I’m going around in circles trying to decide how to build out my Nikon Z series lens collection next, I’m hoping someone can help me make my mind up.
Context : Current Z lenses:
- 24-70 f/4 (like many I’m sure, purchased as kit lens)
- the 35 and 85 1.8 primes, I went for these initially to give me more low light capability, 85 is classic portrait option and I like working with primes, plus I had a limited budget
I really like working with primes and longer term will probably add the 20 f/1.8 as a wider option and maybe the 50 1.8 as well.
But I’d also like a couple of zooms to add more reach / flexibility, also weight is a factor. I’m considering the 24-120 f4, as a I’d be able to often get away with carrying this on its own, but if I knew I’d be in a situation which required low light option, then I could take one or two of the primes.
But my dilemma is occasionally I will need longer, I know the classic partner with the 24-120 is the 100-400, but I think I’d benefit more from the aperture and better IQ of the 70-200 f/2.8 and then use a TC if I need longer. But does that make sense of a pair of zooms, with their overlap? I suppose if I wanted the reach of the 70-200 I could carry the 24-70 f4 or the 35 1.8 instead? So I may not often carry them together, but not sure if approach makes sense?
Hey Whettam, welcome to our forum!
The 24-70mm f/4 S and 70-200mm f/2.8 S already make a great combo that covers the whole range without a gap. However, the question is whether you envision leaving the 70-200mm f/2.8 at home for certain trips or other situations, at which point the 24-70mm f/4 would feel rather limited on the long end. I think for a lot of photographers, that would be the case.
If so, it makes more sense to get the 24-120mm f/4 S instead and sell the 24-70mm f/4. I wouldn't worry about the overlap from 70-120mm. The 24-120mm f/4 is only slightly heavier than the 24-70mm f/4, so you're not "paying much of a penalty" for the overlapping range from 70-120mm.
In short, I would use the 24-120mm f/4 + 70-200mm f/2.8 + TCs combination if I were you, while leaving the 70-200mm f/2.8 + TCs at home if you need to travel light.
Hi,
You must pay attention to Mr. Cox's essaiy "Rating Each Focal Length as a Landscape Photographer". Of course, apparently,Mr.Cox speaks about prime lenses but You can choose several zooms.If I were to choose some zooms, first I would make sure that focal lengthes overlap as little as possible( like 16-35, 24-120, 100-400 mm) and second, it presume that when I choose the zooms, I do not know if in the future I will need focal lengthes smaller than 24 mm or longer than 200 mm.A little overlap is justified because, generally speaking, at the longest focal length of a zoom the image is softer. Thank You.
Welcome to this forum
Yes, the Z 24-120mm f/4 and Z 70-200mm f/2.8 can work well together despite the focal overlap. The 24-120mm is a versatile, lightweight zoom that's great for travel and general use. The 70-200mm f/2.8 offers better low-light performance, faster autofocus, and superior image quality, especially useful for portraits or action. You likely won’t carry both at once often, so the overlap becomes a benefit rather than a drawback, offering flexibility. This combo gives you coverage and performance options depending on the shooting scenario.