Travel lens recommendations for Nikon Z8?

Fred hit the nail on the head with that 24-120mm recommendation. Honestly, if youre worried about reliability and gear safety while traveling, staying within the S-line glass is the way to go because the weather sealing is just top-tier. I am always a bit cautious about swapping lenses in the field too—dont want to risk getting dust on that Z8 sensor if I can help it. If the 24-120mm is stretching the budget too much tho, you might want to consider the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. Its surprisingly sharp for a superzoom and incredibly lightweight for what it offers. It doesnt have the constant aperture, but for daytime travel shots, its basically the most cost-effective one-lens solution out there. Also, just a tip for keeping your gear safe in transit—I always slap a B+W 77mm Master Clear Filter on my main lens immediately. Much cheaper to replace a filter than a lens element if you bump into something in a crowd or a busy airport. Its a small price for some peace of mind.

I'm all about the Z 28-75mm f/2.8 for travel. It's significantly smaller and lighter than the 24-70 f/2.8 S but still gives you that fast aperture. You lose a bit on the wide end but gain so much in portability. Paired with the Z 14-30mm f/4 S for landscapes and you've got an incredibly versatile two-lens kit that won't break your back.

Congrats on the Z8, it’s a total beast of a camera. Tbh, if you’re looking to maximize value and versatility without carrying a massive bag, I’d look at a few specific setups that have served me well: • Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S: Honestly, this is the gold standard for travel. It’s slightly pricier than the 24-70 f/4, but that extra reach to 120mm is huge for travel. I find I rarely need to swap lenses during the day with this one. The image quality is basically S-line perfection, and it handles the Z8's high resolution easily.
• Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR: If youre on a tighter budget or really want a one-lens solution, don't sleep on this one. Its surprisingly sharp for a superzoom and way cheaper than the S-line glass. Perfect for hiking where you dont want to be changing lenses in the wind.
• Nikon Z 40mm f/2: I always pack this as a secondary. Its dirt cheap, weighs nothing, and turns the bulky Z8 into a much more discrete street setup for night walks or dinners. One practical tip: if you want to save money, check the used market for the Mount Adapter FTZ II. You can pick up older F-mount primes for a fraction of the cost of native Z glass, and they still perform great on the Z8 sensor.