Nikon's affordable travel zoom looks like a no-brainer for full-frame first timers – here's what it can do

• Nikon unveils the Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 zoom for full-frame cameras
• It costs $549 / £529 / AU$899 and is available in a Nikon Z5 II or Z6 III kit
• It weighs just 12.3oz / 350g and can shoot half-size (0.5x) macro images

Nikon has expanded its range of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras with the new Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1, which looks like a versatile and portable travel zoom, well suited to mid-range models such as the award-winning Nikon Z5 II.

In fact, the 24-105mm can be purchased as part of a kit with the Nikon Z6 III or Z5 II, or separately for just $549 / £529 / AU$899. And at just 12.3oz / 350g (about the weight of a soda can), it is perfectly matched to those cameras, tipping the scales just over 1,000g when paired with the Z5 II.

Serious photographers will likely be better served by the long standing Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S for travel, which has a constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range – whereas the 24-105mm's reduces to f/7.1 at 105mm – but that older lens weighs and costs about 40% more.

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Instead, the 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is a properly lightweight and versatile travel zoom ideal for those who don't demand a bright aperture at all focal lengths, especially since it has close focusing down to 0.20m (or 0.28m at 105mm), which unleashes half-size (0.5x) macro photography skills.

Its technical specifications might not excite, or make for one of the best Nikon Z lenses, but the 24-105mm does make a lot of sense in Nikon's full-frame system.

Is there a better kit for first time full-frame buyers?

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I wouldn't class the 24-105mm f/4-7.1 as an exciting new lens, but it certainly is an impressively compact and affordable creation.

And that's the point, really. With the Nikon Z5 II redefining what entry-level full-frame cameras can do (and currently on sale), scooping our top best camera of 2025 award, it now has a versatile zoom with a focal length range that covers most scenarios to complete the package for first time full-frame buyers.

Nikon knows how to make excellent quality kit lenses, and I expect the Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 to be more of the same, even with that modest f/7.1 aperture at the telephoto end.

What do you make of the new Nikon lens? Let me know in the comments.

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The best mirrorless cameras

➡️ Read our full best mirrorless cameras guide
1. Best overall
Nikon Z6 III
2. Best beginner
Canon EOS R10
3. Best professional
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
4. Best action
Sony A9 III