The Nikon Z system needed a new kit lens. The 24-120mm f/4 is one of the best lenses I’ve ever used, but it isn’t exactly affordable and is understandably beyond the budget of many beginner photographers. The 24-50mm is a decent optic, but it has a slow aperture range and a limited focal range for general-purpose photography. Even the Nikon 24-200mm and Tamron 25-200mm is a bit too expensive for a beginner.

I haven’t tested a kit lens in a long time, so when we got our hands on the Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1, I entered this particular review with a sense of whimsical discovery. You can buy this lens on its own for about $500, but it is kitted with the Z5 II for an even better price. But being cheap is great only if the compromises are not too steep.…