Going to Scotland - Inputs for toys to bring

CNorre · Jul 9, 2025

Hello everyone,

I'm going to Scotland, Edinburgh and Inverness, shortly.

Currently I'm planning to bring my Z6III + 14-30, 24-200 and 28 or 40 muffin, last TBD.

We will be visiting Edinburgh Castle, the museum, Camera Obscure and world of illusions for sure and a few other places is on the list as well. As for Inverness we are planning for some hiking around the Loch and a boat trip to see if we find Nessy as well.

I suspect above will be enough to capture what I aim to... but I've been toying with the idea of getting the 24-120 for a while (and with current sales its would be a fine time to jump), but I'm not sure if it will be enough range (but will help with close focusing over the 24-200). I'm not too concerned about the IQ difference, I'm fine with the output of the 24-200. The 1-1 1/3 stop difference can of course be beneficial in some settings, especially if we run into grey weather or for the indoor stuff.

So I seek some inputs from anyone there or have been there, as to what to expect, as its my first time there, I'm not really sure what to expect.

Also, suggestions for must sees will be highly appreciated.

Schrodingers cat · Jul 9, 2025

We've been a couple of times . Sorry about the examples, a lot of them are very old and from low rez cameras created by a pretty mediocre photographer

I suggest one body/one lens. In your case I'd probably select your 24-200, which I have used myself of a Z9.

If you are out late and don't want to carry the longer zoom I'd probably suggest the 40mm.

The castle is at the top of a hill. A long, steep hill.

My recollection of our trips is that wherever we were going next, it was going to be uphill. It was even uphill coming back.

The entire idea of UK travel is walking. Do yourself a favor and carry less so you can concentrate on the artsy stuff like composition, lighting, color, and all the stuff that doesn't generally get discussed on gear forums

By the way, it's going to be raining and overcast. Guaranteed.

And it seems to me that the city exists only to host various festivals. One after the other. Expect crowds.

Visit the old cemetery.

--
Personal travel snapshots at https://www.castle-explorers.com
Making good decisions is generally the result of experience. Unfortunately, experience is generally the result of making bad decisions.

Icee258 · Jul 9, 2025

CNorre said:
Hello everyone,

I'm going to Scotland, Edinburgh and Inverness, shortly.

Currently I'm planning to bring my Z6III + 14-30, 24-200 and 28 or 40 muffin, last TBD.

Pretty good choices. I'm not a UWA person, so I'd personally skip the 14-30 (24 is wide enough for me), but if you like UWA, that lens isn't too huge.

CNorre said:
We will be visiting Edinburgh Castle, the museum, Camera Obscure and world of illusions for sure and a few other places is on the list as well. As for Inverness we are planning for some hiking around the Loch and a boat trip to see if we find Nessy as well.

If you like hiking, I highly recommend going up Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. The views from the top are spectacular and it's a nice fairly easy hike (not a technically challenging trail, but there is some altitude gain).

CNorre said:
I suspect above will be enough to capture what I aim to... but I've been toying with the idea of getting the 24-120 for a while (and with current sales its would be a fine time to jump), but I'm not sure if it will be enough range (but will help with close focusing over the 24-200). I'm not too concerned about the IQ difference, I'm fine with the output of the 24-200. The 1-1 1/3 stop difference can of course be beneficial in some settings, especially if we run into grey weather or for the indoor stuff.

Usually I like the 24-200 better for travel because I like zooming in on architectural details, but for Scotland, with its spectacular landscapes, I would probably bring my 24-120 mm for sharper corner-to-corner performance so I can enlarge my favorite shot. If you're not planning large prints or close-ups (e.g. in a botanical garden), you can save yourself the weight and bring the 24-200. Really, neither lens is a bad choice.

Do buy the 24-120, though, even if you don't carry it on this trip. It's my favorite lens, especially because I'm a sucker for flowers.

When I went to Scotland a decade ago, I had just bought my first DSLR (a D5500), so I only brought the kit 18-55 mm lens and I shot mostly in Auto. Despite that, I got some spectacular landscape shots that I printed and framed and they still hang in my home. I'm planning to go back this fall and I'm not sure I can improve on those shots (mostly because I know I can't improve on the weather we had), despite having better cameras and much better photography skills, but I intend to try.

CNorre said:
So I seek some inputs from anyone there or have been there, as to what to expect, as its my first time there, I'm not really sure what to expect.

Also, suggestions for must sees will be highly appreciated.

Try to schedule a tour of a whiskey distillery. Even if you don't like whiskey (I don't), it's interesting to learn how it is made and how different flavors are achieved.

If you can time it around other sight-seeing, I recommend photographing Edinburgh castle at sunset. It's really beautiful. There are several restaurants in the Grassmarket near the castle, so you can pair the photography opportunity with dinner immediately before or after.

BGD300V1 · Jul 9, 2025

Icee258 said:
Try to schedule a tour of a whiskey distillery. Even if you don't like whiskey (I don't), it's interesting to learn how it is made and how different flavors are achieved.

My wife is a teetotaler and I always enjoy touring distillery and wine cellars with her on our travels.

I also find a good AF lens with VR handy.

CNorre · Jul 9, 2025

Schrodingers cat said:
We've been a couple of times . Sorry about the examples, a lot of them are very old and from low rez cameras created by a pretty mediocre photographer

I suggest one body/one lens. In your case I'd probably select your 24-200, which I have used myself of a Z9.

If you are out late and don't want to carry the longer zoom I'd probably suggest the 40mm.

The castle is at the top of a hill. A long, steep hill.

My recollection of our trips is that wherever we were going next, it was going to be uphill. It was even uphill coming back.

The entire idea of UK travel is walking. Do yourself a favor and carry less so you can concentrate on the artsy stuff like composition, lighting, color, and all the stuff that doesn't generally get discussed on gear forums

By the way, it's going to be raining and overcast. Guaranteed.

And it seems to me that the city exists only to host various festivals. One after the other. Expect crowds.

Visit the old cemetery.

CNorre · Jul 9, 2025

Icee258 said:
CNorre said:

Hello everyone,

I'm going to Scotland, Edinburgh and Inverness, shortly.

Currently I'm planning to bring my Z6III + 14-30, 24-200 and 28 or 40 muffin, last TBD.

Click to expand...

Pretty good choices. I'm not a UWA person, so I'd personally skip the 14-30 (24 is wide enough for me), but if you like UWA, that lens isn't too huge.

I do find the UWA useful for old European cities, since the old castles and churches usually fill a lot in the relative little space, so can be challenging to get into the frame, even with 14 mm.

And it can gives some interesting possibilities.

That said, I can often live with 24 on the wide end, I'm not a UWA junkie.

Icee258 said:
Icee258 said:

We will be visiting Edinburgh Castle, the museum, Camera Obscure and world of illusions for sure and a few other places is on the list as well. As for Inverness we are planning for some hiking around the Loch and a boat trip to see if we find Nessy as well.

Click to expand...

If you like hiking, I highly recommend going up Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. The views from the top are spectacular and it's a nice fairly easy hike (not a technically challenging trail, but there is some altitude gain).

thanks for the suggestion and heads up, it was proposed, but it will likely be a solo trip, as the group I'm travelling with, doesn't seem to have the interest in the journey up the hill. I think though, that ill take up the advice and do the hike.

Icee258 said:
Icee258 said:

I suspect above will be enough to capture what I aim to... but I've been toying with the idea of getting the 24-120 for a while (and with current sales its would be a fine time to jump), but I'm not sure if it will be enough range (but will help with close focusing over the 24-200). I'm not too concerned about the IQ difference, I'm fine with the output of the 24-200. The 1-1 1/3 stop difference can of course be beneficial in some settings, especially if we run into grey weather or for the indoor stuff.

Click to expand...

Usually I like the 24-200 better for travel because I like zooming in on architectural details, but for Scotland, with its spectacular landscapes, I would probably bring my 24-120 mm for sharper corner-to-corner performance so I can enlarge my favorite shot. If you're not planning large prints or close-ups (e.g. in a botanical garden), you can save yourself the weight and bring the 24-200. Really, neither lens is a bad choice.

Do buy the 24-120, though, even if you don't carry it on this trip. It's my favorite lens, especially because I'm a sucker for flowers.

I'm torn between the two excatly for the reason you're touching here, I love capturing the close ups as well, of botanicals and others - the 24-200 is okay, but definitely not stellar, while the 24-120 is basically as close to macro as you get, just before macro. I find I usually get good enough results with landscapes with the 24-200, since I often shoot stopped down anyway, my copy clears up the corners to be good enough for the size I print. It's more the close up ability of the 24-120 I would be interesting in (and the constant f4 for dimmer settings at the longer FL's)

Icee258 said:
When I went to Scotland a decade ago, I had just bought my first DSLR (a D5500), so I only brought the kit 18-55 mm lens and I shot mostly in Auto. Despite that, I got some spectacular landscape shots that I printed and framed and they still hang in my home. I'm planning to go back this fall and I'm not sure I can improve on those shots (mostly because I know I can't improve on the weather we had), despite having better cameras and much better photography skills, but I intend to try.

Icee258 said:

So I seek some inputs from anyone there or have been there, as to what to expect, as its my first time there, I'm not really sure what to expect.

Also, suggestions for must sees will be highly appreciated.

Click to expand...

Try to schedule a tour of a whiskey distillery. Even if you don't like whiskey (I don't), it's interesting to learn how it is made and how different flavors are achieved.

No doubt we will be visiting a few distilleries, we are going several whiskey lovers, so there will be some tasting going on (forgot to mention that).

Icee258 said:
If you can time it around other sight-seeing, I recommend photographing Edinburgh castle at sunset. It's really beautiful. There are several restaurants in the Grassmarket near the castle, so you can pair the photography opportunity with dinner immediately before or after.

Thanks for the input, I'll keep that in mind!

BryanDecker · Jul 9, 2025

I've done a couple trips with just my 6iii and 24-120 with the 40 thrown in the backpack. I've been happy with the lightweight nature of the kit. Absolutely bring a "muffin" lens for easy walking around, I love the 40, but you might get more from the 28 (or 26 pancake).

brodgar · Jul 10, 2025

I am an ex-pat Scot and offer this somewhat jaded view of your trip:

From a photographic viewpoint all you need is a Z body and the 24-120. You will be walking a LOT.

As S.cat says everywhere in Edinburgh is uphill -- even the way back. Seriously it is very hilly and will put stress on your knees so you will be limited by the weakest member of your group.

Just as the Eskimo have 50 words for snow, the Scots have about the same number for rain. From September on the rain blows at you sideways.

If you go hiking in the Spring and Summer you will chance dying from the bites of midges and clegs.

The Scots do not speak English as you might know it. You will not understand a word.

Food is very bad. The only two good dishes are Fish and Chips and that ancient Scottish specialty – curry and chips. Don’t even think about Haggis Pad Thai, Bacon Rolls, or deep fried Mars Bars. You will be given chips (French Fries) with every meal including pasta!

The Scots have no conception of hospitality. It comes from 1,000 years of repelling their neighbours to the South.

Edinburgh spent the last 20 years destroying a working road system to install a miserable 11 miles of street car tracks which goes nowhere the public want to travel! The same geniuses must have done the redesign of Inverness’ road system. It is easier to cross Istanbul in rush hour traffic than to drive in Inverness.

Anyway on a positive note, here are some suggestions going from South to North:

Edinburgh – you must do Rose Street. It is horizontal with more pubs per foot than anywhere else in the World. Grassmarket in the old town with the Last Drop pub. The Castle and the Royal Mile. Greyfriars Bobby – a statue of a wee dog. If Edinburgh has a heart it is right there. You might want to take the street car out to Leith where the old Royal Yacht Brittania is permanently moored and open for tours. Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock.

The Forth Bridge.

The Falkirk Kelpies.

St. Andrews – you must shoot the golf club and the Swilcan Bridge. It is on the public part of the courses. Also do the ruined cathedral.

Aberlemno for the Pictish Stones if you like really old history.

Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven.

In Inverness there is nothing to see. But visit Culloden Moor – now just a field with some gravestones but this is the spiritual centre of Scotland.

Skip the boat trip on Loch Ness. Nessie is shy and it is just tourist crap. Urquhart Castle is just a pile of rubble.

Report back!

monte12345 · Jul 10, 2025

There was a time when most photographers kept a 50mm lens parked on their film cameras. Because it was and is an excellent focal length for all around shooting.

One suggestion will require you to purchase 3 lenses but the good news is they will cost less than the 24-120 you are considering. That is the Viltrox 20mm f2.8 Air ($140.80), the Nikkor 26mm f2.8 ($416.95), and the Viltrox 50mm f2.0 Air ($ 159). BTW Viltrox is offering a deep discount at present and don't let the price fool you into thinking these are too cheap to be good. I have the 40mm f2.0 and my 20mm f2.8 Viltrox is a bit better in terms of sharpness. As for the 50mm f2, that bargain is so good I'll be ordering one for myself.

Lens weights - total is 583 g or 18.36 oz. Total Cost is 716.95

20mm f2.8 173 g or 6.1 oz.

26mm f2.8 125 g or 4.5 oz.

50mm f2.0 220 g or 7.76 oz. This lens is about 3/16 inch shorter than the 40mm f2

Second suggestion is a one lens one body kit. How I have my Z7 II set up. The lens is the 24-120mm f4 S lens. Obviously this is a higher cost option but the increase in available focal lengths is beyond comparing. I will also not the weight penalty for this option is a tick less than 1/4 pound.

Lens weight 630 g or 22.2 oz. Cost is 1046.95

The point here is DO NOT PACK the Kitchen Sink. Keep your kit small and light. If you feel that 24mm won't be wide enough then get the 20mm f2.8 Viltrox as an additional lens. As for your 14-30mm it's a fine lens. However consider how many times you have actually used it at focal lengths under 20mm. I have a rather dated Sigma 12-24mm lens originally purchased for use with my F5 and have used it just two times in the past year, the 20mm sees lots of use because it's just a better choice for me and much easier to carry.

CNorre · Jul 10, 2025

monte12345 said:
There was a time when most photographers kept a 50mm lens parked on their film cameras. Because it was and is an excellent focal length for all around shooting.

One suggestion will require you to purchase 3 lenses but the good news is they will cost less than the 24-120 you are considering. That is the Viltrox 20mm f2.8 Air ($140.80), the Nikkor 26mm f2.8 ($416.95), and the Viltrox 50mm f2.0 Air ($ 159). BTW Viltrox is offering a deep discount at present and don't let the price fool you into thinking these are too cheap to be good. I have the 40mm f2.0 and my 20mm f2.8 Viltrox is a bit better in terms of sharpness. As for the 50mm f2, that bargain is so good I'll be ordering one for myself.

Lens weights - total is 583 g or 18.36 oz. Total Cost is 716.95

20mm f2.8 173 g or 6.1 oz.

26mm f2.8 125 g or 4.5 oz.

50mm f2.0 220 g or 7.76 oz. This lens is about 3/16 inch shorter than the 40mm f2

Second suggestion is a one lens one body kit. How I have my Z7 II set up. The lens is the 24-120mm f4 S lens. Obviously this is a higher cost option but the increase in available focal lengths is beyond comparing. I will also not the weight penalty for this option is a tick less than 1/4 pound.

Lens weight 630 g or 22.2 oz. Cost is 1046.95

The point here is DO NOT PACK the Kitchen Sink. Keep your kit small and light. If you feel that 24mm won't be wide enough then get the 20mm f2.8 Viltrox as an additional lens. As for your 14-30mm it's a fine lens. However consider how many times you have actually used it at focal lengths under 20mm. I have a rather dated Sigma 12-24mm lens originally purchased for use with my F5 and have used it just two times in the past year, the 20mm sees lots of use because it's just a better choice for me and much easier to carry.

Thank you for your input - much appreciated getting more angles on the subject.

I'm luckily still (relatively) fit just turned 40 and used to haul stuff hicking, so don't mind carrying a few kilos, as long as the full load, including additionals and not just camera gear, doesn't weigh more than 5-8 kg, I carry it like it was not there, crossing 10 and I start to feel it.

That leaves just about 2, max 3 kg to lenses, monopod and accessories, so I can take the two f4 zooms without weighing down much.

That said, I don't particularly enjoy carrying unwanted stuff for no reason. So I'll keep the kitchen sink at home, hence also asking for inputs for what to expect, no reason packing macro, long tele, several primes and uwa, if one standard zoom covers all bases (check my instagram for references about what I generally shoot - not many portraits there, since most I do is family and friends, that I don't enjoy posting there).

Regarding the 14-30, often it only goes wider than 18-20 for architecture and Indoor shooting, 18-20 is the widest i usually go for nature and landscapes, often not even 20, don't really like the FoV going wider for that kind of shooting, maybe the odd waterfall or cliff to get everything in. I was mostly planning to bring it for Edinburgh - The old European cities tends to call for wide angle fov in my opinion.

What I'm beginning to gather though is I'd likely just bring the 24-200 (or get the 24-120, still TBD) and 1 or 2 muffins (or see if I can exchange the 28 for the 26, plus some cash, but then it will not be the 24-120, but rather 24-200, 26 and 40).

CNorre · Jul 10, 2025

brodgar said:
I am an ex-pat Scot and offer this somewhat jaded view of your trip:

From a photographic viewpoint all you need is a Z body and the 24-120. You will be walking a LOT.

As S.cat says everywhere in Edinburgh is uphill -- even the way back. Seriously it is very hilly and will put stress on your knees so you will be limited by the weakest member of your group.

Just as the Eskimo have 50 words for snow, the Scots have about the same number for rain. From September on the rain blows at you sideways.

If you go hiking in the Spring and Summer you will chance dying from the bites of midges and clegs.

The Scots do not speak English as you might know it. You will not understand a word.

Food is very bad. The only two good dishes are Fish and Chips and that ancient Scottish specialty – curry and chips. Don’t even think about Haggis Pad Thai, Bacon Rolls, or deep fried Mars Bars. You will be given chips (French Fries) with every meal including pasta!

The Scots have no conception of hospitality. It comes from 1,000 years of repelling their neighbours to the South.

Edinburgh spent the last 20 years destroying a working road system to install a miserable 11 miles of street car tracks which goes nowhere the public want to travel! The same geniuses must have done the redesign of Inverness’ road system. It is easier to cross Istanbul in rush hour traffic than to drive in Inverness.

Anyway on a positive note, here are some suggestions going from South to North:

Edinburgh – you must do Rose Street. It is horizontal with more pubs per foot than anywhere else in the World. Grassmarket in the old town with the Last Drop pub. The Castle and the Royal Mile. Greyfriars Bobby – a statue of a wee dog. If Edinburgh has a heart it is right there. You might want to take the street car out to Leith where the old Royal Yacht Brittania is permanently moored and open for tours. Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock.

The Forth Bridge.

The Falkirk Kelpies.

St. Andrews – you must shoot the golf club and the Swilcan Bridge. It is on the public part of the courses. Also do the ruined cathedral.

Aberlemno for the Pictish Stones if you like really old history.

Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven.

In Inverness there is nothing to see. But visit Culloden Moor – now just a field with some gravestones but this is the spiritual centre of Scotland.

Skip the boat trip on Loch Ness. Nessie is shy and it is just tourist crap. Urquhart Castle is just a pile of rubble.

Report back!

Thank you for your response - you sure sell Scotland well, haha.

But I really appreciate the blunt truth, so if that's the story I've got to look forward to, I'll take notes from this for sure.

We will take up your sightseeing suggestion in the group and I'll not expect a 3-star culinary experience, though a good fish and chips ain't too bad. Too so prepare the walking shoes and strap down for tired legs at the end of the days there.

As for Scottish English, I've got a friend/acquaintance from just outside Glasgow, the first month I spoke to him, I honestly didn't get a word, not even hello.. Lucky me there were some that could translate, haha. So I'm prepared to flip the ears out extra wide to grab a few world,hopefully understanding the overall meaning of what's said.

I'll leave out the 14-30 from the kit for now, since what I hear is, I should be prepared not to change lenses outside, unless I'd want the camera washed inside out and grab just a standard zoom and the muffin primes, they are light enough not to be a burden.

We will make sure to cross as many of the suggestions left here our schedule allows, Rose Garden for sure, I enjoy the pubs of Britain.

As for Inverness, I think we mostly go for a distillery in the area, which I then gather will be for most of our couple of days there. The boat trip was mostly to get some views of the landscape from the water side. I'll see if I can get people in for Culloden Moor instead, if you should know of anything else around there or in the area, please let me/us know, also if its a drive away.

I'll make sure to post back after the visit, abide probably a new thread.

Thanks a lot for your insider knowledge!

I'll owe a pint should our roads cross!

phinix · Jul 10, 2025

CNorre said:
Hello everyone,

I'm going to Scotland, Edinburgh and Inverness, shortly.

Currently I'm planning to bring my Z6III + 14-30, 24-200 and 28 or 40 muffin, last TBD.

We will be visiting Edinburgh Castle, the museum, Camera Obscure and world of illusions for sure and a few other places is on the list as well. As for Inverness we are planning for some hiking around the Loch and a boat trip to see if we find Nessy as well.

I suspect above will be enough to capture what I aim to... but I've been toying with the idea of getting the 24-120 for a while (and with current sales its would be a fine time to jump), but I'm not sure if it will be enough range (but will help with close focusing over the 24-200). I'm not too concerned about the IQ difference, I'm fine with the output of the 24-200. The 1-1 1/3 stop difference can of course be beneficial in some settings, especially if we run into grey weather or for the indoor stuff.

So I seek some inputs from anyone there or have been there, as to what to expect, as its my first time there, I'm not really sure what to expect.

Also, suggestions for must sees will be highly appreciated.

Edinburgh Castle is a disappointment. There are sooo many other a lot nicer castles in Scotland.

Chattanooga Dan · Jul 11, 2025

We spent a week there in April with only my 24-120 and a 26mm. Worked well and never felt a need for a longer lens. 25% of pictures were with the 26mm. Lots of walking. Keep it light!

rlandrigan · Jul 11, 2025

My 24-120 and 26 are a perfect travel pair - your 28 is close enough and serves as the lightweight option, and you can get away with the 24-200....BUT

The 24-120 is just a better lens, and is so dang good, I'd give up the 80mm on the long end in a heartbeat. I've done Alaska, London, Paris all with that pair (plus specialized options) and been very happy. I do wish we'd get a Z mount 180-200 range prime, or a Z mount 300 PF, to have a tele travel lens.

Roozeblij · Jul 11, 2025

Spent two weeks in that area from inverness down to forth william (yeah, the H. potter train...) in october 2023. Only had about 20 minutes of rain in total.

We had a great time! Great people.

Took too much gear, but went by ferry and car, so no problem.

I have a little gallery: https://rofoto.nl/?gallery=schotland-2023

CNorre · Jul 11, 2025

phinix said:
Edinburgh Castle is a disappointment. There are sooo many other a lot nicer castles in Scotland.

Feel free to come with suggestions, especially if it's on the road between Edinburgh and Inverness.

CNorre · Jul 11, 2025

Chattanooga Dan said:
We spent a week there in April with only my 24-120 and a 26mm. Worked well and never felt a need for a longer lens. 25% of pictures were with the 26mm. Lots of walking. Keep it light!

Thanks for your input, I'll keep the haul to a minimum,

That'd another tick for the 24-120. Did you miss not having access to wider angles than 24?

Born2Code · Jul 11, 2025

monte12345 said:
There was a time when most photographers kept a 50mm lens parked on their film cameras. Because it was and is an excellent focal length for all around shooting.

One suggestion will require you to purchase 3 lenses but the good news is they will cost less than the 24-120 you are considering. That is the Viltrox 20mm f2.8 Air ($140.80), the Nikkor 26mm f2.8 ($416.95), and the Viltrox 50mm f2.0 Air ($ 159). BTW Viltrox is offering a deep discount at present and don't let the price fool you into thinking these are too cheap to be good. I have the 40mm f2.0 and my 20mm f2.8 Viltrox is a bit better in terms of sharpness. As for the 50mm f2, that bargain is so good I'll be ordering one for myself.

Lens weights - total is 583 g or 18.36 oz. Total Cost is 716.95

20mm f2.8 173 g or 6.1 oz.

26mm f2.8 125 g or 4.5 oz.

50mm f2.0 220 g or 7.76 oz. This lens is about 3/16 inch shorter than the 40mm f2

Second suggestion is a one lens one body kit. How I have my Z7 II set up. The lens is the 24-120mm f4 S lens. Obviously this is a higher cost option but the increase in available focal lengths is beyond comparing. I will also not the weight penalty for this option is a tick less than 1/4 pound.

Lens weight 630 g or 22.2 oz. Cost is 1046.95

The point here is DO NOT PACK the Kitchen Sink. Keep your kit small and light. If you feel that 24mm won't be wide enough then get the 20mm f2.8 Viltrox as an additional lens. As for your 14-30mm it's a fine lens. However consider how many times you have actually used it at focal lengths under 20mm. I have a rather dated Sigma 12-24mm lens originally purchased for use with my F5 and have used it just two times in the past year, the 20mm sees lots of use because it's just a better choice for me and much easier to carry.

I just got back from Iceland and I think more is more.

I'm 73 and I carried two Z8's, one with the 24-120 attached for scenics and the other with the 100-400 for shooting puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, etc. I also had the 14-30 along, but I'm not a huge wide-angle fan. I don't consider myself to be inordinately fit, but I had no trouble carrying them over hill and dale in a MindShift Gear Backlight 26L.

YMMV of course.

sirhawkeye64 · Jul 11, 2025

CNorre said:
Hello everyone,

I'm going to Scotland, Edinburgh and Inverness, shortly.

Currently I'm planning to bring my Z6III + 14-30, 24-200 and 28 or 40 muffin, last TBD.

We will be visiting Edinburgh Castle, the museum, Camera Obscure and world of illusions for sure and a few other places is on the list as well. As for Inverness we are planning for some hiking around the Loch and a boat trip to see if we find Nessy as well.

I suspect above will be enough to capture what I aim to... but I've been toying with the idea of getting the 24-120 for a while (and with current sales its would be a fine time to jump), but I'm not sure if it will be enough range (but will help with close focusing over the 24-200). I'm not too concerned about the IQ difference, I'm fine with the output of the 24-200. The 1-1 1/3 stop difference can of course be beneficial in some settings, especially if we run into grey weather or for the indoor stuff.

So I seek some inputs from anyone there or have been there, as to what to expect, as its my first time there, I'm not really sure what to expect.

Also, suggestions for must sees will be highly appreciated.

My general go-to kit for travel (overseas) has been the 24-120, 14-30 and either the 50 1.8 or the 40 f/2, and that's it. The 24-200 could take the place of the 24-120 if you value the reach more than the speed. I had the 24-200 but sold it to get the 24-120 which I've been very pleased with (I do borrow the 24-200 here and there if I need it, but for the most part, the 24-120 does it for me).

Chattanooga Dan · Jul 11, 2025

CNorre said:
Chattanooga Dan said:

We spent a week there in April with only my 24-120 and a 26mm. Worked well and never felt a need for a longer lens. 25% of pictures were with the 26mm. Lots of walking. Keep it light!

Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, I'll keep the haul to a minimum,

That'd another tick for the 24-120. Did you miss not having access to wider angles than 24?

Personally I didn’t miss anything wider but since you are taking 3 lenses you’ve got that covered. There will be plenty of opportunities to use your 14-30; however since you will be hiking and visiting museums, you just need to decide whether the weight matters to you. I was on a family trip so 2 lenses is my max.

Going to Scotland - Inputs for toys to bring

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