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Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 for travel?

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Sgt_Strider said:
It's too bad that neither Canon nor Sony have an FF superzoom lens. The issue with the Z8 is that it's a pretty heavy body. With this lens, I think the total weight is just under 4 lbs. It's too bad that Sony never bother to update the RX10 series as a 24-600mm lens is also very nice for travel. What do you guys think? Would you travel with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 lens?
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If you need up to 400mm this would probably be the best route. But I'd say the 24-200 might be a step up if you can get away with just 200mm (it's smaller and lighter, and a bit faster, but it doesn't have quite the zoom range).

My only concern bringing a 28-400 on a Z8 is the size/weight. You may like the combo but you'll get tired of it (both figuratively and literally) after a while probably.

I'd say the "ideal" travel kit currently would be a Z7 series and a 24-200 (assuming you wouldn't be photographing and sports or fast moving animals).

I mean, I'm going to Portgual later this year and I'm trying to avoid bringing the Z8 if I can and traveling with my Zf, a 24-120 (or 24-200) and maybe a backup camera body (which I may just rent) since the Z8 does add some bulk to the entire experience. For travel, generally you want the smallest, least amount of gear you can get away with. And after mulling over various options for my trip, I have narrowed it down to just the basics for my intentions, and it's a bit different than what i had in mind originally.

Now if you're going to be shooting wildlife or sports, then thats a different story, but if not, I'd maybe look at some other configurations that are smaller/lighter.

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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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Sgt_Strider said:
It's too bad that neither Canon nor Sony have an FF superzoom lens. The issue with the Z8 is that it's a pretty heavy body. With this lens, I think the total weight is just under 4 lbs. It's too bad that Sony never bother to update the RX10 series as a 24-600mm lens is also very nice for travel. What do you guys think? Would you travel with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 lens?
Click to expand...
If weight is the concern and you would like to spend some money on a Z body for travel use:

1. ZF is the lightest and cheapest 2nd gen Z body. 200g lighter than Z8. I just tried ZF + 28-400 the past weekend. No issue for handling if you are using both hands.

2. If AF performance is not an issue for your use, a used Z 6/7 I/II body would be a good choice. Even lighter than ZF.
 
If you want smaller, pair it with the Z6III , it focuses very fast. With my z50 is quite slow although I still usable. Here are some photos of the 28-400mm w/z50 combination, super lightweight and great reach.



dc365e8022c34e799789bda8e70c008d.jpg



9bf7db2d35dc4c4da0cbb0dbdc45ac45.jpg



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Sgt_Strider said:
It's too bad that neither Canon nor Sony have an FF superzoom lens. The issue with the Z8 is that it's a pretty heavy body. With this lens, I think the total weight is just under 4 lbs. It's too bad that Sony never bother to update the RX10 series as a 24-600mm lens is also very nice for travel. What do you guys think? Would you travel with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 lens?
Click to expand...
I personally don’t think I’d buy that combo for travel. My reasoning is I’d rather not carry that lens around all the time. I have take the Z8 and 24-120 on a non photo trip and it wasn’t bad but my preference is for a bit smaller and lighter. I like the flexibility of the 24-120 but if I didn’t think I’d need the range I’d grab my 24-70mm f/4. I could pair it with the 100-400 and only carry it when needed. I like to keep the amount of gear to a minimum but also not carry something bigger than I need. My thought is the 28-400 paired with any body is going to be somewhat large. I bought the Zf so I could travel lighter and normally use it with the 24-70, 28, 40 lenses most often with it.
 
Kamil Z said:
Why are so many people so super sensitive about weight? I don't get it. It feels like every second thread is about weight.

The 28-400 does not pair well with the Z8. If weight is so much more important than quality, Smartphones are hard to beat.
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I also don't understand obsessing over 4 or 8 oz of extra weight, e.g. Z8 vs. Z6. A small bottle of water weighs twice that!

But, since Nikon does not make a lightweight 70-300 type lens for the Z system, the next step up from the 28-400 is a three-pound behemoth. In that case, I can understand the appeal of the 28-400.
 
Sgt_Strider said:
It's too bad that neither Canon nor Sony have an FF superzoom lens. The issue with the Z8 is that it's a pretty heavy body. With this lens, I think the total weight is just under 4 lbs. It's too bad that Sony never bother to update the RX10 series as a 24-600mm lens is also very nice for travel. What do you guys think? Would you travel with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 lens?
Click to expand...
I was just at San Diego and brought my 28-400 and love it. For anything creative, you may consider a light weight large aperture lens, and something wide angle might be useful to, but the 28-400 would be the lens which stays on.





799d584627e94748b6c609bf6383d640.jpg
 
laueddy said:
Sgt_Strider said:
It's too bad that neither Canon nor Sony have an FF superzoom lens. The issue with the Z8 is that it's a pretty heavy body. With this lens, I think the total weight is just under 4 lbs. It's too bad that Sony never bother to update the RX10 series as a 24-600mm lens is also very nice for travel. What do you guys think? Would you travel with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 lens?
Click to expand...
I was just at San Diego and brought my 28-400 and love it. For anything creative, you may consider a light weight large aperture lens, and something wide angle might be useful to, but the 28-400 would be the lens which stays on.
Click to expand...
I think it would be awesome if Nikon also made a 24/28-300mm lens. It'll be another option that could potentially be lighter if one doesn't need the reach. I intend to complement this with the 14-30mm f/4.
 
Sgt_Strider said:
laueddy said:
Sgt_Strider said:
It's too bad that neither Canon nor Sony have an FF superzoom lens. The issue with the Z8 is that it's a pretty heavy body. With this lens, I think the total weight is just under 4 lbs. It's too bad that Sony never bother to update the RX10 series as a 24-600mm lens is also very nice for travel. What do you guys think? Would you travel with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 28-400mm f/4-8 lens?
Click to expand...
I was just at San Diego and brought my 28-400 and love it. For anything creative, you may consider a light weight large aperture lens, and something wide angle might be useful to, but the 28-400 would be the lens which stays on.
Click to expand...
I think it would be awesome if Nikon also made a 24/28-300mm lens. It'll be another option that could potentially be lighter if one doesn't need the reach. I intend to complement this with the 14-30mm f/4.
Click to expand...
I use the F-mount 28-300 a lot when travelling or for casual photography. On paper these superzooms often look unappealing because of their MTF charts or lack of speed, but they are tremendous fun to use. The ability to go from wide angle to picking out tiny details is great. I usually carry a fast prime as well. The 14-30 is also a good complement to it but I find that 28 is often wide enough. And carrying around much heavier lenses is irritating and obtrusive unless you have a specific target. I do think.the 28-400 is too much money though, so I’ll wait until they appear on the used market
 
Given the zoom range I’d simply assumed that this lens would be awful. But from the review and photos on this thread, it appears pretty decent.

It’s not a small lens and doesn’t have a wide aperture. But then, I don’t consider the 24-120 / 4 or 24-70 / 4 to be small lenses with a wide aperture either.

Once you’ve accepted that you’re not getting f/1.8 or f/2.8 you might as well go the whole hog and get this f/8.

And for street photography you’re not going to be inconspicuous with any Z-camera + lens (except maybe the Zf with 40/2).
 
The way I decide which gear to take on a trip is basically determined by determining the need/opportunity.

1. If I need low weight/small size (Trekking/cycling/motocycling) - Z50 + 18-140

2. If I'm only going to get the opportunity to take snaps (packed itinerary, travelling with non-photographers :-) ) - 20MP is plenty - Z50 + 18-140.

3. If I'm going to get the opportunity to scout out a location, set shots up in the best light and really exploit the photographic potential of a place - Z8 + 14-30, 24-120, 70-300

The principle being, that if I'm not taking lenses that do 45MP justice, why bother carrying the extra weight of the Z8.

YMMV
 
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No, a Nikon Z6III or Zf seem better suited for travel. Looking at the size of the 28-400, I'd probably say Z6III because of the grip shape
 
Sgt_Strider said:
You bought the Z6 III already?
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yes, I did buy the Z6III , very nice , as good as my Z8, I have not tested yet in jungles , just playing at home.
 
Chinese businessman carrying his new Nikon Z8 with Nikon 28-400mm strolling around Nice France last week. More than happy with his camera and lens for travelling around Europe. Nikon Z reaching far and wide in the camera market these days by leaps and bounds? Yours Truly Fuji owner green with envy.
 
If you want a similar kind of reach with your Fuji, you can get the Tamron 18-300mm lens, it's a pretty sharp one ;)
 
Droster said:
Kamil Z said:
Why are so many people so super sensitive about weight? I don't get it. It feels like every second thread is about weight.

The 28-400 does not pair well with the Z8. If weight is so much more important than quality, Smartphones are hard to beat.
Click to expand...
With travel where you're physically traveling most of the time, every bit saved counts towards protecting our backs.

And weight saved is weight that can also be used to carry other stuff. Like a bigger bottle of water for example.
Click to expand...
I appreciate this post. I've seen lots of "who cares about weight" posts on this forum that miss the point. It matters to backpackers and travelers.
 
Kamil Z said:
Why are so many people so super sensitive about weight? I don't get it. It feels like every second thread is about weight.

The 28-400 does not pair well with the Z8. If weight is so much more important than quality, Smartphones are hard to beat.
Click to expand...
Yikes. Where's the facepalm emoji when you need it?
 
zachdog said:
Droster said:
Kamil Z said:
Why are so many people so super sensitive about weight? I don't get it. It feels like every second thread is about weight.

The 28-400 does not pair well with the Z8. If weight is so much more important than quality, Smartphones are hard to beat.
Click to expand...
With travel where you're physically traveling most of the time, every bit saved counts towards protecting our backs.

And weight saved is weight that can also be used to carry other stuff. Like a bigger bottle of water for example.
Click to expand...
I appreciate this post. I've seen lots of "who cares about weight" posts on this forum that miss the point. It matters to backpackers and travelers.
Click to expand...
I hope I'm not being too rude. Last month, I hiked from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. This is a pretty tough hiking path. I took the Z8 along with the 70-200 S, 20 1.8 S, 180-600, filters, a tripod, and other gear. The way back was a bit hard, but I was rewarded with high-quality images. If you have real passion for what you do, then you don't mind a bit of suffering.

If you aren't too old and don't have health issues holding you back, it might be better to spend time improving your fitness and mental toughness rather than trying to save as much weight as possible.



57397108fd794baab3c934e3e93f23af.jpg



54888fd2641242ccb973e4aab44b5364.jpg
 
Sgt_Strider said:
Kamil Z said:
Why are so many people so super sensitive about weight? I don't get it. It feels like every second thread is about weight.

The 28-400 does not pair well with the Z8. If weight is so much more important than quality, Smartphones are hard to beat.
Click to expand...
The 28-400mm doesn't pair well with the Z8? Why?
Click to expand...
Because it is not sharp enough to support 45 MP sensors. Those travel zooms work best with 24 MP because you don't lose that much of the sensor's sharpness and also because 24 MP sensors have a better image quality if you use high iso values. The f8 will force you to use high iso values quite often. The iso performance between 24 MP and 45 MP doesn't matter if you have a sharp lens that uses the 45 MP, but it matters if you use a soft lens.
 
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