Nikon Z lens satisfaction.

[ingweDave]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-24 f4 zoom.
Z24-120 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

 

[SoCalRick]

You have pretty good coverage across various focal lengths.

You are somewhat limited with respect to astro or night photography, if the urge ever arises. Although the 105mm f/2.8 is fast enough to play in that ballpark.

 

[EricBowles]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-30 f4 zoom.
Z24-120 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

That's a good example of a thoughtful, well constructed kit. You have everything covered nicely while keeping weight and size moderate.

The items I have added are f/2.8 lenses covering 24-70 and 70-200, the 400mm f/4.5 and two lenses for a light kit - the 26mm f/2.8 and the 50mm f/2.8 MC. The light kit is particularly useful as the MC lens doubles as a midrange prime.

You really can't go wrong with any of the Z lenses. the challenge is doing what you did - creating a thoughtful kit without unplanned overlap.

 

[ingweDave]

That's a good example of a thoughtful, well constructed kit. You have everything covered nicely while keeping weight and size moderate.

The items I have added are f/2.8 lenses covering 24-70 and 70-200, the 400mm f/4.5 and two lenses for a light kit - the 26mm f/2.8 and the 50mm f/2.8 MC. The light kit is particularly useful as the MC lens doubles as a midrange prime.

You really can't go wrong with any of the Z lenses. the challenge is doing what you did - creating a thoughtful kit without unplanned overlap.

Thanks Eric. You're are right, it has been a compromise on cost, size & weight and quality. With the F mounted gear, I tended to err towards the top end lenses. The extra weight was worth it for the improved quality. Now, the quality loss is minimal for the lower cost and weight. I would love a z600 f4 or z400 f2.8 but I just cannot justify it!

 

[Geoff_G]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-24 f4 zoom.
Z24-124 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

Nice setup. Mine is similar...
Z8 & Z9 cams
14-24/2.8 S
24-120/4 S
100-400/4.5-5.6 S
500/4E w/FTZ (along with TC-14III and TC-17)
and my newest additions:
50/1.8 S
100/2.8 S Macro
Still waiting for the ZTC1.4

I would love to swap the 500/4E for a 600PF (if they ever make it). I keep going round and round on the 800. But the 500 w/1.4Tc makes a damn fine 700/5.6 so there is no urgency. I'm not interested in the 180-600 as I do not care for the ergonomics on that lens.

I will say that this is about the finest performing glass I've ever had. I've had the 14-24G and 24-120 G and 80-400 but ended up selling all for various reasons (tho I had the 14-24G for years and years). The Z 24-120 is just a major big time improvement over the G version but I also think the 14-24 and 100-400 Z lenses are nice improvements over the G versions.

 

[Doug A.]

In Z lenses, I currently have the 20mm f1.8 and the 24-120mm f4. I don't really do wildlife, but would love something like a fast-ish 200mm or 300mm prime or a zoom from 100-300mm. I keep dabbling with the thought of adding the 100-400mm, but am not a fan of variable aperture lenses.

 

[ingweDave]

I was not a fan of zooms until the Nikon Z9, now I am converted.

 

[ians]

Z6 & Z8

Z-lenses
26mm 2.8 - use with both bodies for street photography
14-24 2.8 S - Landscapes and woodland
24-70 2.8 S - Least used lens
70-200 2.8 S - Portraits, landscapes and wildlife
105 MC 2.8 S Macro, portraits, flowers and macro
400 4.5 S - Wildlife
24-200 4-6.3 - Walkaround lens
800 6.3 S (in my dreams only) Wildlife but, in truth, I can’t justify it.
FTZ (original with foot) Not used but I might try it with the TC 1.7II and the 200-500 5.6 on the Z 8… Heavy and zooming is a pain with the long throw of the zoom ring
TC 1.4 - used with the 400 4.5

F-lenses
24-70 2.8 G ED - Would sell but the price is low
70-200 2.8 G IF-ED - Would sell but the price is low
200-500 5.6 ED VR - Wildlife? Haven’t tried it with a Z camera yet
TC 1.7II - May be used to extend the 200-500 but probably not…

Goodness that’s a lot of glass - no wonder I have back problems!

 

[ingweDave]

Z6 & Z8

Z-lenses
26mm 2.8 - use with both bodies for street photography
14-24 2.8 S - Landscapes and woodland
24-70 2.8 S - Least used lens
70-200 2.8 S - Portraits, landscapes and wildlife
105 MC 2.8 S Macro, portraits, flowers and macro
400 4.5 S - Wildlife
24-200 4-6.3 - Walkaround lens
800 6.3 S (in my dreams only) Wildlife but, in truth, I can’t justify it.
FTZ (original with foot) Not used but I might try it with the TC 1.7II and the 200-500 5.6 on the Z 8… Heavy and zooming is a pain with the long throw of the zoom ring
TC 1.4 - used with the 400 4.5

F-lenses
24-70 2.8 G ED - Would sell but the price is low
70-200 2.8 G IF-ED - Would sell but the price is low
200-500 5.6 ED VR - Wildlife? Haven’t tried it with a Z camera yet
TC 1.7II - May be used to extend the 200-500 but probably not…

Goodness that’s a lot of glass - no wonder I have back problems!

I’ve been there! I actually feel I have less redundant equipment now than I ever had.

 

[Calson]

I too am impressed by the image quality from the 24-120mm lens that is a big improvement over the AF-S version that was not usable with the copy I got.

I have held onto my three PC-E tilt shift lenses which work well with the Z9 and the FTZ adapter.

Still planning on adding the Sigma 60-600mm lens as a bridge between the 400mm and 800mm focal lengths with zooming and not needing to use a teleconverter.

Nikon has done a great job of prioritizing weight reduction with its telephoto lens which I appreciate very much.

 

[CoyoteCreationsNW]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-24 f4 zoom.
Z24-124 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

Very versatile choices. I still tend to keep some faster glass due to a often cloud covered location. I agree that the 24-120 is becoming my most frequently used lens.

I completed the switch to all Z mount lenses this year. I current have:

20 mm f/1.8 -----Astro and some architecture
50 mm f/1.8 ---- Mostly a back-up lens for events
85 mm f/1.8 ----- Most used portrait lens studio and location
MC 105 mm f/2.8 – Macro and some outdoor portraits

24-70 mm f/2.8 -----Events and some runway fashion
24-120 mm f/4 ---- Wildlife, landscape and some portraits
70-200 mm f/2.8 --- Runway fashion and low light wildlife using TC 14
100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 ---Wildlife when hiking, some near marco capability

400 mm TC f/2.8 ----- Wildlife including birds short hikes or fixed location

TC14 and TC20

Cameras; Z9, Z7ii and Z6ii

 

[Maljo]

Z lenses are terrific. I am very happy with all of mine and I have quite a few of them.

 

[Tibor Hrnko]

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

Green = have, Orange = drooling

Z9
Z TC 1.4
Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6
Z 600 f/4 TC
Z 800 f/6.3 PF

For short focal lens I use adapted F lenses and I see so far no compelling reason to change it.
Until I can buy Z 600mm f/4, I use F 500 f/4 (I am afraid it will stay so for a long time)

 

[fcotterill]

My experience has been more Expansion "into the Zed Zone" than a full Transition. The consolidation of the Z System has progressed across several landmarks: to get to its current population of 40 optics. It's hard to pin down reasons for personal decisions. However, I came to the decision circa 2019 that the Z zooms attained a new standard in optical performance and ergonomics. This made one choice easy for me: zooms over primes.... I've built up a set of Z-mount Zooms for landscapes, in fact all subjects not needing a telephoto. My choices are highlighted below among the wealth of options....

Opinions will differ, but I group the options into overlapping categories for convenience:

* The three f2.8S Dragons: 14-24 f2.8S; 24-70 f2.8S; 70-200 f2.8S

* The three f4 Dragons. Currently, we have 14-30 f4S; 24-70 f4S / 24-120 f4S; 100-400 f4.5/5.6S

* "Budget" Dragons / Travel Zooms: 17-35 f2.8; 28-75 f2.8. Nikon just passed this Triad Milestone in delivering the 70-180 f2.8, which complements the best-in-class 70-200 f2.8S and the extremely versatile 24-200 f4-6.3 . I think the Z-TC compatibility of this 70-180 f2.8 is the big selling points of this new zoom, with its Super-ED, ED and aspheric design: subject to testing, this will finally replace my venerable 70-180 AFD for wildlife closeups.

Extending the high standard of the most recent of Nikon's best Zoom Telephotos (more in following post), almost all these Z Zooms rank close to prime quality (well at least as this has been judged traditionally against the best in class F-mount primes). However, the Z-mount primes attain new standards... look no further than the rendering of the 50 f1.8S that gets close to that of the legendary Neo-Noct, the 58 f1.4G and beats the latter in edge sharpness. This is just one example of the remarkably high standards of all the Z primes. I opted for the 40 f2 as a walkabout / body cap on the Z9 - 'plastic' lens-mount and all, this prime has proven to be very good quality at its price.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[fcotterill]

It's proven much harder to decide what to buy, since the line up of Z-mount Telephotos has expanded and consolidated (late 2021). The challenging choices we face is the reason for so many threads for help to decide between Telephoto A versus B ! My final decisions have turned out into building up a Commando Kit with uniquely lighter lenses, each better optically, than was impossible before the Z System.

Looking back....I argue the standard of quality/feature-set of Nikon telephotos ratcheted up several notches approx 6 years ago..... when Nikon announced the 180-400 f4E TC14 in January 2018 - several months before Z Day. This exotic zoom changed the perspectives of many photographers, who, previously, would have considered that the best exotic primes couldn't be replaced by a tele-zoom (even the 200-400 f4G).

Two years later, the release of the 120-300 f2.8E SR raised the bar even higher: how remarkable that its optical quality edges out the legendary 300 f2.8G ! Brad Hill is one vocal example; although he's since adopted the 100-400 S in place of the 180-400 TC (definitely not my choice, which shows have mileages and usage scenarios differ). However, he's hanging on to his 120-300 f2.8E SR.

Previously, only the 70-200 f2.8E FL (released October 2016) had raised standard of a Nikkor zoom to "prime-quality" - by not only matching, but outperforming all but 2 F-mount primes (the 105 f1.4E and 200 f2G). Late 2021, we got the much more affordable 100-400 f4.5/5.6S, which runs surprisingly close in optical performance to 180-400 according to some reviewers. However, the 180-400 has also become much more affordable to those of us who patiently monitor Used markets. Prior to 2021, it was unaffordable for many of us, but, depending, where one lives almost Mint copies have dropped to half the RRP.

Prior to Nikon launching its first Z Telephotos, it had been hard to imagine how these could realistically justify replacing the best in the E FL primes.... well, how times have changed. A 400 f2.8S is nearly 1kg lighter but has its bespoke TC14; and the 600 f4S TC has similar advantages! Even so, I decided to invest in telephotos primes primarily for their ergonomics, and offer unique advantages over from the closest equivalents [and excellent] F-mount choices. Any 2 of these Z Telephotos takes pride of place in my Commando Kit (with the 14-30 S and 24-120 S) However, one decides, bear in mind that many options also benefit greatly with the Z Teleconverters. Neither sells "cheap", and their prices are higher than several of the Z Nikkor lenses; as a pair the TC14 and ZTC2 add up to a substantial cost of investing into the Z System

The hardest choice has been to decide between the 400 f4.5S or 500 PF, but my answer is use both these unique primes. A big reason is I rely centrally on the D6 (with a backup D850). As importantly, redundancy can never be underestimated (long lenses have a sad history of being dropped and worse...and this tends to happen 'out there'). So the 100-400 S overlaps with the 180-400 TC (besides being the Commando Kit choice, and for video); the 800 PF overlaps in reach with the 800 f5.6E FL: overlapping but distinctly different usages.

To try and summarize on the rambling on about telephoto Nikkors, I rate the 400 f4.5S and 100-400 S as excellent investments. However, it's the 800 f6.3S PF that's proven to be the big game changer... Unique and in a different class with its ergonomics to the legendary 800 f5.6E FL, especially with its bespoke TC125).

 

[StevieJSmall]

I love the Nikon Z lineup. Great set you have there OP!

I’m right there with you in terms of appreciating the versatility. The only thing I’m left wanting is a higher end APS-C body, hope that becomes a reality someday but if not, won’t be upset either!

Glass owned that I use with Z 9
14-24 f/2.8 Landscape/Astro
24-70 f/2.8 General Purpose
70-200 f/2.8 Landscape/Portrait/Sports
105 f/2.8 Macro/Landscape
400 f/4.5 Wildlife/Sports
50 f/1.2 General Purpose
58 f/0.95 Astro/Video/Special Occasions
1.4x and 2.0x TC’s

Glass owned that I use with Z 30
DX 12-28 f/3.5 - 5.6 PZ Landscape/Video
14-30 f/4 Landscape/Astro
24-120 f/4 General Purpose

Will be adding the 180-600 f/5.6 - 6.3, 85 f/1.2 and pending 35 f/1.2 and 135 f/1.8 to the kit too in next year.

Nikon’s glass quality is simply superb and a real treat to use!

 

[mslmdr]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-24 f4 zoom.
Z24-124 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

I like your style/choices! (Almost identical to mine as below in signature.)
Moved to Canon R5 two years ago but with Canon’s delay of their R1, returned to Nikon and very satisfied. Debating whether to get a second Z9 or Z8 to avoid the need of switching camera lenses as frequently.
Used DEH when I sold my D5 and all things Nikon 2 years ago and did the same 2 months ago with all things Canon. Easy process with DEH.

 

[ingweDave]

I like your style/choices! (Almost identical to mine as below in signature.)
Moved to Canon R5 two years ago but with Canon’s delay of their R1, returned to Nikon and very satisfied. Debating whether to get a second Z9 or Z8 to avoid the need of switching camera lenses as frequently.
Used DEH when I sold my D5 and all things Nikon 2 years ago and did the same 2 months ago with all things Canon. Easy process with DEH.

Great minds

 

[vandy]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-24 f4 zoom.
Z24-124 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

Your lens kit is almost verbatim for mine, the only differences are, I have the Z400 4.5 instead of the 100-400 plus I added the Z2.0 converter, and 2 Z9 bodies instead of the Z8. I also have a 500 pf left over from my DSLR kit that I just can't seem to part with for now. I am very satisfied with all my Z lenses and the system in general.

 

[Photographer_Bill]

It's proven much harder to decide what to buy, since the line up of Z-mount Telephotos has expanded and consolidated (late 2021). The challenging choices we face is the reason for so many threads for help to decide between Telephoto A versus B ! My final decisions have turned out into building up a Commando Kit with uniquely lighter lenses, each better optically, than was impossible before the Z System.

Looking back....I argue the standard of quality/feature-set of Nikon telephotos ratcheted up several notches approx 6 years ago..... when Nikon announced the 180-400 f4E TC14 in January 2018 - several months before Z Day. This exotic zoom changed the perspectives of many photographers, who, previously, would have considered that the best exotic primes couldn't be replaced by a tele-zoom (even the 200-400 f4G).

Two years later, the release of the 120-300 f2.8E SR raised the bar even higher: how remarkable that its optical quality edges out the legendary 300 f2.8G ! Brad Hill is one vocal example; although he's since adopted the 100-400 S in place of the 180-400 TC (definitely not my choice, which shows have mileages and usage scenarios differ). However, he's hanging on to his 120-300 f2.8E SR.

Previously, only the 70-200 f2.8E FL (released October 2016) had raised standard of a Nikkor zoom to "prime-quality" - by not only matching, but outperforming all but 2 F-mount primes (the 105 f1.4E and 200 f2G). Late 2021, we got the much more affordable 100-400 f4.5/5.6S, which runs surprisingly close in optical performance to 180-400 according to some reviewers. However, the 180-400 has also become much more affordable to those of us who patiently monitor Used markets. Prior to 2021, it was unaffordable for many of us, but, depending, where one lives almost Mint copies have dropped to half the RRP.

Prior to Nikon launching its first Z Telephotos, it had been hard to imagine how these could realistically justify replacing the best in the E FL primes.... well, how times have changed. A 400 f2.8S is nearly 1kg lighter but has its bespoke TC14; and the 600 f4S TC has similar advantages! Even so, I decided to invest in telephotos primes primarily for their ergonomics, and offer unique advantages over from the closest equivalents [and excellent] F-mount choices. Any 2 of these Z Telephotos takes pride of place in my Commando Kit (with the 14-30 S and 24-120 S) However, one decides, bear in mind that many options also benefit greatly with the Z Teleconverters. Neither sells "cheap", and their prices are higher than several of the Z Nikkor lenses; as a pair the TC14 and ZTC2 add up to a substantial cost of investing into the Z System

The hardest choice has been to decide between the 400 f4.5S or 500 PF, but my answer is use both these unique primes. A big reason is I rely centrally on the D6 (with a backup D850). As importantly, redundancy can never be underestimated (long lenses have a sad history of being dropped and worse...and this tends to happen 'out there'). So the 100-400 S overlaps with the 180-400 TC (besides being the Commando Kit choice, and for video); the 800 PF overlaps in reach with the 800 f5.6E FL: overlapping but distinctly different usages.

To try and summarize on the rambling on about telephoto Nikkors, I rate the 400 f4.5S and 100-400 S as excellent investments. However, it's the 800 f6.3S PF that's proven to be the big game changer... Unique and in a different class with its ergonomics to the legendary 800 f5.6E FL, especially with its bespoke TC125).

Your comments reflect my observations as well. The Z class lenses are outdoing the F mount lenses in almost every way, Nikon told us the design of the Z mount would allow for "better" optical characteristics and they are certainly delivering on that especially with the "S" lenses. Your comments specific to the 120-300 f/2.8 SR and the 180-400 f/4 TC remind me of current gaps in the Z lens lineup as we do not have a "fast" telephoto zoom option (above 200mm) and I think it was wise for Nikon to address the prosumer market with the 180-600 first as the quantities of these lenses sold will almost certainly bring more revenue than a $10k zoom will. The question remains what will Nikon decide to fill this gap with in the Z lineup, will it simply be an S version of the 120-300 or 180-400 or will they cook up a brand new dish entirely... Regardless, the top F mount glass appears to be performing very well on Z bodies, especially Z9/Z8 so while it is nice to have a dedicated Z lens, we're not out of the water as some of the "old" glass still does quite well on the new bodies.

 

[Geoff_G]

It's proven much harder to decide what to buy, since the line up of Z-mount Telephotos has expanded and consolidated (late 2021). The challenging choices we face is the reason for so many threads for help to decide between Telephoto A versus B ! My final decisions have turned out into building up a Commando Kit with uniquely lighter lenses, each better optically, than was impossible before the Z System.

Looking back....I argue the standard of quality/feature-set of Nikon telephotos ratcheted up several notches approx 6 years ago..... when Nikon announced the 180-400 f4E TC14 in January 2018 - several months before Z Day. This exotic zoom changed the perspectives of many photographers, who, previously, would have considered that the best exotic primes couldn't be replaced by a tele-zoom (even the 200-400 f4G).

Two years later, the release of the 120-300 f2.8E SR raised the bar even higher: how remarkable that its optical quality edges out the legendary 300 f2.8G ! Brad Hill is one vocal example; although he's since adopted the 100-400 S in place of the 180-400 TC (definitely not my choice, which shows have mileages and usage scenarios differ). However, he's hanging on to his 120-300 f2.8E SR.

Previously, only the 70-200 f2.8E FL (released October 2016) had raised standard of a Nikkor zoom to "prime-quality" - by not only matching, but outperforming all but 2 F-mount primes (the 105 f1.4E and 200 f2G). Late 2021, we got the much more affordable 100-400 f4.5/5.6S, which runs surprisingly close in optical performance to 180-400 according to some reviewers. However, the 180-400 has also become much more affordable to those of us who patiently monitor Used markets. Prior to 2021, it was unaffordable for many of us, but, depending, where one lives almost Mint copies have dropped to half the RRP.

Prior to Nikon launching its first Z Telephotos, it had been hard to imagine how these could realistically justify replacing the best in the E FL primes.... well, how times have changed. A 400 f2.8S is nearly 1kg lighter but has its bespoke TC14; and the 600 f4S TC has similar advantages! Even so, I decided to invest in telephotos primes primarily for their ergonomics, and offer unique advantages over from the closest equivalents [and excellent] F-mount choices. Any 2 of these Z Telephotos takes pride of place in my Commando Kit (with the 14-30 S and 24-120 S) However, one decides, bear in mind that many options also benefit greatly with the Z Teleconverters. Neither sells "cheap", and their prices are higher than several of the Z Nikkor lenses; as a pair the TC14 and ZTC2 add up to a substantial cost of investing into the Z System

The hardest choice has been to decide between the 400 f4.5S or 500 PF, but my answer is use both these unique primes. A big reason is I rely centrally on the D6 (with a backup D850). As importantly, redundancy can never be underestimated (long lenses have a sad history of being dropped and worse...and this tends to happen 'out there'). So the 100-400 S overlaps with the 180-400 TC (besides being the Commando Kit choice, and for video); the 800 PF overlaps in reach with the 800 f5.6E FL: overlapping but distinctly different usages.

To try and summarize on the rambling on about telephoto Nikkors, I rate the 400 f4.5S and 100-400 S as excellent investments. However, it's the 800 f6.3S PF that's proven to be the big game changer... Unique and in a different class with its ergonomics to the legendary 800 f5.6E FL, especially with its bespoke TC125).

Don't disagree with much of what you say. I would go back to 2015 tho with the introduction of the E FL versions of the 400/2.8, 500/4 and 600/4 lenses. The FL element helped reduce significant weight and improve their already superb optical characteristics. I had a 500/4G and now have the 500/4 E FL and the nearly 2 pound weight loss is a big reason why (and the MTF curves on this lens show it is ridiculously sharp as well).
I guess i am biased a bit tho...
I love that Nikon is showing their lens making chops.....hope they keep it up..we need more Z lenses between 100mm and 400mm. And then there is the hoped for [please, please, please, pretty please] mythical 600/5.6 PF many would be dying to get.

 

[fcotterill]

Yes, the missing primes between 100 (135 f1.8S acknowledged) to 400 add up to a BIG gap... with the missing 600 PF!

So What’s Left Undone? | Thom Hogan

What's left undone in the Nikon Z System lineup?

www.zsystemuser.com

Also fyi https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/why-i-love-the-400mm-f28-tc.html

 

[Geoff_G]

Yeah well if I had the money I'd love the 400/2.8TC as well.....
He did mention an expensive way to get to 300 with the 200/2 TC desirement but I was also thinking along the lines of a z 300/4 PF - The f mount version is so damn useful.

Also fyi https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/why-i-love-the-400mm-f28-tc.html

 

[gdecamp]

I still need a couple lenses (105 macro and maybe a 85mm 1.8) but I'm delighted with the kit I am using now, best I've ever had!

Cameras;
Z9,Z8

Lenses;
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
TC-1.4x , TC-2.0x Nikon Z teleconverters

On order is the 180-600 which is an overlap but that's ok!

All in all enough to keep me happy!

 

[RichF]

My transition from DSLR to mirrorless has moved much faster than I expected. Much of this down to the range of Z lenses that I think Nikon has done a great job with.
I have been amazed by the quality of some of the more affordable lenses. One of the first I used was the 14-30 F4 wide angle zoom. This compared favourably with my go to 14-24 F2.8 that I had used for years. I have recently replaced my Z24-70 F4 with a 24-120 F4 (An incredibly versatile lens.) and I now feel I have the best set of lenses I have ever owned. I really don't think I will be wanting to add to my mirrorless kit for quite some time, I feel it is now complete. My bag consists of:

Z14-24 f4 zoom.
Z24-124 f4 zoom.
Z105 F2.8 macro. (This is probably the only change I would make, if a longer Z macro appeared.)
Z100-400 f4.5-5.5 zoom.
Z800 f6.3pf
Z1.4 converter.
(500 f5.6 pf that I hardly use but cannot part with.)

Used with Z9 & Z8 bodies, I really am very happy with my investment. I am also happy I stuck with Nikon, the wait was worth it.

I would be interested to hear how others feel their perfect bag would be.

14-24 F/2.8 or 14-30 F/4? AFAIK there is no 14-24 F/4