Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens Officially Announced

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Nikon has recently unveiled the highly-anticipated Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR, a versatile and user-friendly ultra-wide power zoom lens that is perfect for content creators, vloggers, and live streamers. Boasting a compact design, consistent power zoom control, and a flexible focal length range, this lens is an essential tool for those looking to create high-quality visual content.

Pre-order links:

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens: $356.95 at B&H, Adorama.

Key Features
  • APS-C | f/3.5-5.6 to f/16-25
  • 18-42mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Ultra-Wide Zoom, Ideal for Creators
  • Power Zoom Control, 11-Speed Adjustment
  • Stepping Motor AF System
  • 4.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization
  • Internal Focus & Zoom Design
  • ED and Aspherical Elements
  • Dust- and Drip-Resistant

One of the standout features of the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR is its versatility. The ultra-wide zoom lens is ideal for single-person productions, day-in-the-life vlogs, and other styles of vlogging and content creation, thanks to its highly useful and versatile focal length range. The lens offers a wide range of shooting options, allowing you to keep yourself in the frame while capturing your surroundings.

At the 12mm end of the zoom range, the lens offers immersive and broad field views, making it perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or getting up close and personal for that perfect shot. On the other hand, the 28mm end of the zoom range lets you punch into the scene for a more selective view while still retaining context of the scene. With an 18-42mm equivalent focal length range, the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR offers unparalleled flexibility for content creators.

In addition to its impressive zoom range, the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR also features a range of advanced technologies and design elements that ensure optimal performance and ease of use. Extra-low dispersion and aspherical elements contribute to high sharpness and well-controlled distortion throughout the zoom range, while the lens’s focus ring and zoom ring allow for intuitive and precise adjustments.

The lens also features sealing at all joints and seams, providing protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that can impact image quality. Additionally, the lens is designed to be small and light, making it easy to hold out at arms length for extended periods of time.

Operating the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a breeze, thanks to its powerful linear motor and a range of control options. The lens can be operated using a ring on the lens, controls on a camera, the zoom buttons on Nikon’s ML-L7 Bluetooth remote, or the SnapBridge app running on a PC or smartphone. Zoom speed can be adjusted to one of eleven settings, while focus is conducted by an STM stepper motor.

The Z 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR is set to hit the market in May at a recommended price of $359.95. With its impressive features, versatile design, and advanced technology, this lens is sure to be a hit with content creators and vloggers alike, providing unparalleled performance and ease of use for capturing stunning visuals.

Press Release:

IMMERSIVE VIEWS AND CREATIVE FREEDOM: THE NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR POWER-ZOOM ULTRA-WIDE ANGLE LENS IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO NIKON’S GROWING TOOLKIT FOR CREATORS

Nikon’s Super Lightweight Wide Angle Lens Puts a Variable Power Zoom and Amazing Image Quality Within Reach

MELVILLE, NY (April 18, 2023) – Today, Nikon Inc. has announced the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, the ultra-wide angle lens made for content creators and vloggers. This latest lightweight lens is the widest NIKKOR Z DX-format lens yet1, and has the added benefit of a power zoom (PZ) for more creative versatility and great looking video. The 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is designed to capture sharp and immersive content that lets you get more of what matters in the frame; more friends, more expansive landscapes and more freedom to create without limits.

Featuring an extremely versatile zoom range from an ultra-wide angle 12mm to 28mm2, this lens is a must-have for any vlogger or creator who wants to get the whole story in the shot, and dynamically change-up the frame smoothly and consistently. The ultra-wide angle is also great for everything from larger-than-life landscapes, grand interiors, tabletop photos and group selfies where no one gets left out. Surprisingly small and light for such a wide zoom, the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm weighs only approximately 7.3 oz, making it easy to hold with an extended arm. It’s perfectly mated to lightweight cameras such as the ultra-compact and capable Nikon Z 30, Z 50 or the retro inspired Z fc.

“Nikon is committed to equipping content creators with the tools they need to make videos and photos that look great, and we are very excited about this latest addition to our growing system of creator-centric cameras and lenses,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Whether you’re vlogging or just want a super-lightweight and affordable wide angle for landscapes or street photography, the NIKKOR Z 12-28mm is the lens you have been waiting for.”

The Lens Made for Content Creators

The NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is the first NIKKOR Z lens utilizing a power zoom with linear drive, providing smooth optical zoom and other thoughtful features for creators to enhance and simplify their video recording experience. The power zoom function easily and effortlessly zooms in close to a subject, or zooms out to truly establish the scene. To suit any shooting style, the zoom can be activated by twisting the customizable zoom ring on the barrel, with designated buttons on the camera body, or when using the ML-L7 Remote Control3 (included in the Z 30 Creator’s Accessory Kit). The zoom can also be controlled remotely through a PC or phone with the SnapBridge app4. Additionally, the zoom rate can be selected from 11 speed settings, within the range of 0.55 to 36 seconds, for maximum consistency when reframing your shot or adding dramatic creative flair.

Autofocus is sharp, reliable and fast, working flawlessly with the eye-detection AF in Nikon cameras to keep focus on you or your subject. The lens features an STM motor drive, making it extremely silent when focusing, so viewers won’t be disturbed by the sound of camera operation. What’s more, when transitioning to a close-up of a subject, the 12-28mm has a very close minimum focus distance of only 0.19 m (0.62 ft). This lets users seamlessly move the focus from their face to a product in-hand, while the image stays sharp.

Realizing that the best content often happens in real time, the lens is stabilized with Vibration Reduction (VR) that provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.5 stops faster5. This function makes it easy to capture run-and-gun footage without the distracting camera shake or shoot in low-light with minimal blur. Because of its small size and versatile angle of view, this lens is also well-suited for creating steady footage with gimbals.

Main Features of the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR:

  • Ultra-wide angle lens is ideal for vlogging and wide establishing shots but also landscapes, interior photography and city streets.
  • Power zoom function provides smooth, consistent optical zoom that’s fully customizable with varying speeds, which can be engaged with camera buttons, zoom ring or used remotely.
  • VR Image Stabilization reduces camera shake with up to 4.5 stops of compensation for stable video and sharp images.
  • Close minimum focusing distance of 0.62 ft and maximum reproduction ratio of 0.21x allow for sharp and detailed shots of products, flowers, nature and other intricate details.
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use and carry anywhere.
  • The body of the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm has been designed carefully to deliver dust- and drip-resistant performance,6 with a sealing that prevents any dust or water droplets from entering the lens.

Price and Availability

The new NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR will be available in May 2023 for a suggested retail price of $359.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

  1. As of April 18, 2023.

  2. Angle of view is equivalent to that of an 18-42mm lens in Full-frame/FX-format.

  3. Camera magnification buttons and 11 speed functionality supported on the Z 30 and the Z fc at time of initial release.

  4. These functions will be supported by subsequent software update.

  5. Based on CIPA Standard; this value is achieved when attached to an APS-C size/DX-format camera with the camera’s VR function set. to “NORMAL”, and when zoom is set to the maximum telephoto position.

  6. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.

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  2. Nikon Announces the Development of the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 and NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lenses
  3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 Lens Officially Announced, Price $296
  4. Nikon Announces the Development of NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens