So, during a boredom fueled scroll through Facebook the other day, I came upon a question asked in the Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras group. Normally, I could care less about what people are ranting on about in the group. I really just joined to get the latest in juicy product rumors. Spoil Alert: they don't come vary often for Nikon. But something about a question I saw made me take pause:
The best lenses all around for full frame Nikon. Portrait and landscape photography. Thanks.
So, English may have not been this fella's first language, and hats off to him for doing his best. I think what he was getting at is:
What are the best lenses for all around photography, to include landscape and portraiture?
Little did this guy know he asked the most hotly debated question on the internet. Not just for Nikon, but for all camera systems. Now, I normally don't have an opinion on matters such as these. I think everyone's budget, weight tolerance, preferred focal lengths, aperture preference and opinion on "optical quality" are going to differ. Despite my rule of "never read the comments", I dove into what people were saying. Lets break down the 3 different types of answers I saw.
"Loser" Answers
The first group of answers I classify as "Loser Answers". They are given by people who are, well, losers. They clearly understand the question being asked, but choose not to answer. Instead, like most people on the internet, they give out a loser answer that does nothing but make them feel good about themselves:
I would say people like this are fairly common on camera groups and forums. There is just something about photography that draws in douche bags.
The "Just Didn't Get It" Answers
On the same level as the Loser Answers in terms of not being helpful, the "Just Didn't Get It" Answers are not intended to be malicious. Instead, they just lack insight into what the question is. In some cases, I am not even sure they read the question before answering:
These folks, while in some cases think they are being helpful, were better off just not answering to begin with. Everyone who read their answer is either now more confused or dumb.
The "Pretty Good" Answers
Ok, so If you have made it this far into the article, you will know that this is where the real substance is for this particular question. Here are the answers I deem as "Pretty Good Answers". Judging by the Thumbs Up emojis, others will agree with me:
Ah! Some good answers here. The 24-120 f4, 24-70 f2.8 and 24-200 f4-6.3 seem to be the choice amongst most of the group. This of course, makes sense given the question of "the best all around lenses".
My Take
When anyone asks me for recommendations, the first thing I always ask is "What's your budget?". This will immediately narrow, or in some cases broaden, available options. Also, there is a distinct difference when asking "the best" versus "the best all-around". The former being the best you can buy for your money, and the latter being pretty good at everything, but not particularly great at one thing. My assumption, when reading a question like this, is that this person may have an average budget ($1000-$1200) and want one, or maybe two, all-around good lenses. They are interested in general photography, but also specialize in landscape and portraiture.
One Lens Solution
As other members in the Pretty Good Answer group have pointed out, the 24-120 f4 is an ideal choice. The 24-120 is wide enough for landscape and tele enough for portraiture. It covers a wide range of focal lengths, which is perfect for travel or walking around when you do not want to carry extra lenses. It costs around $1100 new and can be found used for around $900. Yeah, it is only f4. But once again, this is not the "best" lens, but rather the "best all-around" lens. The 24-120 f4 will be able to handle most everything you throw at it.
The 24-70 2.8 is a great lens. It is faster and more optically superior than the 24-120 f4. However, it is more expensive and almost 200 grams heavier. I would say it is the "best" mid range zoom. However, the focal range of the 24-120 f4 is hard to beat. The 24-200 f4-6.3 is also a very versatile lens. It has a wider focal range than the 24-120 f4 and is lighter in weight. But, it is much slower. I personally would not buy any lens that has an aperture above f4. F4 lenses hit that sweet middle spot of enough/not enough light.
Two Lens Solution
Instead of 1 lens, lets look at a two lens solution to meet this members more specialized needs of landscape and portraiture, while still being in budget and being good, all-around options. I recommend the 20mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8. The 20mm is going to be plenty wide for landscapes and the 85mm ideal for portraiture. Both have 1.8 apertures which is perfect for low light photography and to create that bokehy background for portraitures. Both are small and light, making them easy to travel with. Now yes, at retail, these lenses would run you $1700+. But, if bought used, you can easily have both of these lenses for around $1200. That is a steal!
The only downside to this combination is the lack of versatility. You get your wide angle for landscape and telephoto for portraits, but you miss out on everything "standard" in between. Going back to the 24-120 f4, you get a lot more focal range for a wider range of shots. The 28mm-50mm range is kind of the sweet spot for regular, walk around photography. If you don't mind missing out on this focal range and can deal with two primes, then the 20mm and 85mm combo is a great choice.
Conclusion
Everyone's opinion on the best all-around lens or lenses for Nikon Z cameras is going to differ. There are plenty of available one and two lens solutions to meet the needs of most photographers. When deciding what route to go, it is always important to know your budget. This will help narrow down your choices. Consider the 24-120 f4 as a great one lens solution for general photography. For more specialized use cases such as landscape and portraiture, consider the 20mm 1.8 and 85 1.8.
I plan on writing more about posting and commenting etiquette on social media. But for the time being, know this: don't give loser answers.
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