As a travel photographer, I’ve spent over a decade relying on my Nikon D810 and a few trusty lenses to capture the world. Packing my camera bag has never been much of a question. But now, I find myself in unfamiliar territory—equipped with a brand-new mirrorless Nikon Z8. As I approach my first trip with the Z8, it's already introducing me to something I didn’t expect: decision paralysis.
Next month, I’ll be setting sail, cruising from Nice through the western Mediterranean. I’ve always planned my trips with plenty of research and typically have a good idea of what I want to shoot—but this time feels different. I know I want to photograph the spice markets in Tangier, Morocco, but beyond that, I’m not sure. The fact that I’m still getting to know my new camera has made it harder to decide what gear to bring.
Mirrorless Journey
For the past decade, my Nikon D810 has been my workhorse, alongside a Nikon D7200 as my backup. The D810 has accompanied me through 30 countries and countless adventures and will stay in my kit for studio and product work.
The D7200, my companion on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago hike across Spain, was traded in along with my DX lenses as I transition to mirrorless. I’ve kept my Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 and Nikon 50mm f/1.8 F-mount lenses, intending to incorporate them into my mirrorless setup using the FTZ II adapter.
Along with the Z8, I purchased the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S, the updated version of the F-mount lens that has been my go-to travel lens for the past six years. The new Z version promises the same versatility and will be a staple in my camera bag.
The Essentials in My Bag
Here’s where I stand on gear so far:
Nikon Z8: My new main camera, and the reason for all this uncertainty! This mirrorless camera has impressive specs, and I’m excited to see how it performs in the field.
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S: A familiar friend in a new form. This all-purpose zoom is the Z version of the lens I’ve used extensively with the D810. It’s great for travel, landscapes, and most everyday shots.
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8: Though it’s an F-mount lens, it has served me well on countless trips, capturing sweeping landscapes and architectural interiors.
FTZ II Adapter: Allows me to keep using my F-mount lenses, my Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8, and my Nikon 50mm f/1.8. Both lenses still serve a purpose in my bag, giving me flexibility as I weigh options for Z-mount lenses.
As always, when I travel, I supplement my gear with rentals from Lensrentals.com, especially for more specialized lenses. In the past, I’ve rented everything from telephoto zooms to super-telephoto primes, depending on the trip. But this time, with the new Z system, I’ve found myself in a bit of a gear-selection quandary.
The Big Question: What Else?
Deciding what else to pack for my first trip with the Z8 has been tricky. The only certainty is that I’ll be renting the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S. Every review I’ve read suggests that this is a fantastic lens and I’m excited to put it to the test.
However, a few other lenses in my Lensrentals.com cart have piqued my curiosity:
Nikon Z 40mm f/2 and Z 26mm f/2.8: These prime lenses aren’t top-tier, but they’re compact and perfect for street photography, which I’d love to explore more. The 26mm, in particular, stands out because of its compact pancake size. Perfect for slipping into my bag and staying discreet while I shoot in bustling markets or side streets.
Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S and Z 28mm f/2.8: Both of these wide-angle lenses would be excellent additions, but they overlap with my Tamron 15-30mm. The big question is whether to rely on my older lens with the FTZ adapter or try something native to the Z system.
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S: I’ve always struggled with the 35mm focal length, finding it an awkward in-between for my shooting style. But the more I read about this Z lens, the more I wonder if it’s worth reconsidering.
A Balanced Approach
I find myself torn between the new and the familiar. My two F-mount lenses have their place in my bag, thanks to the FTZ II adapter, allowing me to gradually explore the Z system without having to replace everything all at once. However, as I plan for this trip, my focus is on transitioning toward the Z system. This is my opportunity to experiment with what works best for me and my shooting style going forward.
What Would You Choose?
Here’s where I need your help, fellow photographers and gear enthusiasts—for advice. What Z lenses would you recommend for a trip like this? Have you found any hidden gems in Nikon’s mirrorless offerings that I should consider renting—or even buying? If you’ve been through a similar transition, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Photographylife.com has always been my primary source for lens reviews, but real-world experience from photographers in the field is invaluable. I’ll be posting a follow-up article when I return, breaking down what lenses I brought and how they performed. But until then, I’d love to hear your input.
What lenses should I rent or purchase for my trip? Drop your suggestions below!
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