There are only two lenses I take traveling, the 24-120 f4 and the 14-30 f4. Both of these lenses are fantastic, lightweight and the image quality is outstanding. If I bring a 3rd it’s the 85 f1.8 like you mentioned. My working lenses are the 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 with a Z9, but that is so heavy and bulky I hate carrying them around all day. I now have my Z6III (replacing my Z6) as my fun travel camera and they all fit in my smaller backpack so I’m good for the day. And to be honest, when anyone looks at the pics most couldn’t tell if they are from the Z9 with the pro lenses or my Z6’s with the travel lenses. So you’re right, it’s not the best for anything specific but it’s the best for everything. Great video!
Thanks for watching and adding your thoughts, Patrick. I'd be interested in knowing how you end up liking the Z6III in the future. I agree it's really hard to tell the difference between most of the Z lenses these days. They are that good. I don't understand the people who knock the 85 F1.8 lens. Maybe they should look how it compares to some older lenses, including Nikons. I had the older F mount 85mm lens and yes it was a very good lens for it's day but this latest version to me seems to be the best of the bunch.
@@uhoh7541 To be honest, I've yet to pay it much attention. I have a Z7II and a Z8. I'm afraid if I looked at too closely, it might encourage me to sell off the Z7II to get the Z6III and there really wouldn't be an advantage for me to do it. I'm assuming that the Z8 will do anything a Z6III will and more. I'm focused on studying lenses right now to come up with exactly the ones I will need and or use. I've seen a few videos about the Z6III, but I don't trust opinions from people who are really only reading the specs and offering an opinion and that's what I would be doing here. Therefore, I won't do it. IMHO, it's hard to judge a camera body until you've used it for several months. Good luck with your decision if you've yet to buy one.
I bought my 24-120mm Z lens as an afterthought thinking that I'd not use it much. How wrong I was. This lens is super sharp. Probably the sharpest mid-zoom I've ever used. It looks like a prime. It produces the most amazing results.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I owned the 24-200 right after it came to market. I don't regret owning that lens, however once I purchased the 24-120, it became my lens of choice over the 24-200 despite the loss of focal length. The 24-120 is faster to focus, is a constant F4 and yes is a bit sharper :)
Thanks for watching again and commenting. About the only time I shoot video is for my own videos, so sometimes I forget to mention video. Thanks for reminding me.
Just a comment on the your choice of favorites; I think your favorite is mine as well. I own six Nikon Z lenses and I think they are all very good to excellent, but we agree on #1.
Thanks for watching and commenting, John. I still say the lens choices are very personal, but the 24-120 is for sure a good choice for many using the Nikon mirrorless system.
Yes, it's an amazing bit of design. I shot a wedding with it on my Z6 recently and it did a very good job, despite some crappy light. Nobody even notices noise (apart from photographers), so I don't care about bumping up the ISO a bit. Since then I got a used Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 really cheap and it's a big surprise to someone who has mainly only used Nikkors before - the IQ and feel of it seems just as good or better than most Nikkors! (recent ones, not the AI/AIS era) I am thinking about getting the Viltrox 35mm next, and maybe their 20mm too, that would make a nice set of 3 primes.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I do enjoy hearing about other lenses and what people photograph with the lenses they own. I'm happy to hear the 24-120 was used for weddings.
Best overall Z lens is highly dependent on how you judge this. Judging by "if you could only have one lens" presumably for the rest of your life is not the same thing as saying its the best overall lens. Those are two different topics. I would argue in the "you can only have one lens" discussion that the 24-200 is the clear winner. If I could have two lenses, its the 24-120 and 100-400. If I could have three lenses, its the 14-30, 24-120 and 100-400. If you could only own three lenses for the rest of your life, its pretty hard to go with any prime lenses. But if this is more like you can only own three lenses at any given time, that's different. If we are talking what is the best Z lens released so far, my vote is for the 800 PF.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Lenses are such a personal choice, it's one reason why I stated in the video that I don't like making these types of videos but unfortunately, I have to so I can get more watch hours and pick up some subscribers. It's at time a necessary evil and then I can go back to making other types of videos. I also did it so that the people who wanted their images to be seen had some extra views this month. I fully admit it. I will however take issue with you about one thing and again it's clearly my opinion. I did own the 24-200 and used it often before changing over to the 24-120. For me, let me say it again, for me, the constant F4 when needed and the faster focus speeds of the 24-120 were more important to me than the extra focal length. It's why for me, I would still pick the 24-120 over the 24-200. I can understand your reasoning behind the no prime set up and essentially using the trinity of lenses. I would also agree with you that there is a difference between the "if you could have one lens" vs "your best lens". The 24-120 in my opinion is my most used and useful lens and not my "best" lens. I think that would be the Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO. Thanks for the healthy discussion and I hope to have more in the future with you.
Despite being a cheapo lens, my 28mm f2.8 sure does get a lot of time mounted on the camera. 24-120 is a great lens as well, but if I'm going to be covering a lot of ground I like something smaller.
One of the really good mistake I made is to take 24 120 as my kit lens now it's very hard to find another lens to add to the kit which matches the quality. I say this as a mistake because it's so good I don't know what to buy next.
I think the great thing about Nikon is that they have always been open to third party glass, so it’s possible to have some great Nikkors but also say, Kipon or Viltrox (which I don’t have: Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 cf Ken Rockwell, a Canon man who just discovered third party). I still love my Zeiss Milvus / Otus range which cuts out the need to do panoramas and despite being DX will, without doubt, deliver that famous micro contrast to any future ~60 Mp sensor. So congratulations regarding Voightländer, it’s the start of the rabbit hole.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I've used 3rd party lenses like Voigtlander and Tamron for years. It's important to find the proper lens for your style and budget. I'm considering doing another video on the Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO because it was just discontinued.
@@MichaelCantwell haha, that’s a great idea regarding the Voigtländer! I know a collector who’s also in the trade (UK), so I’m sure he’ll sell you anything discontinued but I’m sticking with Zeiss for landscape and environmental portraiture. Please do not feel that you need to reply to this comment.
@@Stephen_Baker I'm keeping my Voigtlander and might pick up the 15mm in case they discontinue that one as well. I've owned Zeiss in the past as well. It's hard to dispute that you shouldn't be using Zeiss lenses. They are excellent.
There are only two lenses I take traveling, the 24-120 f4 and the 14-30 f4. Both of these lenses are fantastic, lightweight and the image quality is outstanding. If I bring a 3rd it’s the 85 f1.8 like you mentioned. My working lenses are the 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 with a Z9, but that is so heavy and bulky I hate carrying them around all day. I now have my Z6III (replacing my Z6) as my fun travel camera and they all fit in my smaller backpack so I’m good for the day. And to be honest, when anyone looks at the pics most couldn’t tell if they are from the Z9 with the pro lenses or my Z6’s with the travel lenses. So you’re right, it’s not the best for anything specific but it’s the best for everything. Great video!
Thanks for watching and adding your thoughts, Patrick. I'd be interested in knowing how you end up liking the Z6III in the future. I agree it's really hard to tell the difference between most of the Z lenses these days. They are that good. I don't understand the people who knock the 85 F1.8 lens. Maybe they should look how it compares to some older lenses, including Nikons. I had the older F mount 85mm lens and yes it was a very good lens for it's day but this latest version to me seems to be the best of the bunch.
@@uhoh7541 To be honest, I've yet to pay it much attention. I have a Z7II and a Z8. I'm afraid if I looked at too closely, it might encourage me to sell off the Z7II to get the Z6III and there really wouldn't be an advantage for me to do it. I'm assuming that the Z8 will do anything a Z6III will and more. I'm focused on studying lenses right now to come up with exactly the ones I will need and or use. I've seen a few videos about the Z6III, but I don't trust opinions from people who are really only reading the specs and offering an opinion and that's what I would be doing here. Therefore, I won't do it. IMHO, it's hard to judge a camera body until you've used it for several months. Good luck with your decision if you've yet to buy one.
The most entertaining lessons on photography ever.
Thanks again, Diane :) I think you're trying to butter me up so that I'll pay for lunch next time. Laughs.
You’re so right!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thank you for your wise words about this lens I've just purchased. Good video!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck with your photography.
That particular focal range is one of the most versatile you can have. Good choice.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Lenses are such a personal choice, but I agree 24-120 is very versatile.
I bought my 24-120mm Z lens as an afterthought thinking that I'd not use it much. How wrong I was. This lens is super sharp. Probably the sharpest mid-zoom I've ever used. It looks like a prime. It produces the most amazing results.
You've done well with your copy that's for sure, Marcus.
Great video, I keep trying to decide if I should get that lens, as I previously bought the 24-200 Z lens
Thanks for watching and commenting. I owned the 24-200 right after it came to market. I don't regret owning that lens, however once I purchased the 24-120, it became my lens of choice over the 24-200 despite the loss of focal length. The 24-120 is faster to focus, is a constant F4 and yes is a bit sharper :)
I love my 24-120mm Z lens. I primarily do landscape photography, but as you say it can do almost everything in good light. It's also good for video.
Thanks for watching again and commenting. About the only time I shoot video is for my own videos, so sometimes I forget to mention video. Thanks for reminding me.
Just a comment on the your choice of favorites; I think your favorite is mine as well. I own six Nikon Z lenses and I think they are all very good to excellent, but we agree on #1.
Thanks for watching and commenting, John. I still say the lens choices are very personal, but the 24-120 is for sure a good choice for many using the Nikon mirrorless system.
@@MichaelCantwell I agree and so much is dependent upon use case as you alluded to in your video.
I bought a small speedlight to use the lens indoors.
Its tack sharp.
Thanks for watching and the advice. I'll be curious if others do the same thing.
Yes, it's an amazing bit of design. I shot a wedding with it on my Z6 recently and it did a very good job, despite some crappy light. Nobody even notices noise (apart from photographers), so I don't care about bumping up the ISO a bit.
Since then I got a used Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 really cheap and it's a big surprise to someone who has mainly only used Nikkors before - the IQ and feel of it seems just as good or better than most Nikkors! (recent ones, not the AI/AIS era) I am thinking about getting the Viltrox 35mm next, and maybe their 20mm too, that would make a nice set of 3 primes.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I do enjoy hearing about other lenses and what people photograph with the lenses they own. I'm happy to hear the 24-120 was used for weddings.
@@MichaelCantwell I'm not a wedding pro at all, just did a friend a favour. Good channel, stick at it!
@@MrSimonj1970 You don't have to be a pro to do a good job for someone :) Thanks again.
Best overall Z lens is highly dependent on how you judge this. Judging by "if you could only have one lens" presumably for the rest of your life is not the same thing as saying its the best overall lens. Those are two different topics. I would argue in the "you can only have one lens" discussion that the 24-200 is the clear winner. If I could have two lenses, its the 24-120 and 100-400. If I could have three lenses, its the 14-30, 24-120 and 100-400. If you could only own three lenses for the rest of your life, its pretty hard to go with any prime lenses. But if this is more like you can only own three lenses at any given time, that's different. If we are talking what is the best Z lens released so far, my vote is for the 800 PF.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Lenses are such a personal choice, it's one reason why I stated in the video that I don't like making these types of videos but unfortunately, I have to so I can get more watch hours and pick up some subscribers. It's at time a necessary evil and then I can go back to making other types of videos. I also did it so that the people who wanted their images to be seen had some extra views this month. I fully admit it. I will however take issue with you about one thing and again it's clearly my opinion. I did own the 24-200 and used it often before changing over to the 24-120. For me, let me say it again, for me, the constant F4 when needed and the faster focus speeds of the 24-120 were more important to me than the extra focal length. It's why for me, I would still pick the 24-120 over the 24-200. I can understand your reasoning behind the no prime set up and essentially using the trinity of lenses. I would also agree with you that there is a difference between the "if you could have one lens" vs "your best lens". The 24-120 in my opinion is my most used and useful lens and not my "best" lens. I think that would be the Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO. Thanks for the healthy discussion and I hope to have more in the future with you.
@@MichaelCantwell I own the Z 24-120 f4, BTW. It's not like I am hating on that lens.
Despite being a cheapo lens, my 28mm f2.8 sure does get a lot of time mounted on the camera. 24-120 is a great lens as well, but if I'm going to be covering a lot of ground I like something smaller.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Lenses are very personal choices and you should use what you are happy using. Thanks again.
I own a few Nikon Z Lenses but I seem to walk around with my 24-120 onmy Z8. By the way do our photo have to do of birds?
Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm not sure I understand your question about the birds.
One of the really good mistake I made is to take 24 120 as my kit lens now it's very hard to find another lens to add to the kit which matches the quality.
I say this as a mistake because it's so good I don't know what to buy next.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm happy the lens found its way into your bag. I know mine is a keeper. Good luck.
I think the great thing about Nikon is that they have always been open to third party glass, so it’s possible to have some great Nikkors but also say, Kipon or Viltrox (which I don’t have: Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 cf Ken Rockwell, a Canon man who just discovered third party). I still love my Zeiss Milvus / Otus range which cuts out the need to do panoramas and despite being DX will, without doubt, deliver that famous micro contrast to any future ~60 Mp sensor. So congratulations regarding Voightländer, it’s the start of the rabbit hole.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I've used 3rd party lenses like Voigtlander and Tamron for years. It's important to find the proper lens for your style and budget. I'm considering doing another video on the Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO because it was just discontinued.
@@MichaelCantwell haha, that’s a great idea regarding the Voigtländer!
I know a collector who’s also in the trade (UK), so I’m sure he’ll sell you anything discontinued but I’m sticking with Zeiss for landscape and environmental portraiture. Please do not feel that you need to reply to this comment.
@@Stephen_Baker I'm keeping my Voigtlander and might pick up the 15mm in case they discontinue that one as well. I've owned Zeiss in the past as well. It's hard to dispute that you shouldn't be using Zeiss lenses. They are excellent.
@@MichaelCantwell and I too, love my Voightländer 50 / 1 and Meyer Optik 50 / 1.8, etc., so we’re both mad in that case!
@@Stephen_Baker I darn near pulled the trigger on the 50 F1 more than once.. one day maybe :)