Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens Review
Nikon's 12-28mm PZ VR is a niche but powerful tool for video creators, offering smooth power zoom and great stabilization in a tiny package, but its slow aperture holds it back for stills.
Overview
Nikon's NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm is a lightweight, ultra-wide zoom built for Nikon's Z-mount APS-C cameras. It's got a power zoom feature for smooth video work, and it's tiny at just 204 grams. This lens is clearly aimed at vloggers and content creators who need a wide field of view without a heavy kit.
Performance
The optical performance is solid, landing in the 76th percentile. The VR stabilization is excellent, sitting in the 91st percentile, which is great for handheld video. The autofocus is just okay, ranking in the 48th percentile, so it's not the fastest for tracking moving subjects. And the variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture means it's not great in low light and won't give you much background blur.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent VR stabilization for smooth handheld shots. 99th
- Power zoom is perfect for controlled video zooms. 92th
- Super light and compact at only 204g. 86th
- Build quality feels great, ranking in the 92nd percentile. 86th
Cons
- The variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture is slow and limits low-light use.
- Autofocus is just average and not super fast.
- Not weather-sealed, so keep it out of the rain.
- Weak for portraits, scoring only 53.6/100 in that category.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 |
| Focal Length Max | 28 |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 190 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.7 |
Value & Pricing
At around $337, it's priced as a specialized tool. You're paying for the power zoom and compact design. If you're a Nikon Z APS-C shooter who does a lot of video, that's a fair price. But if you're mostly a stills photographer, there are better values out there.
Price History
vs Competition
Compared to a prime like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you lose a ton of light gathering and background blur for the zoom flexibility. Against a do-everything zoom like the Panasonic 14-140mm, you get a much wider angle but lose the long reach. And next to the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G, you're giving up a fast, constant aperture and likely better AF for a lower price and the power zoom feature. It's a trade-off.
| Spec | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Viltrox VILTROX 23mm F1.4 Auto Focus APS-C Frame Lens for | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 28mm | 55mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 23mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 204 | 281 | 499 | 27 | 499 | 400 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | — | STM | STM |
| Lens Type | Zoom | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — | — |
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Nikon Z50 or Z fc user who needs a compact, stabilized ultra-wide for vlogging or travel video. The power zoom is a legit feature for creators. Skip it if you shoot mostly stills, need a fast aperture for low light, or want a lens that can do a bit of everything.