Nikon NIKKOR Z 28 135mm F 4 PZ Review | 54 Data compared

The Photography Life review of the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ highlights a video-centric power zoom lens offering solid optical performance, featuring zero focus breathing, minimal focus shift, and smooth, 11-speed power zoom capabilities. It boasts an internal zoom design for gimbal use and superior sharpness at narrow apertures compared to the Z 24-120mm f/4 S. Conversely, the lens exhibits higher chromatic aberration, lacks a 24mm wide end for stills, and is generally less sharp at wider apertures (f/4-f/5.6) than the Z 24-120mm. Its large 95mm filter size and electronic-only controls also render it a bulky, niche option less suited for general photography.

The Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is described by Ken Rockwell as a versatile, well-built standard zoom for mirrorless cameras, offering a more useful 28-135mm range than typical 24-70mm options. Key pros include an internal optical design with Meso Amorphous coating for flare reduction, exceptionally smooth electronic manual focus, and a cost-effective, high-quality build reminiscent of cinema lenses. Ken Rockwell Conversely, the lens lacks optical Image Stabilization (VR) and physical switches for focus or stabilizer modes. Cons also include the absence of a mechanical aperture ring, physical focus scales, or depth-of-field markings, along with a fixed tripod collar and incompatibility with Z-system teleconverters.

The NIKKOR Z 28–135mm f/4 PZ is a highly practical, workhorse lens designed primarily for documentary filmmakers, corporate video producers, and event photographers who prioritize efficiency over stylistic flair. In real-world testing on cameras like the Nikon Z6 III, the lens proved to be an excellent "leave-on-the-camera" tool due to its versatile focal range. Its optics deliver a neutral rendering with consistent sharpness, controlled contrast, and clean color matching across other Z-mount glass. Key structural advantages include an internal zooming mechanism that prevents physical length changes—ideal for balancing gimbals or using matte boxes—and built-in weather sealing for outdoor shooting. Furthermore, the power zoom is highly praised for being smooth, restrained, and capable of subtle, non-mechanical push-ins. However, the lens makes several notable trade-offs that may deter certain professionals. Its f/4 aperture is relatively slow, making it poorly suited for extreme low-light environments and incapable of delivering a razor-thin depth of field. It also entirely lacks optical Vibration Reduction (VR), requiring users to rely strictly on the camera body's internal stabilization. Filmmakers seeking classic cinema zoom behaviors will be disappointed to...

The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a versatile, cinema-styled power zoom lens optimized for video production on full-frame Nikon and RED camera bodies. A primary benefit is its seamless electronic zoom control, allowing shooters to maintain a perfectly consistent zoom speed mid-shot or operate focal lengths remotely via applications like SnapBridge. When paired with high-end Nikon bodies, it integrates flawlessly with High-Res Zoom mode to expand its reach up to 270mm in 4K resolution without losing sensor quality. Ergonomically, its large footprint and internal zooming mechanism provide excellent balance on cinema rigs, preventing external physical changes that would upset a follow-focus setup or gimbal balancing. Additionally, the included lens hood features a highly useful sliding door for quick adjustments to variable ND filters. However, the review highlights a few practical drawbacks, notably its maximum aperture of f/4 instead of a faster f/2.8, which limits light gathering and shallow depth of field capabilities. Its massive 95mm filter thread can also present an obstacle for filmmakers whose existing gear consists of standard 82mm screw-in filters, necessitating the use of a 15mm...

The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a highly versatile, video-focused zoom lens that delivers sharp, clean optical performance with minimal focus breathing across its entire focal range. Reviewer Solli Kanani highlights its built-in motorized power zoom as a major strength, which allows for fluid, repeatable, and camera-controlled transitions that are nearly impossible to achieve manually. Additional core advantages include its parfocal design that locks sharp focus during zooming, a constant f/4 aperture that ensures consistent exposure settings, and an impressively lightweight, well-balanced build for handheld operation on cameras like the Nikon Z8. The lens also excels at close-up work, particularly in the 28-50mm range, making it ideal for capturing rich textures in food, product, and documentary videography. While the review is overwhelmingly positive regarding the lens's physical handling and video engineering, a few operational constraints serve as practical downsides. Because it utilizes a specialized power zoom mechanism rather than a traditional manual setup, operators lose the immediate, tactile responsiveness of mechanical zoom rings. Maximizing the lens's full potential also demands specific high-end setups; features like "hi-res zoom"—which digitally extends...