Nikon has released a new power zoom lens for its full frame Z mount mirrorless cameras, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ. This lens is designed specifically for videographers.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ has a yellow ring at the base, which signifies that it’s a Z mount video lens. Nikon says that the new NIKKOR Z 28-135mm lens has optics designed to resolve high-definition 8K video footage. Importantly for video, the power zoom lens is parfocal, so it won’t lose focus as you zoom in or out. The focus ring also has a standard 0.8 pitch gear for use with a follow focus system. Also, the lens has a linear manual focus drive, so you can focus accurately.
Power zoom
The power zoom on the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm lens has eleven different speeds, from slow to fast. You can assign the zoom speed settings to the zoom lever on the lens or one of your camera’s function buttons for quick access. The power zoom also offers ease-in and ease-out so you can start and finish movements with a natural tapering of zoom speed. In addition, you can record and recall zoom positions for precise reframing between takes. Zooming can be controlled remotely from a computer, smartphone or tablet using NX Tether, SnapBridge or NX Field.
Optical design
The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm lens is constructed with 18 elements in 13 groups. These include three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, one aspherical ED element and four aspherical elements. The elements also have a meso-amorphous coat to reduce unwanted ghosting and flare.
Furthermore, the front element has a fluorine-coated front lens element. This helps to repel dust, water droplets, grease and dirt.
Autofocus
The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm lens has a stepping motor (STM) for the autofocus. Nikon says that this delivers quiet and fast autofocusing. The lens has also been designed to suppress focus breathing. Focus breathing causes the image size to change as you pull focus. And the close focus distance is 13.4 inches (0.34 meters) in the 28 mm to 50 mm range and 22.4 inches (0.57 meters) in the telephoto range.
Other features
Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 28-135mm lens features an internal zoom mechanism. This makes it ideal for use on a gimbal as it reduces the changes in the center of gravity of the lens. The f/4 aperture has nine blades, which should give a smooth bokeh in out of focus parts of your image.
Also, the lens comes with a rectangular, matte box style lens hood. This has a filter adjustment window so you can adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters while the hood is attached.
Size and weight
The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm lens is seven inches (177.5 mm) in length. It also weighs two pounds 10.7 ounces (1,210 g) with the tripod collar, and just over three ounces (90 g) less without it.
What we think
The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ zoom lens is Nikon’s first Z-mount video lens. It’s an ideal lens for documentary work, sports coverage and newsgathering. Although the f/4 aperture isn’t the best for low light work, it’s constant so your exposure won’t change as you zoom. The parfocal nature of the lens, and the built-in follow focus gear are also important features. If you film on a Nikon Z mount mirrorless camera, the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens is a very attractive choice. The only downside is the premium price, but if you make your living from shooting video, this lens could soon earn its keep.
Pricing and availability
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ full frame zoom lens is scheduled to arrive in April. It will cost $2,599.
