What to replace these please?

texaslimo

Senior Member
I have to learn lenses all over again as well as the camera. I just ordered my Z8 and am casually looking around for Z lenses to replace the F ones. It used to be that I could tell you that this or that was a particularly good lens , but with these new lenses, I know nothing. What would be a good replacement for the following pair of lenses from a quality perspective please?

200mm f4/D IF ED D (used for macro)
24-70mm f2.8 IF ED (used for quite alot of things)
 

Clovishound

Senior Member
Well, if you are happy with the 24-70 F2.8, then the obvious answer would be the Z 24-70 F2.8. I have the 24-70 F4, and it's a great lens. It's very sharp, very fast AF and well built. The F 2.8 version should have and edge in AF because of the larger max aperture, and is reputed to be a little sharper than the F4 version. The only issue I have with it is that I would like a little more reach. I don't have a 70-200, and don't have enough need for it to justify the expense, so every now and then I would like a little more reach with it.

As to the macro, the Z 105 micro is an excellent macro lens. Yes, it's shorter than the 200, but there isn't a direct Z mount replacement. To be honest, for macro work, I would have no issue using the lens you have with the FTZ. I shoot 98% of my macro work in manual focus and don't really think there would be much to be gained with a native mount macro. I have tried autofocus for macro work using the Z8, and found that it is much better at it than any previous camera I've used. I still haven't been convinced it would be a good idea to switch to AF for macro. Besides, the autofocus will work fine using the adapter, although being F4, the 105 micro will have an advantage.
 

BF Hammer

Senior Member
Z24-70mm f/2.8 is the best there is for that focal range. But if the price makes you balk, a Z24-70mm f/4 is the next one to consider. Shop used and the price can be as low as $500. They go up or down according to supply..

I also use the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 for macro. But if you prefer the 200mm range, use the current lens with the FTZ.
 

texaslimo

Senior Member
I originally bought the 200mm because of its reputation with macro work. I have never been disappointed with it. I do like the working distance that I can get with it an of course how sharp it is.
 
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