The NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 has arrived as Nikon’s latest play for the 'everyday carry' crown. Positioned as an affordable, lightweight alternative to the premium S-Line optics, this lens is designed for photographers who value mobility over massive glass.
At a competitive $899 RRP, it targets full-frame beginners and travel enthusiasts who want a one-lens solution without the weight of a professional kit.
The weight and cost trade-off is of course the variable aperture of f/4 to f/7.1.
In practical terms, f/7.1 is quite slow. In low-light environments, such as indoor events or twilight street photography, you will find yourself leaning heavily on your camera’s ISO or the Nikon Z-system's IBIS to maintain usable shutter speeds. This isn't a lens for bokeh-heavy portraits or midnight landscapes – it is a lens that thrives in daylight.
Focus is delivered by a stepping motor, which is meant to be fast with near silent operation which is ideal for shooting video.
When compared to its 'big brother', the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (which weighs 630g and costs $1,450 – $1,500), the weight savings are transformative.
For a travel shooter trekking through nature or navigating city streets all day, saving nearly 300g on the front of the camera makes a significant difference in physical fatigue. It turns a full-frame setup into something that feels as nimble as an APS-C kit.
The lens is available for pre-order and you can find out more on the Nikon website.