Travel lenses for Nikon Z?

> I primarily shoot landscapes and portraits, and I prefer versatile lenses that are lightweight and compact. So if ur looking to keep the budget tight but still want pro results, u gotta look at the non-S primes. Basically, the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is a total sleeper hit. It’s super compact and the 40mm focal length is great for environmental portraits. But for a real DIY enthusiast perspective, just grab a Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter and hunt for used F-mount glass. I’ve been adapting my old AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G and the cost-to-performance ratio is insane. Idk why people pay the 'Z tax' for every lens when u can just bridge the gap yourself with used gear. Plus, if u go with third-party glass like Viltrox, u can usually handle the firmware updates yourself via USB rather than sending it in for professional service. Definitely a more cost-effective way to build a travel kit!!!

My personal travel kit is simple: the 14-30mm f/4 S and the 24-200mm f/4-6.3. I chose them because the Nikon Z system is my lightweight/hiking camera kit of choice, and those lenses are great for traveling light.

The 14-30mm covers those essential wide-angle shots for landscapes and architecture, while the 24-200mm handles everything else. Sure, they aren't my "favorite" lenses in a subjective sense, and I have a few gripes with them, but they were ideal for my situation. Sometimes practicality trumps perfection when you're carrying gear all day!

The new NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens is a great choice. Though it is a bit expensive.

I've traveled extensively with my Z7 using the "holy trinity" of primes: 20mm f/1.8 S, 35mm f/1.8 S, and 85mm f/1.8 S. While not as convenient as a zoom, they're still reasonably compact, provide stunning image quality, and excel in low light. The 35mm rarely leaves my camera for street scenes and everyday shooting. Consider your shooting style - if you value quality and low light performance over convenience, primes might be worth the lens swapping.

To add to the point above, I'm totally satisfied with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S as my main workhorse. I'm usually pretty cautious about my gear when I'm out in the elements so I tend to stick to one lens that does it all. Last year on a trip to the coast I was so glad I had this instead of a bag of primes. I didn't have to worry about getting sand in the sensor or dropping a lens while swapping in the wind. It works well for landscapes at the wide end and the 120mm reach is actually great for portraits too. I've got no complaints about the build quality... it feels very safe and reliable which is what I care about most. Ngl I used to be a gear head but now I just want stuff that works without failing. It costs about $1,100 but feels worth it for the peace of mind. I usually just wrap it in a DIY padded sleeve in my regular backpack to stay low profile and keep it safe. Pairing it with that Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 for night walks is basically the perfect two-lens solution.

I love my NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens.