What are the best prime lenses for Nikon Z series cameras?

Just saw this thread and wanted to jump in before you pull the trigger. I'd be really careful about going for the cheaper compact lenses like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if you're genuinely worried about the weather. Kyoto in October can be pretty damp, and while those lenses are super light, they dont have the same level of weather sealing as the S-line glass. You dont want to be hiding your camera under a jacket the whole time it drizzles... I would suggest just getting the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S and calling it a day. Its basically the perfect middle ground for Japan because it's wide enough for temples but tight enough for street portraits. The autofocus is noticeably snappier than the budget primes too, which really helps when you're trying to grab a quick shot of a taxi or someone walking by in the evening. Quick tip though... if you feel like you really need two focal lengths, you can actually find the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S combined for right around your $1500 budget if you shop around a bit. Having that 50mm for the narrow alleys in Gion at night is a game changer for subject separation. Just make sure you're comfortable swapping lenses on the fly. Its better to have one or two high-quality pieces than a bag full of stuff you're worried about getting wet. You're gonna have a blast tho, Kyoto is incredible.

Late to the party but I wanted to chime in because Kyoto is basically a marathon for your feet. I spent two weeks there a few years back and made the huge mistake of carrying a heavy setup... my back was absolutely wrecked by day three. Honestly, you might want to consider the weight as your number one priority. You mentioned the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 and honestly, it is a total steal for the price, but you gotta be careful. It is not fully weather-sealed like the S-line primes. If you get caught in a Kyoto downpour near a temple, you might find yourself hiding your gear under your jacket the whole time. I would suggest looking at used options to stretch that $1500. You could snag a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S for way less than retail and it is gonna handle those dim lanterns in Gion much better than the cheaper f/2.8 glass. I once tried using a 50mm in those narrow alleys and it was a struggle... everything felt way too tight and I kept backing into people just to get the framing right. If you want to save money, maybe grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 as a secondary wide lens, but just be mindful of the build quality. It feels a bit plasticky compared to the pro stuff. Just make sure to bring a decent rain cover if you skip the S-line glass tho because that October rain is no joke.

> Is it better to just get one really high end lens like the 35mm f1.8 or should I try to squeeze in two cheaper primes like the 28mm and the 40mm? Honestly, for Kyoto in October, you really want the weather sealing. I've been using the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S on my Z6ii for a while now and I'm totally satisfied with how it handles. It's not a brick at all, it actually feels pretty light when you're walking around all day. Since it rains quite a bit there, having that S-line sealing gives you peace of mind when you're shooting those glowing lanterns at night or in a drizzle. Quick tip: If you want to stay light but keep the high quality, just grab that 35mm S and maybe the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if you have budget left. Those two are a killer combo for Japan. The 40mm is fun but the 35mm S is way better for low light in the markets. You wont regret it!