Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm F4 PZ

The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm F4 PZ is a power zoom standard zoom for full frame Nikon Z cameras. Nikon announced the development in October 2024 and presented the finished lens in February 2025. It is aimed at videographers who shoot documentaries or work alone on location, and it is Nikon's first Z lens with a zoom lever.

Optical design

The lens has 18 elements in 13 groups, including three ED elements, one aspherical ED element and four aspherical elements. Nikon applies its Meso Amorphous Coat, described as its best anti-reflection coating, and a fluorine coat on the front element. The aperture is a constant F4 and closes to F22, with 9 rounded blades. Minimum focus distance is 0.34 m at 28 mm and 0.57 m at 135 mm, with 0.25x maximum magnification between 55 and 135 mm. Nikon says the design is optimized for video and suppresses focus breathing. The filter thread is 95 mm.

Autofocus and handling

A stepping motor (STM) drives autofocus, and Nikon names linear manual focus drive support for smooth focusing. Zooming is electronic: a zoom lever offers 11 selectable speeds with ease-in and ease-out, and zoom ring angle and direction can be customized. Nikon states that shifts in focus position and center of gravity during zooming are minimized because the zoom is internal, which helps on a gimbal. With the Z9 the Hi-Res Zoom function gives an angle of view equivalent to 270 mm at 4K. Zooming can also be remote controlled with NX Tether, SnapBridge or NX Field. L-Fn buttons sit on the side and top of the lens, and professional accessories such as matte boxes and follow focus systems are supported.

Build and size

The lens weighs about 1,120 g without and 1,210 g with the tripod collar, and measures 105 mm in diameter and 177.5 mm from the mount flange. A rectangular HB-116 hood with a filter adjustment window, a front cap, a rear cap and the CL-C5 case are supplied. Nikon designed it with dust and drip resistance in mind, without a full guarantee. Nikon lists no built-in vibration reduction.

Where it fits

Among Nikon Z lenses in the database, the Z 24-120mm F4 S and Z 24-70mm F4 S are the stills-oriented F4 zooms, while the Z 28-75mm F2.8 is brighter and the Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR reaches further. The 28-135 is the choice when power zoom and video handling count more than weight.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Constant F4 over 28 to 135 mm
• Power zoom with 11 speeds and zoom lever
• Internal zoom with suppressed focus breathing
• Support for matte boxes, follow focus and remote control

Cons

• About 1,120 g and 95 mm filters, large for a standard zoom
• No built-in vibration reduction
• Starts at 28 mm, not wider
• Video-oriented design

Verdict

The Nikkor Z 28-135mm F4 PZ is a specialist for videographers who want a power zoom with a long standard range on the Z system. For stills or travel use, the lighter F4 zooms are the more practical choice.