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Torn between the Z 24-120, Z 24-200 and Z 28-400 for Europe trip this fall

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Are you bringing the Z8 or Zf. Matters. yeah I didn't read the thread, sorry.

These are with a Z9. Note I also took 406 shots with my iPhone 14. I will comment on that after this summary.

1521 Shots

Z 14-30 - 508

Z 105 - 412

Z 24-200 - 601 with 250 of them taken over 120.

Short answer if you using the Z8, take what you have. If you are using the Zf maybe not. And for the naysayers of the 24-200 it's just hogwash for travel photography for personal use. With the Z8 you will have plenty of pixels to crop. Longer than 120 as I scroll through them: birds, long distance interests (port barrels on a boat), some people, seascapes and beach like (crabs), a few cable cars. Many of these would be fine at 120, just slightly different perspective. I wouldn't sweat it. With the Zf you have fewer pixels.

I use the iPhone for short movies as I pull my travel stories into iMovie which makes it super easy to add live action plus portrait mode makes things super easy as well. All of this is plenty of resolution for family display purposes.

One other comment on travel, my 105 has now been replaced by the Plena. If you want to add a lens for travel, I would consider one of these. The micro contrast is amazing for food images, buildings, red roofs, beaches and flowers. They minimize post processing. Also used for things in Portugal for tiles (both on walls and roads), city scapes, rooftops, fish markets and olives, Algarve beaches, and my favorite: cats.

Honestly changing lens wasn't an issue, probably only once or twice a day.

With either lens for sharing purposes most of the images are SOOC for sharing. I have learned to compose with my feet more. Example, I was in the Porsche museum with the Plena. Yes most of the shots were tight crop, but some of them are just wow, and for this purpose of remembering, they do the trick.

So if you are going to bring something else and get out of your comfort zone and into the wow zone, consider one of these.

-
Thanks for your help, Michael
 
Last edited:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Taking a trip this fall for a week to Portugal (if you've followed any of my other posts).... but can't decide on which "travel zoom" to bring... the Z 24-120 (which I own), the Z 24-200 (which I don't own, but thought about buying again for various reasons), and the Z 28-400 (which I don't own, and would only rent if I chose this route).
Click to expand...
This is just a different form of FOMO. So just what image do you fear you won't be able to get if you don't just use the 24-120mm?
 
dcc2020 said:
Most of my travel is in Europe and the longest focal length I have been using the last years has been 120. I have the 24-200 but that has not had any use since I got the z24-120f4, a by far better lens.
When I travel, being a photo enthusiast I want the best IQ I can get, so would take the z14-30, z24-120 and your 50 a1.8s. If you take your z8, you can easily crop the z24-120 to close to 200 anyway.
Click to expand...
This kind of comment makes me question my choices a lot.

I use the following three lenses for events/parties/weddings: Z 14-24, Z 24-70 f/2.8, and Z 70-200 f/2.8.
I use my three prime lenses for portraits of my children: Z 35, Z 50, and Z 85 f/1.8.
And I use the Z 24-200 for travel/hiking.

I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need to replace my Z 24-200 with the Z 24-120, but it's difficult because we hear such good things about the 24-120

Until now, I've been using a Nikon Z6.
But I have ordered the Z8, which will arrive next week.
I already regret not buying the Z8 in a bundle with the Z 24-120.
 
Karl-FR said:
dcc2020 said:
Most of my travel is in Europe and the longest focal length I have been using the last years has been 120. I have the 24-200 but that has not had any use since I got the z24-120f4, a by far better lens.
When I travel, being a photo enthusiast I want the best IQ I can get, so would take the z14-30, z24-120 and your 50 a1.8s. If you take your z8, you can easily crop the z24-120 to close to 200 anyway.
Click to expand...
This kind of comment makes me question my choices a lot.

I use the following three lenses for events/parties/weddings: Z 14-24, Z 24-70 f/2.8, and Z 70-200 f/2.8.
I use my three prime lenses for portraits of my children: Z 35, Z 50, and Z 85 f/1.8.
And I use the Z 24-200 for travel/hiking.
I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need to replace my Z 24-200 with the Z 24-120, but it's difficult because we hear such good things about the 24-120

Until now, I've been using a Nikon Z6.
But I have ordered the Z8, which will arrive next week.
I already regret not buying the Z8 in a bundle with the Z 24-120.
Click to expand...
I have the Z8 with the 24-120 and I love it - just the right mix of reach, speed, weight/size. and sharpness to make it a natural choice for the majority of shots in that focal range.

I don't feel it needs to be longer - if I want more reach (for wildlife, sports, air shows etc.) then the 100-400 goes on and pretty much stays on. For even more reach I use the TC1.4x.

When using the Z8 I tend to be doing a specific photo activity so I don't feel I need the range of focal lengths.

If I'm travelling then I use the Zfc - either the 16-50/50-250 combo or the 18-140 gives flexibility but more importantly is really compact and lightweight. Much as many have said they want the ultimate image quality, I actually want a balance of IQ and convenience for carrying around so it doesn't get in the way on holiday..
 
Bernard Delley said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Taking a trip this fall for a week to Portugal (if you've followed any of my other posts).... but can't decide on which "travel zoom" to bring... the Z 24-120 (which I own), the Z 24-200 (which I don't own, but thought about buying again for various reasons), and the Z 28-400 (which I don't own, and would only rent if I chose this route).

I'll be taking my Z 14-30 and Z 40 f/2 with me as well (trying to keep the kit as light as possible as most of the shooting will be mostly travel and architecture photography. I'm just concerned that 120mm may be too short but also want to avoid having to change lenses (as a 70-300 was an option but would require a lens change).

I somewhat think the 24-200 might be enough as I have rarely found I needed 300mm or more in those instances (and when I went to Banff two years ago I mostly used the 24-200 below about 100mm but most of that was also landscape photography...) My Europe trip will probably be a bit different as I want to be able to capture small detail but am not sure if carrying around the 28-400 is necessary either.

I also considered adapting a 28-300 but that requires the FTZ (which I no longer have) and would be large and probably heavier than a 28-400 (and probably not as sharp at the longer FLs).

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Being the Devil's advocate, why not think about it a different way. Rather than having available every possible focal length to suit every possible situation, why not take one or two, maybe three really good lenses and work with them to get the best you can. The 14-30 is awesome but the 20 f1.8 is better. The 20 and a 35 f1.8 and if you really think you need longer the 70-200 f2.8.
Click to expand...
That's a good suggestion. I don't need every FL but I'm also trying to minimize fussing with gear. I mean having just the two 14-30 and 24-? would probably cover me, and I'd probably only use the 14-30 for some stuff. I can see where you're coming from with the suggestion but I'm concerned it may lead to me spending a lot of time switching lenses, and having to carry a bag (with one travel zoom, if I ditch the 14-30 for the day, I could really just walk around with just the camera and no bag.
Click to expand...
I understand. It's always so hard to decide. But, do you really want to take some nice photos or just travel snapshots. The super zooms are good for snapshots but so is an iPhone. I know, they are better than a phone but you get the point.
Click to expand...
My plan is to work with the best glass I have or can rent (for a reasonable amount as I pretty much will need it for 10-14 days). I think for the wide to medium telephoto zoom range, the 24-120 will do fine (most of it will probably be architecture anyway and I think that lens is suitable for that). I may try to find a 35mm (maybe the Viltrox unless the Nikon 35 goes on sale), or I'll swap out the 40 f/2 for my 50 1.8 which I might do since it's not that much bigger/heavier, just a bit longer so it sticks out a bit more.

But the long end (120mm to 200 or 300mm) is the question. Maybe a good compromise here would be a rented 70-200 f/4 adapted lens (F-mount version). This would overlap plenty with my 24-120 so I woulidn't necessarily have to change lenses all the time.

So possibly those four (14-30, 24-120, 70-200 and a 50mm) may be enough and should cover all possibilities while not becoming too much of a nussiance.

The other thing is I plan to mostly use a sling bag, which can probably only hold 2 lenses plus the body with a smaller lens on it (so my Zf + 24-120 attached, and the 50 and 14-30, or the 70-200 and 14-30 with the Zf and 24-120 in my hand.

Luckily I have a few months to consider the options, I was just gong to start getting some ideas in case I needed to buy anything.
Click to expand...
with what you got, you are pretty well covered:

14-30 f/4 on Zf and 24-120 f/4 on Z8. The DX crop, ~20Mpix, gets you to near 200mm equivalent, with pixel sharpness. And since you have it already, for peace of mind, for night street photography, have the faster 40 f/2 in the hotel. No lens swapping during the city walk.

Do you really plan to go to zoo's? Want first class glass for this case too? Then get the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S and keep it in the hotel safe, except for the zoo days. If you want first class glass also for zoo or similar animal photography and other long lens images, then you might get this lens. The zoo trip might be just with one camera and this lens. It is costly, but costs much less than another trip to Europe. The versatility of this lens combined with little overlap with the 24-120 makes it of lasting value for further trips in the future.
Click to expand...
Yeah I could do this route although my hope was to only carry one body and two lenses if I do (which I probably will need to to be flexible...

I'm trying to think if 24mm is wide enough for most things like even some of the narrow streets (may have to do some tests here before I leave as I have a few months to figure this all out, but my goal was to avoid carrying two bodies.... Maybe just using the Z8 and keeping the Zf as a backup might be the best option (not that I need 45MP images but more so for the DX crop factor when I need it).
 
sirhawkeye64 said:
Bernard Delley said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Taking a trip this fall for a week to Portugal (if you've followed any of my other posts).... but can't decide on which "travel zoom" to bring... the Z 24-120 (which I own), the Z 24-200 (which I don't own, but thought about buying again for various reasons), and the Z 28-400 (which I don't own, and would only rent if I chose this route).

I'll be taking my Z 14-30 and Z 40 f/2 with me as well (trying to keep the kit as light as possible as most of the shooting will be mostly travel and architecture photography. I'm just concerned that 120mm may be too short but also want to avoid having to change lenses (as a 70-300 was an option but would require a lens change).

I somewhat think the 24-200 might be enough as I have rarely found I needed 300mm or more in those instances (and when I went to Banff two years ago I mostly used the 24-200 below about 100mm but most of that was also landscape photography...) My Europe trip will probably be a bit different as I want to be able to capture small detail but am not sure if carrying around the 28-400 is necessary either.

I also considered adapting a 28-300 but that requires the FTZ (which I no longer have) and would be large and probably heavier than a 28-400 (and probably not as sharp at the longer FLs).

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Being the Devil's advocate, why not think about it a different way. Rather than having available every possible focal length to suit every possible situation, why not take one or two, maybe three really good lenses and work with them to get the best you can. The 14-30 is awesome but the 20 f1.8 is better. The 20 and a 35 f1.8 and if you really think you need longer the 70-200 f2.8.
Click to expand...
That's a good suggestion. I don't need every FL but I'm also trying to minimize fussing with gear. I mean having just the two 14-30 and 24-? would probably cover me, and I'd probably only use the 14-30 for some stuff. I can see where you're coming from with the suggestion but I'm concerned it may lead to me spending a lot of time switching lenses, and having to carry a bag (with one travel zoom, if I ditch the 14-30 for the day, I could really just walk around with just the camera and no bag.
Click to expand...
I understand. It's always so hard to decide. But, do you really want to take some nice photos or just travel snapshots. The super zooms are good for snapshots but so is an iPhone. I know, they are better than a phone but you get the point.
Click to expand...
My plan is to work with the best glass I have or can rent (for a reasonable amount as I pretty much will need it for 10-14 days). I think for the wide to medium telephoto zoom range, the 24-120 will do fine (most of it will probably be architecture anyway and I think that lens is suitable for that). I may try to find a 35mm (maybe the Viltrox unless the Nikon 35 goes on sale), or I'll swap out the 40 f/2 for my 50 1.8 which I might do since it's not that much bigger/heavier, just a bit longer so it sticks out a bit more.

But the long end (120mm to 200 or 300mm) is the question. Maybe a good compromise here would be a rented 70-200 f/4 adapted lens (F-mount version). This would overlap plenty with my 24-120 so I woulidn't necessarily have to change lenses all the time.

So possibly those four (14-30, 24-120, 70-200 and a 50mm) may be enough and should cover all possibilities while not becoming too much of a nussiance.

The other thing is I plan to mostly use a sling bag, which can probably only hold 2 lenses plus the body with a smaller lens on it (so my Zf + 24-120 attached, and the 50 and 14-30, or the 70-200 and 14-30 with the Zf and 24-120 in my hand.

Luckily I have a few months to consider the options, I was just gong to start getting some ideas in case I needed to buy anything.
Click to expand...
with what you got, you are pretty well covered:

14-30 f/4 on Zf and 24-120 f/4 on Z8. The DX crop, ~20Mpix, gets you to near 200mm equivalent, with pixel sharpness. And since you have it already, for peace of mind, for night street photography, have the faster 40 f/2 in the hotel. No lens swapping during the city walk.

Do you really plan to go to zoo's? Want first class glass for this case too? Then get the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S and keep it in the hotel safe, except for the zoo days. If you want first class glass also for zoo or similar animal photography and other long lens images, then you might get this lens. The zoo trip might be just with one camera and this lens. It is costly, but costs much less than another trip to Europe. The versatility of this lens combined with little overlap with the 24-120 makes it of lasting value for further trips in the future.
Click to expand...
Yeah I could do this route although my hope was to only carry one body and two lenses if I do (which I probably will need to to be flexible...

I'm trying to think if 24mm is wide enough for most things like even some of the narrow streets (may have to do some tests here before I leave as I have a few months to figure this all out, but my goal was to avoid carrying two bodies.... Maybe just using the Z8 and keeping the Zf as a backup might be the best option (not that I need 45MP images but more so for the DX crop factor when I need it).
Click to expand...
 
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Bernard Delley said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Taking a trip this fall for a week to Portugal (if you've followed any of my other posts).... but can't decide on which "travel zoom" to bring... the Z 24-120 (which I own), the Z 24-200 (which I don't own, but thought about buying again for various reasons), and the Z 28-400 (which I don't own, and would only rent if I chose this route).

I'll be taking my Z 14-30 and Z 40 f/2 with me as well (trying to keep the kit as light as possible as most of the shooting will be mostly travel and architecture photography. I'm just concerned that 120mm may be too short but also want to avoid having to change lenses (as a 70-300 was an option but would require a lens change).

I somewhat think the 24-200 might be enough as I have rarely found I needed 300mm or more in those instances (and when I went to Banff two years ago I mostly used the 24-200 below about 100mm but most of that was also landscape photography...) My Europe trip will probably be a bit different as I want to be able to capture small detail but am not sure if carrying around the 28-400 is necessary either.

I also considered adapting a 28-300 but that requires the FTZ (which I no longer have) and would be large and probably heavier than a 28-400 (and probably not as sharp at the longer FLs).

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Being the Devil's advocate, why not think about it a different way. Rather than having available every possible focal length to suit every possible situation, why not take one or two, maybe three really good lenses and work with them to get the best you can. The 14-30 is awesome but the 20 f1.8 is better. The 20 and a 35 f1.8 and if you really think you need longer the 70-200 f2.8.
Click to expand...
That's a good suggestion. I don't need every FL but I'm also trying to minimize fussing with gear. I mean having just the two 14-30 and 24-? would probably cover me, and I'd probably only use the 14-30 for some stuff. I can see where you're coming from with the suggestion but I'm concerned it may lead to me spending a lot of time switching lenses, and having to carry a bag (with one travel zoom, if I ditch the 14-30 for the day, I could really just walk around with just the camera and no bag.
Click to expand...
I understand. It's always so hard to decide. But, do you really want to take some nice photos or just travel snapshots. The super zooms are good for snapshots but so is an iPhone. I know, they are better than a phone but you get the point.
Click to expand...
My plan is to work with the best glass I have or can rent (for a reasonable amount as I pretty much will need it for 10-14 days). I think for the wide to medium telephoto zoom range, the 24-120 will do fine (most of it will probably be architecture anyway and I think that lens is suitable for that). I may try to find a 35mm (maybe the Viltrox unless the Nikon 35 goes on sale), or I'll swap out the 40 f/2 for my 50 1.8 which I might do since it's not that much bigger/heavier, just a bit longer so it sticks out a bit more.

But the long end (120mm to 200 or 300mm) is the question. Maybe a good compromise here would be a rented 70-200 f/4 adapted lens (F-mount version). This would overlap plenty with my 24-120 so I woulidn't necessarily have to change lenses all the time.

So possibly those four (14-30, 24-120, 70-200 and a 50mm) may be enough and should cover all possibilities while not becoming too much of a nussiance.

The other thing is I plan to mostly use a sling bag, which can probably only hold 2 lenses plus the body with a smaller lens on it (so my Zf + 24-120 attached, and the 50 and 14-30, or the 70-200 and 14-30 with the Zf and 24-120 in my hand.

Luckily I have a few months to consider the options, I was just gong to start getting some ideas in case I needed to buy anything.
Click to expand...
with what you got, you are pretty well covered:

14-30 f/4 on Zf and 24-120 f/4 on Z8. The DX crop, ~20Mpix, gets you to near 200mm equivalent, with pixel sharpness. And since you have it already, for peace of mind, for night street photography, have the faster 40 f/2 in the hotel. No lens swapping during the city walk.

Do you really plan to go to zoo's? Want first class glass for this case too? Then get the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S and keep it in the hotel safe, except for the zoo days. If you want first class glass also for zoo or similar animal photography and other long lens images, then you might get this lens. The zoo trip might be just with one camera and this lens. It is costly, but costs much less than another trip to Europe. The versatility of this lens combined with little overlap with the 24-120 makes it of lasting value for further trips in the future.
Click to expand...
Yeah I could do this route although my hope was to only carry one body and two lenses if I do (which I probably will need to to be flexible...

I'm trying to think if 24mm is wide enough for most things like even some of the narrow streets (may have to do some tests here before I leave as I have a few months to figure this all out, but my goal was to avoid carrying two bodies.... Maybe just using the Z8 and keeping the Zf as a backup might be the best option (not that I need 45MP images but more so for the DX crop factor when I need it).
Click to expand...
A 24-120 on the Z8 and the 14-30 on the Zf sounds like a great idea! To heck with needing to swap lenses. :)
Click to expand...
 
MarkP1903 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Bernard Delley said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Taking a trip this fall for a week to Portugal (if you've followed any of my other posts).... but can't decide on which "travel zoom" to bring... the Z 24-120 (which I own), the Z 24-200 (which I don't own, but thought about buying again for various reasons), and the Z 28-400 (which I don't own, and would only rent if I chose this route).

I'll be taking my Z 14-30 and Z 40 f/2 with me as well (trying to keep the kit as light as possible as most of the shooting will be mostly travel and architecture photography. I'm just concerned that 120mm may be too short but also want to avoid having to change lenses (as a 70-300 was an option but would require a lens change).

I somewhat think the 24-200 might be enough as I have rarely found I needed 300mm or more in those instances (and when I went to Banff two years ago I mostly used the 24-200 below about 100mm but most of that was also landscape photography...) My Europe trip will probably be a bit different as I want to be able to capture small detail but am not sure if carrying around the 28-400 is necessary either.

I also considered adapting a 28-300 but that requires the FTZ (which I no longer have) and would be large and probably heavier than a 28-400 (and probably not as sharp at the longer FLs).

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Being the Devil's advocate, why not think about it a different way. Rather than having available every possible focal length to suit every possible situation, why not take one or two, maybe three really good lenses and work with them to get the best you can. The 14-30 is awesome but the 20 f1.8 is better. The 20 and a 35 f1.8 and if you really think you need longer the 70-200 f2.8.
Click to expand...
That's a good suggestion. I don't need every FL but I'm also trying to minimize fussing with gear. I mean having just the two 14-30 and 24-? would probably cover me, and I'd probably only use the 14-30 for some stuff. I can see where you're coming from with the suggestion but I'm concerned it may lead to me spending a lot of time switching lenses, and having to carry a bag (with one travel zoom, if I ditch the 14-30 for the day, I could really just walk around with just the camera and no bag.
Click to expand...
I understand. It's always so hard to decide. But, do you really want to take some nice photos or just travel snapshots. The super zooms are good for snapshots but so is an iPhone. I know, they are better than a phone but you get the point.
Click to expand...
My plan is to work with the best glass I have or can rent (for a reasonable amount as I pretty much will need it for 10-14 days). I think for the wide to medium telephoto zoom range, the 24-120 will do fine (most of it will probably be architecture anyway and I think that lens is suitable for that). I may try to find a 35mm (maybe the Viltrox unless the Nikon 35 goes on sale), or I'll swap out the 40 f/2 for my 50 1.8 which I might do since it's not that much bigger/heavier, just a bit longer so it sticks out a bit more.

But the long end (120mm to 200 or 300mm) is the question. Maybe a good compromise here would be a rented 70-200 f/4 adapted lens (F-mount version). This would overlap plenty with my 24-120 so I woulidn't necessarily have to change lenses all the time.

So possibly those four (14-30, 24-120, 70-200 and a 50mm) may be enough and should cover all possibilities while not becoming too much of a nussiance.

The other thing is I plan to mostly use a sling bag, which can probably only hold 2 lenses plus the body with a smaller lens on it (so my Zf + 24-120 attached, and the 50 and 14-30, or the 70-200 and 14-30 with the Zf and 24-120 in my hand.

Luckily I have a few months to consider the options, I was just gong to start getting some ideas in case I needed to buy anything.
Click to expand...
with what you got, you are pretty well covered:

14-30 f/4 on Zf and 24-120 f/4 on Z8. The DX crop, ~20Mpix, gets you to near 200mm equivalent, with pixel sharpness. And since you have it already, for peace of mind, for night street photography, have the faster 40 f/2 in the hotel. No lens swapping during the city walk.

Do you really plan to go to zoo's? Want first class glass for this case too? Then get the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S and keep it in the hotel safe, except for the zoo days. If you want first class glass also for zoo or similar animal photography and other long lens images, then you might get this lens. The zoo trip might be just with one camera and this lens. It is costly, but costs much less than another trip to Europe. The versatility of this lens combined with little overlap with the 24-120 makes it of lasting value for further trips in the future.
Click to expand...
Yeah I could do this route although my hope was to only carry one body and two lenses if I do (which I probably will need to to be flexible...

I'm trying to think if 24mm is wide enough for most things like even some of the narrow streets (may have to do some tests here before I leave as I have a few months to figure this all out, but my goal was to avoid carrying two bodies.... Maybe just using the Z8 and keeping the Zf as a backup might be the best option (not that I need 45MP images but more so for the DX crop factor when I need it).
Click to expand...
A 24-120 on the Z8 and the 14-30 on the Zf sounds like a great idea! To heck with needing to swap lenses. :)
Click to expand...
Need two straps then tho!!!!
Click to expand...
 
I’d take the lightest combo that gives you the reach you’re looking for. I recently spent some time in Boston and took just the Zfc with its tiny 16-50mm and was quite happy.

I regularly take the 24-200mm on backcountry hikes and appreciate the wide end just as much as the long end.

The 24-120mm lens is on my wish list, but I’d probably leave it behind in your scenario and opt for the 24-200mm.

Both lenses are great, and you can’t go wrong. You’ll make good work from the tools you decide to bring. Enjoy the trip!
 
sinus007 said:
Pull yourself together (opposite to being torn). You already have excellent 24-120. It should handle about 90% of your shots.

On top of that you have 14-30 for very wide angle situations.

Just enjoy the beautiful country, amazing food and wine.
Click to expand...
First of all, I have never been to Portugal and in fact have only been to Europe a few times. Back in 2005, I was in Paris for a few days, on my way to Madagascar, which is a former French colony so that there are still ties between the two countries.

I had several cameras and lenses on that trip, but for the few days in Paris, I only took my D2X (a DX body as Nikon had no FX at that time, in the early days of digital) and the 17-55mm/f2.8 AF-S DX lens out. Focal length wise, that is similar to a 25-82mm zoom. I didn't feel like I needed anything longer, but I wished I had my 12-24mm/f4 DX with me for those building, church, and museum interiors.

Since the OP already has the 24-120/4 and 14-30/4, he is mostly set already.
 
My modest advice: keep it simple. Travel can be challenging enough. Your 14-30 & 24-120 are both great lenses that you already know and trust. It gets you to 180 in DX mode if necessary. The 40 gives you options to do low light and go light.
 
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Bernard Delley said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Rodenmg said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Taking a trip this fall for a week to Portugal (if you've followed any of my other posts).... but can't decide on which "travel zoom" to bring... the Z 24-120 (which I own), the Z 24-200 (which I don't own, but thought about buying again for various reasons), and the Z 28-400 (which I don't own, and would only rent if I chose this route).

I'll be taking my Z 14-30 and Z 40 f/2 with me as well (trying to keep the kit as light as possible as most of the shooting will be mostly travel and architecture photography. I'm just concerned that 120mm may be too short but also want to avoid having to change lenses (as a 70-300 was an option but would require a lens change).

I somewhat think the 24-200 might be enough as I have rarely found I needed 300mm or more in those instances (and when I went to Banff two years ago I mostly used the 24-200 below about 100mm but most of that was also landscape photography...) My Europe trip will probably be a bit different as I want to be able to capture small detail but am not sure if carrying around the 28-400 is necessary either.

I also considered adapting a 28-300 but that requires the FTZ (which I no longer have) and would be large and probably heavier than a 28-400 (and probably not as sharp at the longer FLs).

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Being the Devil's advocate, why not think about it a different way. Rather than having available every possible focal length to suit every possible situation, why not take one or two, maybe three really good lenses and work with them to get the best you can. The 14-30 is awesome but the 20 f1.8 is better. The 20 and a 35 f1.8 and if you really think you need longer the 70-200 f2.8.
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That's a good suggestion. I don't need every FL but I'm also trying to minimize fussing with gear. I mean having just the two 14-30 and 24-? would probably cover me, and I'd probably only use the 14-30 for some stuff. I can see where you're coming from with the suggestion but I'm concerned it may lead to me spending a lot of time switching lenses, and having to carry a bag (with one travel zoom, if I ditch the 14-30 for the day, I could really just walk around with just the camera and no bag.
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I understand. It's always so hard to decide. But, do you really want to take some nice photos or just travel snapshots. The super zooms are good for snapshots but so is an iPhone. I know, they are better than a phone but you get the point.
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My plan is to work with the best glass I have or can rent (for a reasonable amount as I pretty much will need it for 10-14 days). I think for the wide to medium telephoto zoom range, the 24-120 will do fine (most of it will probably be architecture anyway and I think that lens is suitable for that). I may try to find a 35mm (maybe the Viltrox unless the Nikon 35 goes on sale), or I'll swap out the 40 f/2 for my 50 1.8 which I might do since it's not that much bigger/heavier, just a bit longer so it sticks out a bit more.

But the long end (120mm to 200 or 300mm) is the question. Maybe a good compromise here would be a rented 70-200 f/4 adapted lens (F-mount version). This would overlap plenty with my 24-120 so I woulidn't necessarily have to change lenses all the time.

So possibly those four (14-30, 24-120, 70-200 and a 50mm) may be enough and should cover all possibilities while not becoming too much of a nussiance.

The other thing is I plan to mostly use a sling bag, which can probably only hold 2 lenses plus the body with a smaller lens on it (so my Zf + 24-120 attached, and the 50 and 14-30, or the 70-200 and 14-30 with the Zf and 24-120 in my hand.

Luckily I have a few months to consider the options, I was just gong to start getting some ideas in case I needed to buy anything.
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with what you got, you are pretty well covered:

14-30 f/4 on Zf and 24-120 f/4 on Z8. The DX crop, ~20Mpix, gets you to near 200mm equivalent, with pixel sharpness. And since you have it already, for peace of mind, for night street photography, have the faster 40 f/2 in the hotel. No lens swapping during the city walk.

Do you really plan to go to zoo's? Want first class glass for this case too? Then get the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S and keep it in the hotel safe, except for the zoo days. If you want first class glass also for zoo or similar animal photography and other long lens images, then you might get this lens. The zoo trip might be just with one camera and this lens. It is costly, but costs much less than another trip to Europe. The versatility of this lens combined with little overlap with the 24-120 makes it of lasting value for further trips in the future.
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Yeah I could do this route although my hope was to only carry one body and two lenses if I do (which I probably will need to to be flexible...

I'm trying to think if 24mm is wide enough for most things like even some of the narrow streets (may have to do some tests here before I leave as I have a few months to figure this all out, but my goal was to avoid carrying two bodies.... Maybe just using the Z8 and keeping the Zf as a backup might be the best option (not that I need 45MP images but more so for the DX crop factor when I need it).
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A 24-120 on the Z8 and the 14-30 on the Zf sounds like a great idea! To heck with needing to swap lenses. :)
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Yeah I guess so. I'd have to make sure the combo fits in my sling bag though with possibly the 40 tucked away somewhere. Should fit, although I am contemplating borrowing or renting a Z7 II for the trip but am not sure if it's worth it (it is a bit smaller and lighter, and closer in size/weight to the Zf). The Z8 (aside from resolution )is overkill for the trip.

(I'm also seriously considering another Z7 II for $2k as a travel camera and backup 45MP camera too, since $2k is not bad for that camera and probably the lowest it will go.) Have about a week to think about that one before the sale ends. I guess since I booked my flight and have to check a bag (which will only be clothes and a tripod) I have more room in my carry on for more gear, not that I want to bring everything, but size of bodies/lenses won't be as much of a concern (originally was going to do just a large carry-on but most Euro airlines limit you pretty heavilyi to about 26 lbs total, and my camera gear alone is about 10-12 lbs).

--
PLEASE NOTE: I usually unsubscribe from forums and comments after a period of time, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. Feel free to PM me if you have a questions or need clarification about a comment I made.
 
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sirhawkeye64 said:
Yeah I guess so. I'd have to make sure the combo fits in my sling bag though with possibly the 40 tucked away somewhere. Should fit, although I am contemplating borrowing or renting a Z7 II for the trip but am not sure if it's worth it (it is a bit smaller and lighter, and closer in size/weight to the Zf). The Z8 (aside from resolution )is overkill for the trip.

(I'm also seriously considering another Z7 II for $2k as a travel camera and backup 45MP camera too, since $2k is not bad for that camera and probably the lowest it will go.) Have about a week to think about that one before the sale ends.
Click to expand...
Sounds like your real issue is GAS, which can only be cured, at least temporarily, by buying something. Just go ahead and get a Z7ii with a 24-200 as kit lens. :-) I am sure Nikon will announce a Z7iii after your trip.
sirhawkeye64 said:
I guess since I booked my flight and have to check a bag (which will only be clothes and a tripod) I have more room in my carry on for more gear, not that I want to bring everything, but size of bodies/lenses won't be as much of a concern (originally was going to do just a large carry-on but most Euro airlines limit you pretty heavilyi to about 26 lbs total, and my camera gear alone is about 10-12 lbs).
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Burgerman said:
I would take the marvelous 24-120 f4 you already have. And crop or DX mode if you have to. You can still do crop DX or 2.2x movies at 120mm as well.
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Tio me, this is the most logical choice for the OP. It will get you equivalent length out to 180mm in DX on the long end. I wouldn't buy a lens for a potential one-time use. If you need a special purpose lens, you're better off just renting one.

--
Ryan
 
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shuncheung said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Yeah I guess so. I'd have to make sure the combo fits in my sling bag though with possibly the 40 tucked away somewhere. Should fit, although I am contemplating borrowing or renting a Z7 II for the trip but am not sure if it's worth it (it is a bit smaller and lighter, and closer in size/weight to the Zf). The Z8 (aside from resolution )is overkill for the trip.

(I'm also seriously considering another Z7 II for $2k as a travel camera and backup 45MP camera too, since $2k is not bad for that camera and probably the lowest it will go.) Have about a week to think about that one before the sale ends.
Click to expand...
Sounds like your real issue is GAS, which can only be cured, at least temporarily, by buying something. Just go ahead and get a Z7ii with a 24-200 as kit lens. :-) I am sure Nikon will announce a Z7iii after your trip.
Click to expand...
Well it was more about size/weight but after reconsidering this (and looking at the Zf which is about the same weight) I'm not going to bother. I really don't need 45MP cameras, and the difference wasn't as a big as I had thought it was. So I'll leave it as it is and just take the Z8 and Zf with a lens on each. I guess then again, there are going to be days I will HAVE to carry all the camera gear with me while I'm moving between hotels....
shuncheung said:
shuncheung said:
I guess since I booked my flight and have to check a bag (which will only be clothes and a tripod) I have more room in my carry on for more gear, not that I want to bring everything, but size of bodies/lenses won't be as much of a concern (originally was going to do just a large carry-on but most Euro airlines limit you pretty heavilyi to about 26 lbs total, and my camera gear alone is about 10-12 lbs).
Click to expand...
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sirhawkeye64 said:
shuncheung said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
Yeah I guess so. I'd have to make sure the combo fits in my sling bag though with possibly the 40 tucked away somewhere. Should fit, although I am contemplating borrowing or renting a Z7 II for the trip but am not sure if it's worth it (it is a bit smaller and lighter, and closer in size/weight to the Zf). The Z8 (aside from resolution )is overkill for the trip.

(I'm also seriously considering another Z7 II for $2k as a travel camera and backup 45MP camera too, since $2k is not bad for that camera and probably the lowest it will go.) Have about a week to think about that one before the sale ends.
Click to expand...
Sounds like your real issue is GAS, which can only be cured, at least temporarily, by buying something. Just go ahead and get a Z7ii with a 24-200 as kit lens. :-) I am sure Nikon will announce a Z7iii after your trip.
Click to expand...
Well it was more about size/weight but after reconsidering this (and looking at the Zf which is about the same weight) I'm not going to bother. I really don't need 45MP cameras, and the difference wasn't as a big as I had thought it was. So I'll leave it as it is and just take the Z8 and Zf with a lens on each. I guess then again, there are going to be days I will HAVE to carry all the camera gear with me while I'm moving between hotels....
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Recently, we established that the weight difference between a Z8 and a Z6ii is about 200 grams, around 7 ounces. I believe that I forgot to remove all the memory cards from the cameras before putting them on a scale, although I took out the batteries. In any case, you won't save much weight going from a Z8 to a Z6/Z7. The Z8 is a bit larger, though.

Best Z full frame travel camera

When I travel, usually to some destination i will not be returning to, I want to use the best gear possible. A FF sensor fits the bill better than some little camera with a small sensor. I have the iPhone for when second best is OK. You also want to enjoy it and not be carrying around a...
www.dpreview.com www.dpreview.com
sirhawkeye64 said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
sirhawkeye64 said:
I guess since I booked my flight and have to check a bag (which will only be clothes and a tripod) I have more room in my carry on for more gear, not that I want to bring everything, but size of bodies/lenses won't be as much of a concern (originally was going to do just a large carry-on but most Euro airlines limit you pretty heavilyi to about 26 lbs total, and my camera gear alone is about 10-12 lbs).
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
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ryanschwartz80 said:
Burgerman said:
I would take the marvelous 24-120 f4 you already have. And crop or DX mode if you have to. You can still do crop DX or 2.2x movies at 120mm as well.
Click to expand...
Tio me, this is the most logical choice for the OP. It will get you equivalent length out to 180mm in DX on the long end. I wouldn't buy a lens for a potential one-time use. If you need a special purpose lens, you're better off just renting one.
Click to expand...
120 mm in DX mode on FF body will give you only FOV of the 180 lens, but will not put more pixels on the subject from the same distance. On the other hands 180mm lens on FF will put more pixels on the subject.

To the OP:

Last year we had a trip to Turkey and I had 24-200 on Z 7II and 14-30 on the Z 6II. I had also 24-120 with me. Most used were 24-200 and 14-30. I carried Z 7II with 24-200 on the Black Rapid and Z 6II with 14-30 in the small back pack. With Black Rapid it is very easy to swap bodies.

Here are links to the pictures from different parts of the trip.

flic.kr/s/aHBqjAHVuF

lic.kr/s/aHBqjAHRgc

lic.kr/s/aHBqjAHRSM
 
I'd go 14-30 and 24-120. That gets you to 180 in DX mode without additional cropping, which is fine on the Zf and even better on the Z8 (didn't see which camera you're bringing, but I'm assuming the Zf).

As tempting as the 28-400 range is, I just don't see myself wanting to carry that thing around on an international trip where I'm also going to be doing a lot of additional travel from location to location, and especially if I'm going to be lugging additional lenses.
 
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sirhawkeye64,

We are going to London for two weeks in July. I am taking the Zf with my 24-120 and probably throwing in the Viltrox 20. Visiting a lot of gardens so I should be in fine shape. Have a wonderful trip.

Lynn
 
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