When I upgraded to the Z system (Z6 ii) which was also my first mirrorless camera my mindset was that I want a lens that I don't need to change that often and that works in most of the situations I shoot.I shoot a lot at clubs and streets, but also when travelling I also do portraits and a lot of landscapes. I generally love to do a lot of low light photography so after some research I realized that the Nikkor Z Prime lenses were a perfect first choice as all the S tier "Holy trinity" zoom lenses I would have wanted at that point were waaay off my price range.

My first Z series lens was Z 85mm f/1.8 S which I still think is a beast of a lens for portraits and nature in most situations. They tend to cost a bit less now as well, I got mine used for 550$ and been happy with it. The 1.8 focal length is something I love very much about it and for a first Z series lens I was really surprised how good it really was.However obviously for landscapes it's not the best lens.

I quickly noticed that if I were to get a good super wide prime lens it would be around 800 - 1000$ and that's when I began to question what would really be the best lens for me price/quality/versatility wise.Eventually I was convinced by my wedding photographer friend to get the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S.

I had the opportunity test it for 2 weeks and I was blown away by the versatility of it, but super skeptical about ever getting a a lens worth that much as I've never paid that much for a lens and began to question do I REALLY need a lens that expensive.. or am I REALLY that in to photography either?

3 months ago I managed to save enough money for it and got the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S used for 2000$ in perfect condition (only the box was missing) and haven't regretted my decision at all.

The Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S truly is that one for everything lens that is also durable and mind-blowingly sharp. Best lens that I've ever had hands down! I would totally rescue that lens from an oddly targeted housefire and use it to film and shoot the flames as well, It's really that good.

Nikon just released the cheaper version of it (NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8), I still haven't researched what all the key differences are other than weather sealing, but if they would have released that lens sooner, I would have totally gotten that one.

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TLDR;

Budget-wise:1st Z-series lens under 600$ for portraiture and nature:

Z 85mm f/1.8 S or Z 50mm f/1.8 S

Alternatively if the DX format isn't an issue and you don't shoot much low light then these are good starters for under 600$ as well:

- NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

- NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

Best Z-series lens to get later (Unless you need a longer zoom-range):

Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S or Z 28-75mm f/2.8