Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens Review
This hefty, video-focused lens has amazing autofocus, but its weight, cost, and slow f/4 aperture make it a hard sell for most shooters.
Overview
This lens is weird, and I kind of love it for that. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a massive, heavy, power-zoom lens that feels like it was designed for a very specific filmmaker, not your average photographer. The one thing you need to know is this: it's a video-first lens that happens to take photos. If you're not shooting video, there are a dozen better options.
Performance
The autofocus performance is the star here, landing in the 96th percentile. The STM motor is smooth, quiet, and accurate, which is exactly what you want for video. The optical quality is also top-tier at the 95th percentile. But the real surprise is how bad it is for travel, scoring a dismal 34.5. At over 2.5 pounds and 1134g, it's an absolute brick. You feel every gram.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus is incredibly smooth and quiet, perfect for video. 100th
- Optical sharpness is fantastic across the frame. 95th
- Power zoom function is a unique and useful tool for filmmakers.
- Full-frame coverage means no compromises on image quality.
Cons
- It's a monster. At 1134g, it's not a walk-around lens. 22th
- No image stabilization, which is a huge miss for a video-focused lens. 30th
- The f/4 maximum aperture is slow, limiting low-light and background blur.
- Build quality feels cheap for the price, landing in the 16th percentile.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 135 |
| Focal Length Max | 135 |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 |
| Coating | Yes |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 kg / 2.7 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 95 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 340 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4 |
Value & Pricing
At nearly $2,500, this is a tough sell. You're paying a premium for the power zoom and video-centric AF. If you're a hybrid shooter who prioritizes photos, this isn't worth it. If you're a dedicated filmmaker who needs that precise zoom control, it might be.
vs Competition
Look at the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 Z or the Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro. Both are a fraction of the price, much lighter, and have wider apertures (f/1.7, f/1.8) for better low-light and bokeh. They'll take better photos and are easier to carry. The Nikon only wins if you absolutely need that power zoom for video work. The Sony Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8 is another budget-friendly, lightweight alternative that makes the Nikon's bulk and cost hard to justify.
| Spec | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 Air AF Lens for Fuji X | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 135mm | 55mm | 35mm | 24mm | 17-70mm | 24-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | false | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 1211 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 544 | 676 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Zoom | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Verdict
I can only recommend this to a very niche user: the filmmaker who needs a parfocal, power-zoom lens for precise focal length changes on a gimbal or rig. For everyone else—especially photographers and travel shooters—skip it. The weight, cost, and slow aperture are dealbreakers when there are so many better, cheaper options.