Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.