Delivering superior optical performance and power zoom functionality across multiple essential focal lengths, the full-frame NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens from Nikon is a versatile, all-in-one performer equally adept in corporate videos, documentaries, live events, weddings, and more.
Delivering superior optical performance and power zoom functionality across multiple essential focal lengths, the full-frame NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens from Nikon is a versatile, all-in-one performer equally adept in corporate videos, documentaries, live events, weddings, and more.
Optimized Zoom Performance
Nikon's First FX Power Zoom
Not only is this Nikon's first FX-format power zoom lens, but it's the first NIKKOR Z lens with a zoom lever, allowing videographers to achieve smooth zooms and select from up to eleven different zoom speeds. The power zoom function helps users achieve smooth zooming at a constant speed and enables various options for zoom operation, including remote control of the zoom function with a computer, smartphone, or tablet by using the NX Tether software and the SnapBridge or NX Field apps. Remote control is also possible with the optional MC-N10 video grip.
Hi-Res Zoom Compatibility
When used with the Nikon Z9 or Z8, Hi-Res Zoom can be implemented, allowing an angle of view equivalent to that of the 270mm focal length with 4K video recording.
Extensive Image Quality Control
The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ uses a stepping motor (STM) for speedy and quiet autofocus adjustment, which ideal for on-the-run, documentary-style shooting. Support for linear focus allows users to dial in the exact desired rotation of the focus or control ring for precise focus moves. Focus breathing is highly suppressed, maintaining the angle of view and composition even during extreme focus pulls. The large, ergonomic focus ring benefits precise manual focus adjustments, while the knurled focus and zoom rings are directly compatible with follow-focus accessories.
Design and Construction
Optical Design
The lens has a compact, lightweight design for its class, coming in at a balanced 2.66 lb and combining with the internal focusing mechanism to optimize for use with gimbals and other support systems. Internally, the lens features three extra-low dispersion elements and four aspherical elements, reducing chromatic aberrations and promoting sharpness in the imagery. The incorporation of Nikon's Meso Amorphous Coat, the brand's highest-performing antireflection system, suppresses ghosting and flare caused by incident light from any direction.
The constant f/4 maximum aperture benefits low depth-of-field effects and subject separation, while the minimum close-focusing distances of 13.4" on the wide end and 22.4" at the tele end allow for dynamic close-ups and Nikon's distinctive bokeh.
Build and Other Benefits
An included rectangular lens hood helps reduce unwanted light entering the lens and causing flare, while a filter adjustment window allows for convenient exchanges between circular polarizing and variable ND filters without needing to remove the hood.
A fluorine coating is applied to the front lens element, so dust, oil, and water are effectively repelled, contributing to its dust- and drip-resistant design.
L-Fn buttons, to which functions like zoom speed can be assigned, are positioned on the side and top of the lens for smooth operation even when shooting in a vertical orientation.
The zoom ring angle and direction of rotation are customizable for further optimization.
Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing.
The lens features a distinctive Nikon yellow video ring around its mount, along with special lettering.
UPC: 018208201273
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Specs
Key Specs
Focal Length
28 to 135mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Filter Thread
95 mm
Image Stabilization
No
Electronic Communication
Yes
Maximum Aperture
f/4
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Interchangeable Mount
No
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Image Circle
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Angle of View
Full Frame Diagonal: 75 to 18°
Optical Design
18 Elements in 13 Groups
Filter Thread
95 mm
Zoom Ratio
4.8x
Minimum Focus Distance
From Camera Sensor: 1.1' / 34 cm (Wide) to 1.9' / 57 cm (Tele)
Magnification
1:4 Macro Reproduction Ratio 0.25x Magnification
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Image Stabilization
No
Lens Mounting
1x 1/4"-20 (via Included Support Foot)
Gear Standard
0.8 MOD
Gear Rotation
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Electronic Communication
Yes
Diameter
Front: 4.1" / 105 mm
Length
7" / 177.5 mm
Weight
2.5 lb / 1120 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.325 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13 x 7.2 x 6.3"
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Reviews
Made for Video
By Conrad
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-05-29
I’ve been using this lens for shooting video with my Z8 and
have been pleased with the result. The 28-to 135mm range is more useful to me than the 24-120 I used to carry as my ready lens. It’s much bigger than the 24-120 and at two and a half pounds weighs in at a pound more. This hasn’t mattered much to me since I almost always shoot with camera and lens supported. The power zoom is useful for ease of changing focal length but whether it’s worth $1500 is your call. Nikon’s supporting camera software lets you do a flawless digital zoom to 8k when you reach 135mm but doesn’t matter to me since I always shoot at 8K.
The feature I’ve found most useful is the lens shade. Because
of the 180 degree rule, shooting video outdoors almost always means using an ND filter. If you want to control depth of field and ISO and follow the 180 degree rule you will have to swap filters or use a variable ND. Most lens shades don’t
allow a VND to be mounted and those that do require reaching around the lens to twirl the dial. The PZ lens can accommodate VNDS and has a slot in the bottom so you can rotate the VND easily.
But wait. 95mm VNDs come with either regular or course
threads and one won’t fit the other. I took a lot of testing with the help of B&H to learn that this lens requires regular threads (unlike my 180-600 Nikkor). Moreover, the lens
shade requires longer threads. After trying several shades I found the NISI VND fit just fine and allowed the exposure control I wanted. (When I asked Nikon for help selecting a filter, they told me it was “a trade secret”!)
Like most (if not all) Nikkor lenses, the foot fits neither
ARCA-Swiss nor Manfrotto style tripod heads so I had to add a conversion plate.
(No one seems to be manufacturing a replacement for the foot on this lens yet.)
Great video travel lens
By David
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-05-21
Nice range from 28 to 135mm. Bigger and heavier than 24 to 120mm Nikkor which would make that lens better for travel but I do like the zoom slider for video and a bit more range at the far end is nice. Not sure I will use the rectangular lens hood and it only fits one way in my photo backpack along with the Nikkor 100-400mm lens (fine if 28-135 on camera but can't fit 100-400 on camera and 28-135 lens together. I consulted with B&H and ordered a rubber circular lens hood but it did not fit. The oversized hood, for me, makes it 4 stars. I may choose to travel next time without the hood but will do some tests first.
See any errors on this page?
Is there a remote control with zoom rocker to ...
Is there a remote control with zoom rocker to allow for variable zoom speed control like in a broadcast camera setup?
Asked by: Tony
Nikon does not currently offer a remote control with zoom rocker that is compatible with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z) at this time, though the lens does offer a power zoom control on the lens itself.
Answered by: Tim Z
Date published: 2025-02-16
Is this lens more auto focus friendly with the ...
Is this lens more auto focus friendly with the V-Raptor X (Z) than the canon RF Raptor X?
Asked by: Matthew
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z) is a Z-mount lens and would only be able to mount on a Z-mount camera such as the RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera (Nikon Z). The RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera would need to be converted to Z-mount to be used with the lens.
Answered by: Tim Z
Date published: 2025-02-20
Will this lens replace the Z 24-120 for still ...
Will this lens replace the Z 24-120 for still photographers?
Asked by: Renee
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z) can be used for still photos but it is not intended to be a replacement of the 24-120mm lens.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2024-11-01
Is the tripod collar removable?
Is the tripod collar removable?
Asked by: kai
No, the full tripod collar is not removable on the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens. The base of the foot, however, is removable, making the lens much less obtrusive in certain circumstances.
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2025-02-18
Does it have an iris ring?
Does it have an iris ring?
Asked by: Zak
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z) does not have an aperture ring, but it does come with a programmable control ring, along with a zoom and focus ring.
Answered by: Marvin C
Date published: 2025-02-24
What impact will zooming have on the camera’s ...
What impact will zooming have on the camera’s battery life?
Asked by: Mathew
Nikon has not released any info regarding the power draw of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z).
Answered by: John W
Date published: 2025-04-04
Covers Red V-Raptor (X) Z mount camera sensor?
Covers Red V-Raptor (X) Z mount camera sensor?
Asked by: Carlos
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z) will cover the full-frame sensor of the RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera (Nikon Z).
Answered by: John W
Date published: 2025-07-01
What is the length of lens plus hood?
What is the length of lens plus hood?
Asked by: Tim
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens (Nikon Z) is 7 inches in length, and the hood should add another 1.5 to 2 inches to the length of the lenses overall length.
