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Nikon unveils NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR for $360

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January 28, 2024

NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm

Nikon has unveiled the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR budget ultra wide-angle lens for content creators and vloggers. This is the lightest DX format Z lens (APS-C).

The Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 is Nikon’s first Z-mount electronic zoom (PZ) lens. It provides a 2.3x zoom ratio, equivalent to 18-42mm on a full frame camera. The maximum angle of view of the lens on an APS-C DX format camera is 99 to 53 degrees.

“This lens is indispensable for the vlogger or content creator who wants to capture the whole story in the frame, while still being able to move the frame smoothly,” says Nikon. The company thinks it’s well suited for landscapes, interiors, tabletop shots, and group selfies.

The lens is “surprisingly light” for an ultra wide-angle zoom, weighing just 205 grams. The lens has a length of 63.5 mm and a filter diameter of 67 mm.

There are only zoom and control rings on the lens barrel, there is no physical switch between auto and manual focus. The design is protected from dust and water.

As for the zoom, it is provided by a linear drive and promises a smooth ride. “The feature effortlessly zooms in or zooms out on the subject to capture the scene accurately ,” Nikon said in a press release.

Zoom can be activated by turning the zoom ring on the body, using dedicated buttons on the camera body, or using the Nikon ML-L7 remote control included with the Nikon Z30 Creator accessories. Users can also remotely control zoom using a PC or phone via the Nikon SnapBridge app. The zoom ratio can be adjusted with 11 speed settings ranging from 0.55 to 36 seconds for zooms from 12mm to 28mm.

Autofocus works “clearly, reliably and quickly” thanks to the STM motor. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.19 meters, resulting in a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.21x.

The optical design of the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR consists of 12 elements in 11 groups, including one extra-low dispersion (ED) element and one aspherical.

“Nikon is committed to giving content creators the tools they need to capture video and photography, and we are thrilled with this addition to our growing system of creative-focused cameras and lenses. Whether you’re vlogging or just looking for an ultra-lightweight, affordable wide-angle lens for landscape or street photography, the Nikkor Z 12-28mm is the lens you’ve been waiting for,” says Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc.

Sony has been releasing many PZ lenses lately, including the FE 16-35mm f/4 PZ G zoom for Alpha full-frame mirrorless cameras and the 10-20mm f/4 PZ G lens for crop cameras.

Nikon’s new lens isn’t as wide-angle as Sony’s 10-20mm zoom, but the Nikon has a longer zoom range and costs $540 less.

The Nikon PZ, 12-28mm is the fourth DX format lens developed for APS-C-sensor Z mirrorless cameras and complements the current Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, Z DX 18- 140mm f/3.5-6.3VR and Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3VR.