Re: "> I'm totally new to this. I just picked up a Z7 II and need a wide-angle lens for travel shots." Honestly, when I first started lugging gear around Europe, I made the mistake of thinking I needed a heavy zoom, but my back paid for it by the third day — never again. I eventually ditched the tank for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 which is surprisingly compact and way easier on the wallet than that 14-24mm monster. It’s got that internal zoom thing going on, so it doesn't extend, which is a lifesaver when you're caught in a light drizzle or dusty trail. If you really want to save weight though, maybe look at the Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 — it's basically a pancake lens, costs next to nothing, and makes the Z7 II feel like a point-and-shoot. I took it out for a weekend trip once just to see if I could travel light and was shocked at how usable the shots were. My only tip? Don't stress about the "S-line" badge on every single lens; for landscapes, you're usually stopping down anyway, so you really don't need that massive aperture for everything. Just pick something that doesn't make you want to leave the camera in the hotel room because it's too heavy to carry.

Had a moment to think about this while grabbing coffee. Forget the massive zooms—I've been through three of those heavy bricks and they just gather dust. If you want something genuinely small for travel, look at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.7. It's super sharp, fits in a jacket pocket, and doesn't break the bank. I tried a similar focal length years ago and it was garbage, but the Z-mount glass is actually solid now.

Oh man, you definitely need to check out the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 or maybe a prime? Actually, just search YouTube for 'budget Nikon Z wide angle'—there's a great video on it.

Saw this and had to chime in because I struggled with the exact same weight issue on my Z7 II. To add to the point above: if you want a reliable ultra-wide without the bulk, look at the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.

• It covers a versatile range for travel.
• The weight is only 365g.
• It is significantly more compact than the Nikon S-line zooms. I find the 20mm to 40mm range much more useful for landscapes and environmental portraits than a fixed prime. It balances perfectly on the Z7 II body without making the camera front-heavy.

I am no expert but I just finished researching this exact topic last week. Before I share what I found, I have two quick questions to narrow things down:

• Do you prefer a zoom lens for versatility or a prime lens for size and weight?
• Will you be shooting mostly tight city streets or expansive mountain landscapes? Knowing those details will make it a lot easier to filter through the options.

Coming back to this, honestly the whole lens pricing situation is just RIDICULOUS. Companies act like we all have bottomless pockets for glass that feels like cheap plastic. Drives me crazy tbh...

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^ This. Also, totally agree with the sentiment about not overspending. My oldest kid recently needed a new gear set for his mountain bike, and the dealer wanted $400 for a simple swap — I ended up doing it myself for $80 by scouring forums for parts. Saved me a ton, and honestly, the satisfaction is the best part! It reminds me of the time my brother-in-law tried to build his own patio deck to 'save money' but ended up creating a structural nightmare that took me three weekends to fix. He spent:

• $600 on the wrong lumber
• $200 on extra hardware
• Way too many hours arguing with his tape measure It was a complete ordeal, honestly. We still laugh about how he thought he was being clever, but man, watching him try to level those joists was like watching a comedy show. Anyway, I just love the DIY approach to things.

Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.

Commenting to find later

Rarely post but saw this and had to chime in. Regarding what #8 said about "I am no expert but I just finished researching this exact topic last week," everyone is overcomplicating this. If you want a lightweight landscape killer that wont drain your bank account, get the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. It sits right in that sweet spot for travel. It covers your ultra-wide needs without being a massive brick like the 14-24mm. Quick tips:

• Always use a circular polarizer for landscapes to kill glare on water and leaves.
• Stop down to f/8 for maximum sharpness across the frame. Summary: You have people suggesting primes, some mentioning weird obscure brands, and others just complaining about prices. Stick to a versatile zoom like the Tamron and stop overthinking it. It just WORKS.

> I'm totally new to this. I just picked up a Z7 II and need a wide-angle lens for travel shots. Listen, skip the pro glass. I snagged the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S used for a steal—saved me a ton compared to that 14-24mm beast. It’s light, sharp as a tack for landscapes, and I fixed the lens hood myself with some epoxy when I dropped it (dealer wanted $400, did it for $5). Best value per mile, easy.

If you're watching the budget, consider the Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 or Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD. Just make sure to double-check your firmware before mounting third-party glass.

So funny you ask this — last summer I hiked the Dolomites and lugged way too much glass. I eventually ditched it all for the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 adapted with a Techart ring. It was dirt cheap and literally fits in a jacket pocket.

• Check MPB or KEH for used deals
• Use DXOMARK to compare sharpness Honestly, just hunt for used gear on forums, saves you a TON. Good luck...