Best 24-105mm Lenses for Nikon, Sigma and More in 2026
Searching for a versatile 24-105mm lens range that covers landscapes, portraits, travel, and video without swapping lenses? This guide highlights five solid options and explains who each is best for. The selected lenses balance versatility, weight, and image quality, helping you choose the right one for your camera system. Below you’ll find quick-reference notes, a buyer’s guide, and a concise FAQ to help you decide.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 | Travelers with Nikon Z cameras | Lightweight, compact, wide range |
| Sigma 24-105mm F4.0 Art DG OS HSM for Nikon | All-around enthusiasts | Optical stabilization, consistent performance |
| Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | Canon EOS R users seeking a versatile zoom | Constant f/4, high-quality L-series design |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 (Bundle) | Nikon Z shooters needing extra accessories | Macro-friendly and close-focusing range |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | Professionals needing speed | High speed, sharpness across zoom range |
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 Lens
Best for light travel and everyday shooting on Nikon Z mirrorless bodies. This compact zoom covers wide landscapes to mid-telephoto portraits with a flexible f/4-7.1 aperture range. It weighs about 12.4 oz (350 g) and measures 4.2 inches long, making it ideal for street and travel photography where carrying less matters. It also offers macro capability, delivering sharp details from 70–105mm for closer compositions. Best for Nikon Z users who want a single lens for most scenarios, with the caveat that the variable aperture may limit low-light performance compared to faster primes.
Who this is for: Nikon Z users who want a lightweight, all-purpose zoom for travel, landscapes, and everyday shoots. Why selected: it offers a balance of range, size, and macro-like close focusing in a single package.
Caution: The variable f/4-7.1 aperture means brightness shifts with zoom and focus, so plan lighting or raise ISO in dim conditions.
Sigma 24-105mm F4.0 Art DG OS HSM for Nikon
Best for photographers who want strong optical performance across the zoom range with stabilization. The Sigma Art line emphasizes image quality, and this lens combines a fixed zoom ratio with a relatively wide aperture. Its minimum focus distance is 45 cm, and it offers a maximum magnification around 1:4.6, making it suitable for close-up work and textured subjects. Best for enthusiasts who prioritize sharpness and color rendition in a mid-range zoom.
Who this is for: Enthusiasts seeking a versatile, image-quality-centric zoom for Nikon mounts. Why selected: it provides solid edge-to-edge sharpness and reliable OS across the range.
Caution: While versatile, it may be heavier than a compact kit lens and lacks a constant aperture across the range, which can affect exposure consistency in some scenes.
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Best for Canon EOS R mirrorless users seeking a high-quality, all-around zoom. This L-series lens delivers a constant f/4 aperture and image stabilization. It is compact for a full-frame L lens and benefits from Canon’s Nano USM focusing system for speed and quiet operation. Best for Canon shooters who want reliable performance with a standard zoom in a robust design.
Who this is for: Canon EOS R users wanting a versatile, durable zoom with consistent exposure. Why selected: the L-series build and stabilization provide steady results in many shooting conditions.
Caution: It is designed for Canon RF mount; it is not compatible with Nikon or Sony bodies without adapters, and some adapters can impact autofocus speed.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 Bundle
Best for Nikon Z shooters who want a complete package with macro-friendly close focus. This bundle extends the standard lens with accessories like a UV filter and cleaning kit, supporting better lens care in active shooting environments. It offers a 24–105mm focal range with close-focus performance up to 0.5x magnification between 70 and 100mm. Best for travelers who want fewer separate purchases and improved on-the-go protection.
Who this is for: Nikon Z owners needing a complete kit for travel and macro-like close-ups. Why selected: the additional accessories help maintain optics in varied conditions.
Caution: Bundled items may not always be essential for every user; verify which accessories you’ll actually use to avoid unnecessary extras.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Best for professionals needing fast, versatile mid-range performance. The 24-70mm f/2.8 S delivers a constant bright aperture across the zoom range, enabling reliable exposure in varied lighting and enabling shallow depth of field for portraits and creative work. It uses an all-new Multi-Focusing System to provide fast and accurate autofocus. Best for event shooters, portrait work, and video where light and speed matter.
Who this is for: Nikon Z professionals seeking top-tier sharpness and fast aperture. Why selected: a proven go-to lens for demanding photographic and video work.
Caution: Higher price and weight compared to standard zooms; consider whether the extra speed meets your needs in daily shoots.
Buying Guide
What to ask before buying a 24-105mm zoom:
- Purpose: Will you shoot travel, portraits, landscapes, or events? A wider aperture (like f/2.8) suits low light and depth of field, but a lighter f/4–f/7.1 can be ideal for all-day carry.
- Mount system: Are you on Nikon Z, Canon RF, or another system? Match the mount to your camera for autofocus performance and compatibility.
- Weight and size: If you shoot handheld all day, a lighter lens improves comfort and mobility.
- Image quality vs. price: Sigma Art lenses often emphasize sharpness and color rendition; Nikon and Canon L-series lenses emphasize build and consistency across usage.
- Close-focus ability: For macro-like or detailed subjects, check minimum focusing distance and magnification at the tele end.
- Accessories: Bundles with filters and cleaning kits add value but verify if you’ll use them regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the advantage of a 24-105mm zoom?
It covers wide to short-telephoto needs in one lens, reducing the need to switch lenses often. - Is a constant aperture better than a variable one?
Constant apertures (like f/2.8 or f/4) maintain exposure during zoom, which can help in video and low-light situations. - Which lens is best for Nikon Z users?
The Nikon Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is a lightweight, versatile option for everyday use on Z cameras. - Should I choose a 24-70mm or a 24-105mm?
24-70mm f/2.8 offers faster aperture for depth of field and low light; 24-105mm provides a broader zoom range for flexibility. - Do I need stabilization?
OS or IS helps particularly in slower shutter speeds; consider it if you shoot handheld in low light or video.