Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality.  Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm.  Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?Thanks in advance.

mediacop wrote:Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality. Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?It's about a wash between cropping with the Z7 or Z6 and 200mm.  To me, the real question is about going for a higher quality lens and body combo, or saving a few bucks.  I would definitely go for the Z7 (or Z7II) and the S line lens.  That way you will have gear that is some of the best Nikon has to offer, and you can invest in a longer lens like the 100-400 at some point in the future.I have the Z7II and 24-120 S.   I often leave the longer lenses at home and crop with the high res body, and get excellent results when carrying the lighter lens.Thanks in advance.

mediacop wrote:Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality. Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?In sufficiently bright light it will be close I think. Cropping the Z7 to 24mp is about a 1.37 crop whereas 200/120 = 1.666... It's a bit of a difference that doesn't take into account the IQ differences. Nonetheless, I think for most purposes the Z6 + 24-200 will be slightly better than cropping the Z7, and that difference will only be magnified when the light starts to dim.That being said in the shorter ranges you will be much happier with the Z7 and 24-120 since the 24-120 really is a pretty nice lens. I would definitely go with that.

By the Z6 and both lens for close to the same price as the Z7

mediacop wrote:Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality. Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?Thanks in advance.Without looking t the other responders, and owning a Z7 and both lenses, I think you will end up with better images with the Z7 + 24-120. That is a better lens than the 24-200 and I think the crop won’t hurt.That said, the 24-200 is a marvelous lens too. You might consider the Z7 + 24-200 as a third alternative.

Z6/24-70 + Z50/50-250I use Z7/24-70 F2.8 + ZFC/50-250 and love this combo a lot.

Z7 + 24-120

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful input.  I am going to go with the 24-120 since I expect to have this lens for a longer time than I might have with the 24-200.  Since I am not a sports shooter, I may just go for an original Z7 (or possibly Z7 ii) to pair with this lens.  I definitely want the higher resolution sensor versus the Z6.

mediacop wrote:Thank you everyone for your thoughtful input. I am going to go with the 24-120 since I expect to have this lens for a longer time than I might have with the 24-200. Since I am not a sports shooter, I may just go for an original Z7 (or possibly Z7 ii) to pair with this lens. I definitely want the higher resolution sensor versus the Z6.Great! Write back once you have used it to report!

Hmm I don’t get the goal here, I like to plan longer term what it is that I really want.  And from long experience I’d rather save a little longer for the real goal rather than getting the stepping stone, and needing later to trade up.For me that would tend to separate the body decision from the lens decision.  With that in mind, that could drive a question as to which body do you REALLY want for the long term?Then the lens decision also becomes a completely separate decision.  Admittedly the 24-120 vs. 24-200 decision is one of the hardest, unless you resign yourself to getting both longer term, then the easier decision becomes which to get FIRST

Three other comments:

mediacop wrote:Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality. Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?Thanks in advance.If you want to maximisezoom rangeand image quality, the Z7 + 24-200 combo should be in this list too.

mediacop wrote:In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?Easy answer: You will get the best image quality at 200mm (or cropped equivalent thereof) by using the Z7 and the 24–200 and it will – by far – outperform the two combinations you mentioned.

mediacop wrote:Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality. Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?Thanks in advance.After using the 24-200 on a few trips, I would not recommend that lens to anyone. at least mine is back in the closet now.

Dan_168 wrote:After using the 24-200 on a few trips, I would not recommend that lens to anyone. at least mine is back in the closet now.Would you mind elaborating, please? I have used it in various conditions and I'm pretty happy with the results. I mean you'll get a higher quality with lenses that cost 4x as much - but it is a really solid performer for what it is IMHO (and that's the general consensus here in the forum).

Dan_168 wrote:After using the 24-200 on a few trips, I would not recommend that lens to anyone. at least mine is back in the closet now.I what way have you found the 24-200mm lacking?For me, it's an excellent combination of quite decent image quality and zoom range in a small and light package, with the benefit of in-lens VR.

Dan_168 wrote:mediacop wrote:Trying to decide how to maximize both zoom range and image quality. Should I buy a Z7 with an S lens of shorter zoom, or a z6 with a longer zoom?In other words, will I get better image quality at "200mm" by cropping the higher megapixel Z7 shot at 120mm. Or will I get better quality using the full frame of the Z6 and the 24-200?Thanks in advance.After using the 24-200 on a few trips, I would not recommend that lens to anyone. at least mine is back in the closet now.Wow that must be a dud copy - I`ve even used mine for work (Outdoor events) and its always more than exceeded expectations both optically and regarding VR - only weakness being CA at 24mm .. the thing is pixel peepable at 200mm wideopen on a Z7 ..couple of 100% Crops at 200mm Wideopen where I needed the Z7s rez to islolate the subject1:- amazing 40th sec freestanding , only got to take one shot !2:- faster shutter speed but still wideopenI repeat these are 100% Crops from a Z7 RAW Capture one Pixel peep these !!

You may get comparable image PIXEL quality cropping the 24-120 on Z7 but have you considered composition as critical part of photography. It’s not the same thing composing in camera vs “composing” by cropping a lot in post.If you are looking for zoom versatility there is only one option (24-200 on Z6 or Z7) unless you want to carry two lenses. Throw in a prime or two for the times when you need quality in low light.

Dan_168 wrote:After using the 24-200 on a few trips, I would not recommend that lens to anyone. at least mine is back in the closet now.I'm sorry that your copy is not up to standard.My 24-200 has exceeded my expectations, and is my go-to travel and casual photography lens.