Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR review

The Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a vlogger’s delight and a much needed addition to the Z DX range of lenses

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

With its wide field of view and motorized zoom facility, this is a zoom lens that’s ideal for shooting video on Nikon Z system DX (APS-C) cameras, and for vlogging and content creation in particular. Although made with video in mind, it also works perfectly well for stills, taking expansive landscapes, cityscapes and architectural interiors in its stride. It’s travel-friendly too, being particularly compact and lightweight. Good image quality, handling and all-round performance make it well worth the highly competitive asking price.

Pros

  • +

    Motorized zoom ideal for video

  • +

    Gimbal-friendly fixed length

  • +

    Compact, lightweight and affordable

Cons

  • -

    HB-112 lens hood sold separately

  • -

    Plastic mounting plate

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The Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR fills a hole in the company’s line-up of APS-C format Z-mount lenses, as there were previously no ultra-wide-angle options. As such, you’d need to use something like the Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR via an FTZ or FTZ II mount adapter, which certainly isn’t ideal.

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.