Photo 1 of 5

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Photo 1 of 5

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon · NIKKOR

NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

Released May 2023

A 205 g APS-C ultra-wide zoom with motorised zoom, optical stabilisation and a fixed-length barrel.

Mount
Nikon Z mount
Focal length
12–28 mm
Max aperture
f/3.5–5.6
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
205 g

What reviewers say

Both praise its compact build, useful wide angle and quick, quiet autofocus for video and stills. They find sharp results and effective stabilisation, while noting the plastic mount and missing hood. Digital Camera World measured a slight sharpness drop at the long end and emphasises the reliance on digital distortion correction; Amateur Photographer notes that power zoom may not suit every stills shooter.

From digitalcameraworld.com and amateurphotographer.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
12–28 mm
Maximum aperture
f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperture
f/16–25
Optical construction
Twelve elements in eleven groups
Special elements
One ED and one aspherical element
Diaphragm
Seven rounded blades
Angle of view
DX 99°–53°

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon Z mount
Image circle
APS-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

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.19 m
Maximum magnification
0.21×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
STM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release states
Focus distance detail
Internal focusing; minimum distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positions
Magnification detail
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.21×
Stabilisation detail
Lens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim on a DX camera in Normal VR at maximum telephoto

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
67 mm
Maximum diameter
72 mm
Length
63.5 mm
Weight
205 g
Controls
Power-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 design
Internal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 seconds
Weather resistance
Nikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction, without guaranteeing protection in every condition; this takes precedence over Amateur Photographer's contrary weather-proofing statement
Dimensions detail
Approximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail
Approximately 205 g
In the box
LC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separately
Release detail
Nikon USA announced availability in May 2023

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Power zoom with eleven speed settings
  • Optical VR rated at 4.5 stops
  • Barrel length stays fixed when zooming and focusing

Cons

  • Plastic mounting plate
  • Lens hood sold separately
  • No physical AF or VR switches

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon Z mount16–50 mmf/3.5–6.3Yes135 gNov 2019
Nikon Z mount16–50 mmf/2.8Yes330 gOct 2025
Nikon Z mount14–30 mmf/4No485 gApr 2019

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/mirrorless/nikkor-z-dx-12-28mm-f3.5-5.6-pz-vr
  2. nikonusa.com/press-room/12-28mm
  3. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-z-dx-12-28mm-f35-56-pz-vr-review
  4. amateurphotographer.com/review/nikon-z-dx-12-28mm-lens-review

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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