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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ 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 28-135mm f/4 PZNikonNIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025May 2023
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length28–135 mm12–28 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/16–25
Optical construction18 elements in 13 groupsTwelve elements in eleven groups
Special elementsThree ED elements, one aspherical ED element and four aspherical elementsOne ED and one aspherical element
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and fluorine coating on the front element–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 75° to 18°10′; DX 53° to 12°DX 99°–53°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
Compatibility–Nikon 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 distance0.34 m0.19 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailStepping motor autofocus and internal focusingSTM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release states
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distances of 0.34 m at 28, 35 and 50 mm; 0.39 m at 70 mm; 0.43 m at 85 mm; 0.49 m at 105 mm; 0.57 m at 135 mmInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positions
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.25× at 55–135 mmMaximum reproduction ratio 0.21×
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by Digital Camera World; camera stabilisation depends on the bodyLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim on a DX camera in Normal VR at maximum telephoto
Video featuresFocus-breathing suppression, linear manual-focus support and power zoom; Hi-Res Zoom synchronisation requires a supported camera and suitable firmware–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter105 mm72 mm
Length177.5 mm63.5 mm
Weight1,210 g205 g
ControlsZoom rocker, electronically coupled zoom and focus rings, customisable control ring, two L-Fn buttons and A–M switch; no mechanically driven manual zoom ringPower-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 designInternal power zoom with eleven selectable speeds on compatible cameras; adjustable zoom-ring direction and rotation angle, with firmware and camera compatibility requirementsInternal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 seconds
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filter thread; HB-116 rectangular hood has a filter adjustment window–
Weather resistanceMaker dust and drip-resistant design; protection is not guaranteed in every conditionNikon 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 105 mm maximum diameter × 177.5 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,210 g including tripod collar, used in the main specifications; approximately 1,120 g without itApproximately 205 g
Tripod mountTripod collar with removable foot–
In the boxLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-116 hood and CL-C5 caseLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separately
Release detailNikon USA specified April 2025 retail availability; the February announcement date is not used as the on-sale dateNikon USA announced availability in May 2023

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