baron_silverton Loc: Los Angeles, CA

That is the correct decision - the 14-30 F/4 S lens is better in pretty much every way to the 16-36 F/4 F Mount lens - better IQ, lighter, smaller, native to Z (no adapter) and it is about the same price so I really cannot see a reason to go with the older lens.

The only reason that I can think of is that the older lens has an internal zoom and the 14-30 is telescoping - but the flip side of this is that the 14-30 is much smaller and lighter - thus easier to take with you and more room in the bag. Also it is 2mm wider at 14 over 16 - this actually makes quite a big difference on the wide end, whereas the 5mm on the long end 35 over 30 is of little consequence as it isn't that much longer.

Also, most people that get an ultra-wide zoom are looking for the wider end as they undoubtedly already have lenses that cover the longer end - in this case 14mm is significantly wider than 16mm.

About the only reason I can think of to get the 16-35 is if you find it used at a ridiculously reduced price - like if you can pick a decent one up from a private owner for $500 or less - then maybe - otherwise go the 14-30 every-time.

Good luck!
-B

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

You have gotten great advice here about both lenses. My take (my own experience) is that, if you can wait/afford the Z 14-30 lens, then go for it; regardless of great deals out there for the 16-35. The 14-30 is currently $200 off MSRP.
Some have many quality F lenses that they do not need to get rid of at this time, even though they have a Z body as well as their DSLRs. This does not seem to be your situation. This really boils down to which lens is best for my Z body; and I need to buy one. Clearly the Z 14-30. Of course there is the Z14-24. My needs do not reach out to the Z 2.8 lenses....at this time.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

My commrmt any time discussion of an ultrawide zoom comes up is that it is good to have a plan and intent before buying one. When I was looking for mine (14-24mm f/2.8), I learned that there are quite literally tons of almost unused ones for sale. There lenses tend to bring an initial excitement that cools off pretty quickly. They are poor options for photographing people, and really not that great for landscapes. (They push detail too far into the background.)

Just make sure you have a use in mind. They seem to be pretty hard to sell for what most folks seem to want to get for them.

Temuna

Thanks to all. I think the discussion has covered it well.