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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedMay 2023October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length12–28 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/16–25f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionTwelve elements in eleven groupsEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED and one aspherical elementOne aspherical ED element
Aperture detail–At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 99°–53°DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon 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 followNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.19 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.67×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release statesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.21×Actual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim on a DX camera in Normal VR at maximum telephotoNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm70 mm
Length63.5 mm72 mm
Weight205 g220 g
ControlsPower-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 cameraCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom designInternal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 secondsInternal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail–52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction, without guaranteeing protection in every condition; this takes precedence over Amateur Photographer's contrary weather-proofing statementDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 205 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hood–Optional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separatelyLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon USA announced availability in May 2023Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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