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Amen. Some wear the latest Nikes, some wear comfortable old shoes.

I wonder if he already has a zoom ? That might be why he's now adding primes. Starting out with zooms is pretty typical.

Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago

The 24-120 f4G is an excellent choice. I own one and it’s a great travel lens, and perfect for those cityscapes and landscapes. It also has VR which helps with those low light, handheld shots. I plan to upgrade to the same Z 24-120 f4 S lens as soon as either there’s a sale or decent used one available.

If you get one, then you can run around and see which focal length suits your style - 85 or 105. As someone pointed out, get what you want, not what someone thinks you should get. The 105 macro would be a nice 2 for 1 option, but it is large and heavy. The 85 mm f1.8 (which I just sold off along with my 50 f1.4 and 35 f1.8) is a great light weight lens.

I sold off most of my prime lens - kept the 60mm f2.8G macro which I will use to copy old slides/negatives and because it is a 1:1 macro lens - because I wasn’t using them. I mostly use zoom lens because I like to carry light - 1 camera, 1 lens.

Good luck with your decision.

EJMcD

I am in total agreement with your post. During the many posts here, the OP never indicated he had a zoom. He or she only indicated that 50mm was too short and 135mm was too long. A perfect argument for a zoom. I fell in love with zooms and currently have Nikkors...12-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 80-400 4-5.6, and 200-500 5.6. I also have a 50 1.4, and a 105 2.8 Macro but the zooms get more use than the primes because they are infinitely more versatile. The primes are more of a "special purpose" lens for me. The OP probably has more info than he needs right now but hopefully he won't try to find a PRIMOPLAN 75 whatever the heck that is.

frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

I am the OP. I do not have a zoom lens. Only the 24 and 50 primes. I would agree that the primes (and the prime I might get) are a “special purpose” category lens. I often simply go for a hike with one to see what I can create. But, the argument for zooms is solid info, so I will likely buy one. The primes will remain ( and likely get added to).
I appreciate all of the discussion here and thank all who responded.

EJMcD

Your very welcome. I have a feeling you will be very happy when/if you get the zoom you prefer as it will enhance your creativity. I'd sincerely appreciate hearing from you in the future and your thoughts on your zoom.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

85mm with those 2 choices.

Bill_de Loc: US

When I bought my first Nikon, an F100, I bought 3 lenses. This trio served me well for many years.
The 105 macro "may" be a great addition to your kit. But you are the final judge.

Shot this with an old Panasonic P&S.
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burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

If I had a spare $3600, I'd buy the two f/1.7 Leica Micro 4/3 zooms (10-25 and 25-50mm) that would cover the effective focal lengths from 20-100mm at constant aperture. That would be fast enough for anything I record. Heck, all my f/2.8 lenses are good enough now. Those f/1.7 zooms are even sharper and better in most other respects, too.

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

That might be true these days, but not in the mid 60s. In any case, the point I was trying to make is that the best lens for for someone is the one that fits their visual habits/capabilities/tendencies.

EJMcD

Well. I believe we are talking about "these days". Your second sentence is obviously accurate.