What is the best landscape lens for a Nikon Z8?

Question

I just dropped a fortune on this Nikon Z8 and I am honestly so stressed out because my current setup is just not working and I am starting to regret the whole switch. I came from a D850 where everything just worked but now I'm fumbling with this FTZ adapter for my old 14-24mm and it feels so front-heavy and clunky and the balance is just totally off. Plus I swear the edges arent as sharp as they used to be or maybe this sensor is just revealing all the flaws in my old glass which is just making me more frustrated.

I have a huge trip to Iceland coming up in less than three weeks and I'm legit panicking because I dont have a reliable wide angle lens that makes me happy. I tried the 24-120mm f4 because everyone said it was the perfect "do it all" lens but for the big sweeping landscapes I want to do it's just not wide enough and I feel trapped. I need that dramatic perspective but I'm terrified of spending another two thousand dollars on a lens that still leaves me feeling disappointed.

Budget-wise I can probably swing up to $2500 if it's absolutely perfect but I really want to avoid carrying a massive bag of primes while I'm hiking through wind and rain. Is the Z 14-24mm f2.8 S actually the gold standard here or is there something else I'm missing like the 14-30mm? I've heard mixed things about the f4 version being soft but then some people say its fine for landscapes since you stop down anyway. I just want something that is going to be tack sharp across the whole frame because whats the point of having 45 megapixels if the lens cant keep up.

What is the best landscape lens for a Nikon Z8 that actually delivers on the hype without being a total pain to carry around?

Louisplemn · Accepted Answer

To add to the point above: I actually went through this exact same spiral when I moved from my D850. I tried to save some weight by grabbing the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S for a trip to the Dolomites. I thought, hey, I usually stop down for landscapes anyway, right? Big mistake. I noticed some weird field curvature issues at 14mm that just made the far corners look mushy compared to the center. You really have to be careful with that f/4 lens if you plan on printing large or pixel peeping. I ended up swapping it for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and the difference in micro-contrast is actually wild. It feels much better balanced than using an FTZ and the old glass. Just make sure to check out the filter situation since it uses 112mm threads on the hood. TL;DR: Dont settle for the f/4 if you are already worried about sharpness. The 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the only way to truly satisfy that 45MP sensor.

DriftDandelion · Answer

> Is the Z 14-24mm f2.8 S actually the gold standard here or is there something else I'm missing like the 14-30mm? Ive been thinking about this all afternoon and honestly, just get the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S. I have spent way too much time over the years pixel-peeping and the difference in micro-contrast between these two is real. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a neat little lens for casual hiking, but it relies heavily on software correction for distortion, which eats into your sharpness. The 14-24mm S is the sharpest wide zoom Ive ever tested, hands down. Its actually a lot lighter than your old F-mount version and balances perfectly on the Z8 without that annoying FTZ. Since youre heading to Iceland, that extra stop of light is huge for aurora shots too. It is a bit pricey but its the only lens that actually keeps up with that 45MP sensor across the whole frame... totally worth the peace of mind.

DoodleJoy · Answer

I would suggest the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S. Be careful with the f4; I once ruined an Iceland gallery with soft edges. That Z8 sensor is brutally honest.