Think You Might Reconsider the Nikon Z5 II With Its New Versatile Kit Zoom Lens?
Let’s revisit the Nikon Z5 II to see if its usability changes with its new 24-105mm f/4-7.1 kit lens option.
Nikon Z5 II Kit Lens
Sometimes one small change can be all the difference. Announced back in April of 2025 as a flagship option for the company’s lineup of intermediate-level cameras, the full-frame FX-format Z5 II has proven to be popular and capable for a certain breed of hybrid content creators for sure.
However, how does this camera’s usability (and, perhaps, legacy) change with the addition of this new NIKKOR 24-105mm f/4-7.1 zoom lens, which is now available as a kit option for the camera? Let’s take a look at the Nikon Z5 II today and explore what this kit lens option could offer for potential interested videographers and content creators.
Nikon Z5 II Retrospective
Designed to be a top option for that intermediate level of hybrid content creators, the Nikon Z5 II was initially viewed as a nice update to its predecessor with improved processing speed, subject recognition AF, and low-light performance.
Plus, with a new color preset button, an ultra-bright viewfinder, and easy sharing options, the camera appeared to be finally set up to give hybrid creators everything they need for full-frame imagery and video capture.
Powered by a full-frame, FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor paired with an EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5 II has proven to be capable of providing a versatile mixture of sensitivity, nuanced image quality, fast, AI-powered autofocus, and full-resolution continuous shooting up to 30 fps.
The other main calling card for the Z5 II has been its video capture abilities, which were able to reach UHD 4K video recording up to 60 fps and Full HD recording up to 120 fps, along with recording time limits up to two hours.
The camera also has additional video features like a video self-timer feature, built-in electronic Vibration Reduction, and the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or an optional external recorder via HDMI out. In-camera time-lapse shooting is also possible with the ability to produce a finished UHD 4K video file directly from the camera.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 Kit Lens Option
What’s new here is the new kit lens option, which is available for just $500 more than the no lens base option. The NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 Lens, which we wrote about here, appears to be a capable all-in-one zoom that can pack a punch in a portable form factor.
Designed for Z-mount cameras with full-frame or DX-format sensors, the lens offers an expansive wide-to-telephoto focal length range and some nice features like rapid autofocus (which is achieved via the integrated STM stepping motor) and nice manual focus customization options via its customizable control ring.
Price and Availability
Overall, the Nikon Z5II should retain its value from where it was earlier this year. This new zoom kit lens offers a nice option against its other kit options (a 24-50mm f4-6.3 and a 24-200mm f4-6.3), which offer lower and higher range options too.
However, for those looking for safe and easily usable camera kit options, this might be the best kit yet and a nice way for an intermediate-level content creator to get good value, and a nice mix of pro features with affordable pricing.
Here are the full specs for this kit lens package.
- 24.5MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 7 Image Processor
- ISO 100-64000, Up to 30 fps Shooting
- UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
- 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.2" 2.1m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 9-Type Subject Detection AF
- 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 Lens
