Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Announced April 18, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a compact, lightweight wide-angle zoom that delivers impressive sharpness and reliable autofocus for both photographers and vloggers. While it offers excellent value, users may find the reliance on menus for basic controls and the lack of an included lens hood to be minor inconveniences.
Weighted from 11 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile power zoom and internal construction suited for video and vlogging
- Exceptional sharpness across the frame, even at wide apertures
- Highly portable, lightweight build that is easy to travel with
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus system
- Competitive pricing and strong overall value
Cons
- Lack of an included lens hood
- Significant barrel distortion and corner vignetting at 12mm
- Reliance on camera menus for focus, VR, and zoom controls
- Budget-oriented plastic construction and mount
- Average flare resistance and potential for busy bokeh
- Launch price $359.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS, 4.5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 19 cm (0.21x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 205g (7.2 oz) · 72 x 63.5 mm (2.83 x 2.50 in)
Expert Reviews
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I think that the Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ is pretty much a no-brainer for any Nikon Z DX photographer who doesn’t need the f/1.4 aperture of the Viltrox. Yes, I can find some flaws with this lens, but any issues are pretty easy to work around.
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What we’ve got here is a surprisingly well performing lens in a light and compact body, which doesn’t set you back too much either.
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Despite a few caveats, for example I wish it were a little wider and brighter and its uncorrected distortions are crazy, it's really a brilliant little offering from Nikon that for owners of their latest DX sensor mirrorless cameras definitely comes recommended.
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[S]uch as it is, I highly recommend the Nikon Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR. It’s well worth the investment for many different types of content creators.
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For vlogging, this lens absolutely hits the mark. Right focal length, right size, right pretty much everything for pointing it at you on a Z30 (or Zfc).
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[W]hat I'm finding with this for its intended purpose, this lens performs very, very well for a crop sensor format camera.
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Nikon has produced an outstanding lens at a great price and it deserves to be an 'Editor's Choice'.
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Good image quality, handling and all-round performance make it well worth the highly competitive asking price.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a useful wide-angle zoom lens for photographers and vloggers who want to fit more of the world in a single frame.
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This 12-28mm lens is surprisingly sharp. It's just as sharp wide-open in the corners as it is stopped down, which is rare to see.
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This is it if you wanted that wide angle to blow you away for under $400.
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