Which Tamron lens is best for Nikon Z system landscape shots?

Question

Which Tamron lens should I actually get for landscape stuff on my Z6ii because the native Nikon prices are just making me want to scream? I'm honestly so fed up with how much the S-line glass costs and my old F-mount 14-24 is just way too heavy with the adapter for the long hikes I have planned for Glacier National Park this August.

I need something sharp but also light enough that I dont feel like my neck is snapping after five miles. Ive been looking at the 17-28mm f2.8 or maybe that 28-75 but I dont know if 28 is wide enough for the big mountain shots. My budget is capped at like a grand and I really need to make a move soon before my trip... has anyone actually used the Tamron Z mounts for big vistas?

NeonNebulaX · Accepted Answer

Saw this earlier but just getting back to it. If you want to skip the Nikon branding and go straight for Tamron glass, you should really look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD for the Z mount. Its basically the perfect hiking lens because it hits those wide vistas at 17mm but zooms all the way to 50mm, so you dont have to carry two lenses. Here is how it compares to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for your specific trip:

17-50mm f/4: Way better for the big mountain shots you mentioned. Weighs about 460g which is nothing compared to your old 14-24. Its an internal zoom so it doesnt suck in dust on the trail. The f/4 aperture is fine since you will be stopped down for landscapes anyway.

28-75mm f/2.8: Faster glass for low light, but 28mm is frustrating when you are standing in front of a massive glacier and cant fit it all in the frame. Its a great lens, just maybe not for your specific vista needs. Check out the side-by-side specs on a site like Camera Decision or look at the sample galleries on Photography Life to see how it handles flare. The 17-50 is currently under 700 bucks, which leaves you extra cash for some decent circular polarizers for the trip. It beats hauling that 14-24 tank around for miles, thats for sure.

YieldHunter · Answer

The Nikon Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is actually the Tamron design you are looking for. It hits that sub-1000 price point and is way lighter than your old setup. 28mm is definitely not wide enough for those mountain vistas. This lens uses 67mm filters too, which saves you cash. It handles the Z6ii sensor just fine and wont kill your neck on the trail.

AtomicMojo · Answer

Going from a heavy 14-24 to a lighter setup is a smart move for your hiking plans. I have logged many miles with various third-party lenses on the Z system and the weight savings are genuinely worth it. Just keep a few professional considerations in mind before you buy.

You will find that 28mm is far too narrow for those massive valley vistas in Glacier; sticking to the wider 17mm range is essential for landscape work.

Budget glass often has more vignetting at the wide end, so plan on correcting that in post-processing.

Pay attention to the weather sealing at the mount since mountain weather is unpredictable and cheaper builds can be vulnerable. Honestly, dont compromise on focal length just to save weight. If you go too narrow, you will end up stitching panoramas all day which is a hassle on a windy ridge. The ultra-wide option is definitely the better fit for the big mountains.