Hey, just jumping in here with a quick tip since you mentioned the wedding is coming up fast. Be careful with that 35-150mm... it is an absolute unit of a lens and hiking at altitude with it might honestly ruin your vibe before the ceremony even starts. Technically speaking, you should know that the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Z mount is the updated G2 version with the better optical formula and the VXD linear motor. It is NOT the same as the older Nikon-branded 28-75mm which was based on Tamrons first-gen tech. If you really need the reach but want to stay under your budget and weight limit, I would suggest looking at the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2. It is surprisingly light for an f2.8 tele and the AF tracking on the Z8 will be sticky as heck. Just a heads up though, Tamron zoom rings rotate the <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= opposite+way+of+native+N&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">opposite way of native Nikon glass. Since you have been a purist for a decade, that muscle memory might fight you during the ceremony. Definitely get some practice hours in before you head to Colorado so you dont accidentally zoom out when you meant to get tight on the kiss. Its a small thing but can be a real pain when you are stressed. Youll definitely get the speed you need for the reception with these new VXD motors tho, they are miles ahead of the old G2 F-mount stuff.

Just adding some context on the technical side since you mentioned the confusion with the 28-75mm. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z is actually the updated G2 design with the better optics and the faster VXD motor. People get it mixed up because the Nikon-branded non-S 28-75 is based on the older G1 design. The Tamron-branded one is much snappier for tracking people moving toward the camera. Some points to consider for your wallet:

• It usually sits around $900-1000, so you stay way under that $1500 limit.
• The f/2.8 is solid for low light and the Z8 sensor handles high ISO so well you wont miss the f/2 aperture much.
• Its light enough that you can actually enjoy the hike instead of dreading every step. If you find you really need more reach later, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 for Nikon Z is also a killer value, but for a one-lens wedding hike, the 28-75 G2 is the smart play. Honestly, save the leftover cash for those expensive CFexpress Type B cards the Z8 eats for breakfast.

Honestly, dropping that much on a Z8 just to realize the glass costs a fortune sucks. I tried the 35-150mm and unfortunately it felt like carrying a literal brick up a mountain. For a Colorado wedding hike, your back is gonna hate you if you go that route. I had issues with the original 28-75mm (the non-G2 one) because the corners were just not as good as expected for professional work. If you want to stay under budget and keep it light:

• Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z is definitely the one to get. It is the actual G2 optics, not the older Nikon rebrand, and it is way sharper.
• Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 for Nikon Z is amazing for the aisle but might be too tight for a one-lens setup. I would go with the 28-75mm G2 to save your wallet and your spine... shipping is getting tight tho so order soon. Reach out if you need any more info on the tracking speed!