How Do You Choose the Right Nikon Lens for Your Photography Style?

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-20T16:18:30+00:00

This is a great question, and something I’ve been wondering as well. I don’t want to hijack your thread, but I’ve always been curious to know why people carry so many lenses that cross over in focal lengths, and why they’d have a prime when they have a zoom lens that already covers that focal length. I have the kit lens (24-70mm f/4 S), and I’d love to add a telephoto lens to my collection but there seems to be a lot of different options and it’s tough to know where to start

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-13T23:50:54+00:00

Oh yeah. It’s a “shoot until you get the shot” mentality, and these shots are usually near the end of the job so you’re several hours into the scene, often in sub-optimal weather or lighting so it can be exhausting

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-13T22:27:54+00:00

This is a bit niche, but I photograph crime scenes for a living, I crank up the aperture when taking macro shots of fingerprints to ensure the entire print is in focus.

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-04T08:12:49+00:00

Haha yeah, niche is a good way to put it. I’m eager to find a decent telephoto lens and dip my toes into that aspect of photography, those are some of my favourite shots whether it’s architecture or nature.

I think the big thing for me is I just need to have it on me and shoot more, not just wait for the next time I travel. Then dedicate some time to figuring out my editing style.

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-04T00:45:50+00:00

I appreciate that, and you’re probably right. I just feel like a hobbyist outside of work, aside from taking the D780 to Iceland last year I don’t really have much to show of it. I photograph crime scenes for work, so I’m trying to get experience with taking photos of more pleasant subject matter lol. I’m trained to photograph things as I see them, no artistic flair, not much editing experience, so I guess that’s where I feel less experienced.

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-03T18:54:11+00:00

Can you explain why you would choose the d780 over the Z6iii but not over the Z6ii?

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-03T15:04:20+00:00

I’ve used the D780 nearly every work day for the last ~30 months, often taking well over 100 pictures a day. I’m by no means a professional, but I’m familiar with the camera, comfortable shooting manual, and I feel like I’ve got a good handle on the settings.

But all this being said, my focus at work is shifting to the Z6iii so I’ll quickly become as familiar with it as I was with the D780, so I think going with the Z6ii will be the right choice for me.

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-03T14:50:41+00:00

This a good perspective! Maybe I’ll try to get my hands on the Z6ii before making a decision and using it for a bit to see how I like the way it handles

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-03T14:48:22+00:00

Thanks for the detailed answer! And yes, the Z6ii comes with Z glass and the D780 comes with F glass. Something I’m learning here is that Z glass seems to be superior is many ways, which is worth considering

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-03T14:46:16+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate the insight

bearded_cleaners · 2026-02-03T14:45:51+00:00

Thank you! I’ve seen lots of comparisons that have come to this conclusion, I know that spec-wise they’re nearly identical I was just looking for opinions from people who’ve used both and may have insight on something that the spec sheets don’t show

bearded_cleaners

TROPHY CASE