Nikon's Z8 has established itself as one of the most capable mirrorless cameras on the market, and a significant price drop across the board makes this professional-grade body more accessible than ever. With $500 off the body alone and various bundles offering savings of up to $700, the question isn't whether to take advantage of these deals—it's which specific package deserves your investment.
The Base Deal: Nikon Z8 Body Only
Price: $3,496.95 (Was $3,996.95) - Save: $500 (13%)
The standalone Z8 body at $3,496.95 represents excellent value for what many consider to be Nikon's most versatile professional camera. Featuring a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, 20fps continuous shooting, 8K video capabilities, and a robust autofocus system, the Z8 delivers flagship Z9 performance in a more compact body.
For photographers who already own quality Z-mount glass or adapted F-mount lenses, this straightforward $500 discount might be all you need. However, the bundled options potentially offer even more value.
The Adapter Option: Z8 with FTZ II Mount Adapter
Price: $3,743.90 (Was $4,243.95) - Save: $500 (12%)
For photographers with an existing collection of F-mount lenses, this bundle adds the FTZ II adapter for an additional $246.95 over the body-only price. The adapter normally retails for around $250-$300, making this essentially a free addition if you need it.
Verdict: Only valuable if you have F-mount lenses you plan to use regularly. If you're starting fresh in the Z system, your money is better spent on native Z glass.
The Lens Bundle: Z8 with NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens
Price: $4,396.95 (Was $5,096.95) - Save: $700 (14%)
This represents the biggest dollar savings of all the bundles at $700 off. The 24-120mm f/4 S is widely regarded as one of Nikon's best zoom lenses for the Z system, offering excellent versatility from wide-angle to telephoto with consistent f/4 aperture throughout the range.
The lens typically sells for around $1,100 separately, so you're effectively getting the lens for $900 in this bundle—a $200 lens discount on top of the $500 camera discount.
Verdict: Best value for photographers who need a versatile, high-quality zoom and don't already own one.
The Lighting Bundle: Z8 with XPLOR 100 Pro TTL Monolight
Price: $3,496.95 (Was $3,996.95) - Save: $500 (13%)
This specialized bundle includes the Flashpoint XPLOR 100 Pro monolight, a portable 100Ws strobe with TTL capability. Curiously, this bundle shows the same price as the body-only option, suggesting the monolight might be included essentially for free.
Verdict: Exceptional value for photographers who need to add a quality portable strobe to their kit, particularly for portrait or event work.
The Essentials Bundle: Z8 with Alpine Bag, Memory Card, Battery & More
Price: $3,496.95 (Was $3,996.95) - Save: $500 (13%)
This practical bundle includes all the essentials: an Alpine 140 bag, 128GB CFexpress Type-B card, extra EN-EL15c battery, Capture One Pro subscription, and an iM30 Mini Flash. Again, this package is priced identically to the body-only option, suggesting these accessories are effectively included at no extra cost.
Verdict: Excellent value for photographers who need these accessories anyway, particularly the expensive CFexpress card and extra battery.
The Complete Bundle: Z8 with Memory Card, Battery Grip & More
Price: $4,197.68 (Was $4,697.68) - Save: $500 (11%)
The most comprehensive package includes everything from the essentials bundle plus the MB-N12 battery grip, a tripod/monopod combo, and a microphone. At approximately $700 more than the body-only price, you'll need to carefully consider if these additional accessories justify the premium.
Verdict: Best for videographers and hybrid shooters who will benefit from the battery grip's extended power and the included microphone.
Making The Right Choice
When analyzing these bundles, consider not just the dollar amount saved, but whether you'll actually use the included accessories. Here's my recommendation based on photographer types:
For existing Nikon F-mount users: The FTZ II adapter bundle makes sense if you have quality F-mount glass you plan to keep using.
For those new to the Nikon ecosystem: The 24-120mm lens bundle offers the best long-term value with the highest total savings ($700).
For studio or portrait photographers: The XPLOR monolight bundle provides exceptional value if you need lighting equipment.
For travel photographers: The essentials bundle with the bag, memory card, and extra battery covers the basics you'll need on the road.
For videographers: The complete bundle with the battery grip and microphone addresses the specific needs of video production.
Beyond The Discounts
While these savings are substantial, remember that the Z8 represents a significant investment in your photographic future. The camera's capabilities—including its advanced autofocus, stunning dynamic range, and professional-grade weather sealing—make it a tool that can serve professional needs for years to come.
The $500 base discount makes one of photography's most capable cameras more accessible, but the real value proposition comes from selecting the bundle that aligns with your specific photographic needs and long-term goals.
Whether you opt for just the body or one of the more comprehensive packages, these limited-time savings make May 2025 an excellent time to invest in the Z8 system.
Have you been considering the Nikon Z8? Which bundle seems most appealing to your photography needs? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are subject to change.
