Nikon has announced its widest APS-C lens for Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR (buy here), as all of the letters in its name suggest, is a an APS-C (DX) lens, with Power Zoom (PZ) and Vibration Reduction (VR – or optical image stabilisation in generic terms). Designed for content creators and vloggers, the new lens offers up to 4.5 stops of stabilisation with focusing as close as 11 inches.
The lens offers the full frame equivalent field of view to that of an 18-42mm focal length range, making for some wide close-ups for vlogging as well as being able to dial things in a little narrower when you want to focus on a subject. According to Nikon, extra-low dispersion and aspherical elements provide a high level of sharpness and distortion control throughout the zoom range.
Built for content creators
Nikon bills the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR as “an essential lens for creators”, and given the focal length range, it seems that it might be. At least, it might be for creators that shoot APS-C Z mount bodies. It’s a focal length range that covers the typical use cases for many vloggers and content creators who need a wide shot at arm’s length to provide environmental context. And even though Nikon’z APS-C bodies don’t feature IBIS, the lens offers up to 4.5 stops of image stabilisation.
The variable aperture of the lens isn’t much of a concern, given that you’ll likely be using this lens in fairly bright surroundings. At least, surroundings that can handle 1/50-1/60th of a second at a reasonable ISO. Sure, you’re not going to get a super shallow depth of field with this, but for video – particularly when talking to camera – you don’t really need that.
Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Specs
| Focal Length | 12-28mm (18-42mm 35mm field of view equivalent) |
| Max aperture | f/3.5-5.6 |
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Power Zoom | Yes |
| Stabilisation | Nikon VR |
| Filter Diameter | 67mm |
| Dimensions | 72 x 63.5mm |
| Weight | 205g |
Price and Availability
The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is available to pre-order now for $356.95 and begins shipping in May.
Will you be picking one of these up for your APS-C Z mount camera?
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