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Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Overview
ReleasedApril 2019May 2023
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length14–30 mm12–28 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/16–25
Optical constructionFourteen elements in twelve groupsTwelve elements in eleven groups
Special elementsFour ED and four aspherical elementsOne ED and one aspherical element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element–
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum; f/22 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragm–
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 114°–72°; DX 90°–50°DX 99°–53°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNikon Z DX format; 18–42 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view. Nikon's launch release limited camera-button and eleven-speed support to Z30 and Zfc, with remote software support to follow
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.19 m
Maximum magnification–0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailNikon describes a multi-focusing system and virtually silent stepping-motor autofocusSTM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release states
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.28 m from focal plane at all zoom positionsInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positions
Magnification detail–Maximum reproduction ratio 0.21×
Stabilisation detailUses compatible cameras' in-body VR; Nikon quotes up to five stops under CIPA conditions for its original camera system, not optical stabilisation in the lensLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim on a DX camera in Normal VR at maximum telephoto
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing and focus shift while zooming, quiet autofocus and silent aperture control–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter89 mm72 mm
Length85 mm63.5 mm
Weight485 g205 g
ControlsZoom ring, programmable focus/control ring and A/M switch; no focus-distance scale. Control ring supports exposure compensation in AFPower-zoom ring and silent customisable control ring. Amateur Photographer identifies manual focus, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO assignments; AF and VR are controlled from the camera
Zoom designRetractable barrel, extended by turning the zoom ring; must extend to a shooting focal length before useInternal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 seconds
Filter detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch; flat front accepts filters without a dedicated ultra-wide filter holder–
Weather resistanceNikon states sealing of moving barrel parts against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof guaranteeNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction, without guaranteeing protection in every condition; this takes precedence over Amateur Photographer's contrary weather-proofing statement
Dimensions detailApproximately 89 mm maximum diameter × 85 mm from the lens mount flange when retractedApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 485 gApproximately 205 g
Lens hoodHB-86 included–
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-86 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separately
Release detailNikon School UK states on sale April 2019. Photography Blog still described pre-orders on April 29; a confirmed first retail day was not found, so the maker's month precision is retainedNikon USA announced availability in May 2023

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