With the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, Nikon reaffirms its growing commitment to cinema and professional video. Designed for the Z6 III, Z8, and Z9 mirrorless cameras, this motorized zoom offers an extended focal range, a constant f/4 aperture, and a parfocal design. Available in April 2025 for $2000, it is aimed at demanding videographers.
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Nikon flexes its muscles in video
Just days before CP+ 2025, Nikon unveils several “atypical” products. Following the bridge camera Coolpix P1100 and the impressive Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S, the brand officially introduces its Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, whose development was announced back in October 2024.
This is the second motorized zoom for the Z mount, following the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, launched for APS-C mirrorless cameras in April 2023. However, aside from the motorization, these two zooms are entirely different.
This f/4 constant aperture zoom is specifically designed for professional solo video productions with the Z6 III, Z8, or Z9. It once again illustrates Nikon’s cinema ambitions, strengthened by its acquisition of RED nearly a year ago.
Here are the full specifications of the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ:
- Focal range: 28-135mm (42-202.5mm in APS-C mode)
- For: full-frame sensors
- Max aperture: f/4
- Min aperture: f/22
- Field of view: 75 – 18° (54 – 12° in APS-C mode)
- Optical construction: 18 elements in 13 groups (including 3 ED glass elements, 5 aspherical lenses), Meso Amorphous Coating
- Aperture diaphragm: 9-blade circular
- Minimum focusing distance: 34 cm (wide) – 57 cm (telephoto)
- Image stabilization: No
- Weather sealing: Dust and moisture-resistant construction
- Max magnification: 0.15x (wide) – 0.25x (telephoto)
- Focusing: Autofocus, STM motor
- Filter diameter: 95mm
- Dimensions: 105mm x 177.5mm (D x L)
- Weight: 1210g
- Included accessories: Lens hood, lens cap, case
- Compatible mount: Nikon Z
- Launch price: $2596
An advanced optical formula
The Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ features an optical construction of 18 elements in 13 groups. Unsurprisingly, the lens includes specialized glass elements. It has 5 aspherical lenses for improved consistency and 3 ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. The elements are treated with a Meso Amorphous Coating to eliminate flare and ghosting.
Furthermore, the lens features a parfocal design (no focus shift during zooming). The focus breathing effect is also minimized (no framing changes when adjusting focus). The zoom motorization can be adjusted across 11 speed levels and is designed to be exceptionally smooth, according to Nikon.
The constant f/4 aperture may not be the brightest on the market, but it is well suited for video. It also helps maintain a compact size for this full-frame motorized zoom. The lens features a 9-blade diaphragm for a smooth bokeh and soft transitions between the subject and background.
The autofocus system of the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ relies on a stepping motor (STM), ensuring fast, precise, and silent focusing. However, the lens does not include optical stabilization. This omission is not a major drawback in video, where the use of a tripod or gimbal is common, and where Nikon’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in its full-frame cameras effectively compensates for movement.
Finally, the lens is compatible with Nikon’s built-in “Hi-Res” zoom feature in certain mirrorless cameras. On the Z6 III, users can reach 189mm with digital zoom while maintaining 4K resolution. With the Z8 and Z9, the maximum focal length extends up to 270mm.
Compact design and numerous controls for video
The Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ measures 18 cm in length with a 10.5 cm diameter and weighs 1120g (without the tripod collar). These dimensions are relatively compact considering the focal range, aperture, and motorized zoom mechanism. Additionally, Nikon states that the center of gravity shifts by only 2mm when zooming from 28mm to 135mm – an ideal characteristic for gimbal use.
The lens offers a wide range of manual controls, including:
- A zoom lever with 11 speed settings
- Two customizable buttons
- A configurable control ring
- A zoom ring
- A focus ring
- An AF/MF switch
Additionally, the zoom control can be assigned to the MC-N10 remote grip. The zoom and focus rings are notched to accommodate follow-focus systems. The rotation direction of both rings can be reversed via the camera menu. The two customizable buttons allow users to save and recall focus positions or specific focal lengths, making it easier to replicate effects between takes.
This model lacks a dedicated aperture ring, offering only a customizable control ring instead.
The lens has a 95mm filter thread and comes with a rectangular lens hood. The lens hood includes a small window to facilitate filter adjustments during filming. Videographers will likely replace it with a matte box for greater versatility. Additionally, rubber seals provide protection against dust and moisture, a significant advantage for outdoor shoots.
Price and availability of the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
The Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is available for pre-order at a price of $2,596. Deliveries will begin in April 2025.
Our first impressions of the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
Nikon continues to expand its video and cinema lineup for the Z mount. After releasing mirrorless cameras packed with video features, the brand now introduces a particularly relevant zoom for small video production teams and even solo filmmakers. It offers great versatility – seemingly without compromising image quality.
With its extensive focal range, constant f/4 aperture, motorized zoom, consistent length, parfocal design, (very) numerous manual controls, and weather resistance, the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ virtually checks all the boxes. Especially considering that its size and price are relatively moderate given its specifications!
In the end, one of the only “puzzling” aspects of this new Nikon lens is its resemblance to the Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS, launched back in 2014. Both motorized zooms offer the same focal range and aperture, but also share the same number of lens elements and a very similar form factor. Of course, there aren’t endless ways to design this type of lens, but the similarities do raise some questions.
