NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens
📷 NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens — Overview
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Mount: Nikon Z-mount
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Focal Range: 28–135mm
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Aperture: Constant f/4
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Zoom: Power Zoom (PZ)
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Image Stabilization: No (relies on in-body IS)
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Weight: ~630g
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Filter Size: 82mm
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Length (retracted): ~138mm
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Weather Sealing: Yes (dust and drip resistant)
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Launch Date: Early 2024
🔍 Key Features
1. 🎥 Power Zoom (PZ) System
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Electronic zoom motor allows precise, repeatable zooming.
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Zoom can be controlled via lens ring, buttons, or remotely (USB or app).
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7 zoom speeds for cinematic transitions.
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Ideal for video production, gimbal use, or live broadcast setups.
2. 🌐 Constant f/4 Aperture
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Delivers consistent exposure throughout zoom range.
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Great for run-and-gun filmmaking, event coverage, or vlogging.
3. 🔬 Versatile Zoom Range (28–135mm)
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Covers wide-angle to telephoto: landscapes, portraits, interviews, B-roll.
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Especially helpful for travel, documentary, corporate and wedding videography.
4. 🔇 Whisper-Quiet AF and Zoom
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Stepping motor for fast, silent autofocus.
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Zoom mechanism is internally powered and nearly silent—perfect for recording clean audio.
5. 🧱 Parfocal-Like Behavior
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Maintains focus while zooming (to a great extent)—critical for professional video work.
6. 🛠️ Remote Control and Integration
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Compatible with Nikon’s MC-N10 Remote Grip or SnapBridge for wireless zoom.
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USB-C port allows for external control setups.
🧪 Optical Performance
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Sharp across the frame even wide open.
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Reduced focus breathing — another win for video shooters.
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Optimized for both photography and 4K/8K video capture.
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Uses ED glass and aspherical elements to minimize aberrations and fringing.
🎯 Use Cases
Use Case | Why It’s a Good Fit |
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Documentary / ENG | Power zoom and wide zoom range ideal for dynamic, mobile shooting |
YouTube & Vlogging | Constant aperture, remote zoom, and AF ideal for self-recording |
Travel | Covers nearly all essential focal lengths in one lens |
Event / Wedding Video | Silent operation, zoom precision, and low-light f/4 work well in unpredictable scenes |
Studio Video | Remote zoom + repeatability = great for multi-cam or scripted setups |
Gimbal Use | Minimal shift in balance due to internal zooming |
🆚 Comparison with Similar Lenses
Lens | Zoom Range | Aperture | Power Zoom | Weight | Intended Use |
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NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ | 28–135mm | f/4 | ✅ Yes | 630g | Hybrid shooters, video-first users |
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | 24–120mm | f/4 | ❌ No | 630g | Travel, photography-centric |
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L | 24–105mm | f/4 | ❌ No | 700g | All-round photography |
Sony PZ 28-135mm f/4 G | 28–135mm | f/4 | ✅ Yes | 1215g | Cine shooters (much heavier) |
✅ Pros
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True hybrid lens optimized for videography and live production
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Power zoom with fine control and remote compatibility
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Constant aperture, sharp optics, near-parfocal performance
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Excellent value for solo creators or small teams
❌ Cons
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Not as wide as 24mm for landscapes or interiors
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No optical image stabilization (relies on IBIS)
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Not ideal for low-light compared to f/2.8 lenses
🧠 Final Thoughts
The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a dream tool for hybrid content creators and video pros. It hits a sweet spot between functionality, flexibility, and weight, making it a reliable single-lens solution for storytelling on the move. If you're serious about video on Nikon Z cameras like the Z8, Z6 III, or Zf, this lens deserves a spot in your kit.
Want a comparison with the Sony FX30 + 28-135mm G, or a Z8 video rig recommendation with this lens?
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