduction is a lifesaver when you're freezing and trying to track guanacos in a gale. Plus it covers wide vistas to decent telephoto reach without breaking your back or your wallet. Picked mine up used for around six hundred bucks and zero regrets. Have an epic trip!