Vermicious
New member
Hello. I just recently purchased a nikon z5ii and was wondering what you guys recommend as my first lens to pair with it? I'm on a budget at least for now for my first lens no more than $1000.
my first lens
- Thread starter Vermicious
- Start date
My choice would be the Z 24-120 F4. The 24-120 F mount is the the lens that most of my picture have been taken with and is usually mounted to my D810. New the Z version is a little out of your budget $1100. But there are photographic equipment resellers depending were in the world you are, some even offering a warranty. But as state above it depends on what you want to photograph. Maybe a 24-200 if you need more reach but read the reviews all lenses have limitations.
Here are a bunch of Z mount reviews all in one place. https://bythom.com/reviews--books/mirrorless-lens-reviews.html
Here are a bunch of Z mount reviews all in one place. https://bythom.com/reviews--books/mirrorless-lens-reviews.html
Clovishound
Senior Member
A lot depends on what you are planning on shooting. I'm primarily a wildlife photographer and if I could only have one lens, it would be my long telephoto. If I were into street photography or landscape, it would be something different. I would recommend getting a native Z mount lens. They are generally sharper, and offer greater compatibility with a newer generation Z camera.
If you either don't particularly need things on the longer end, or are planning on purchasing a telephoto in the near future, you might look at a 24-70 F4 lens. They can be had for under $500 from MPB. This is an S series lens, which are more robustly built, and sealed than Nikon's non S series. This is the lens I purchased with my first Z mount camera, and it has served me well. I was able to use it for macro work with a $40 set of extension tubes. The biggest down side is that it is a lacking on the longer end.
The z 24-120 F4 mentioned above would be a good choice as well, although I have no personal experience with it, and it does run a good bit more used. The likely reason for that is that the z 24-70 F4 was offered as a kit lens deal on a lot of Z bodies, whereas the z 24-120 was not, to my knowledge. Right now the z 24-120 F4 is on sale for $1000, which is very close to the current used prices.
If you either don't particularly need things on the longer end, or are planning on purchasing a telephoto in the near future, you might look at a 24-70 F4 lens. They can be had for under $500 from MPB. This is an S series lens, which are more robustly built, and sealed than Nikon's non S series. This is the lens I purchased with my first Z mount camera, and it has served me well. I was able to use it for macro work with a $40 set of extension tubes. The biggest down side is that it is a lacking on the longer end.
The z 24-120 F4 mentioned above would be a good choice as well, although I have no personal experience with it, and it does run a good bit more used. The likely reason for that is that the z 24-70 F4 was offered as a kit lens deal on a lot of Z bodies, whereas the z 24-120 was not, to my knowledge. Right now the z 24-120 F4 is on sale for $1000, which is very close to the current used prices.
Patrick M
Senior Member
You didn’t say what you’d like to shoot. However, the z24-120 f4 S is a really great lens and I’ve used it extensively. Best for me was a cruise from New York to Boston the on to the St Lawrence river to Quebec and ending at Montreal. Specified the fall colours, but also the itinerary. One lens was all I used as it was all I needed.
BF Hammer
Senior Member
First of all, a Z24-120mm f/4 is my personal choice. They are selling about $1000 USD or less at the usual online used gear outlets like KEH. It's a lens you would keep longer than the camera body.
A solid 2nd choice in budget is Z24-200mm, but is a variable aperture zoom and slower.
I personally would advise not adapting F-mount lenses. The lenses cost less on used market because the mount itself is now unsupported by Nikon. Figure in the extra $250 for Nikon's FTZ adapter to your savings. And it is kind of bulky out there too.
That is how I see it anyhow. I bought the Z24-70 f/4 but the Z24-120mm had not been released at that time.
A solid 2nd choice in budget is Z24-200mm, but is a variable aperture zoom and slower.
I personally would advise not adapting F-mount lenses. The lenses cost less on used market because the mount itself is now unsupported by Nikon. Figure in the extra $250 for Nikon's FTZ adapter to your savings. And it is kind of bulky out there too.
That is how I see it anyhow. I bought the Z24-70 f/4 but the Z24-120mm had not been released at that time.