Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Video Lens Review – Pros & Cons – Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm

The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Video Lens is a specialized power zoom lens designed specifically for the professional videographer using Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This full-frame optic covers a highly versatile 4.8x focal range that spans from wide-angle establishing shots to tight telephoto compositions, making it an ideal choice for documentary, event, and solo production work. As Nikon first dedicated FX-format power zoom, it features a constant f/4 maximum aperture that ensures consistent exposure and depth of field throughout the entire zoom range, allowing for seamless transitions without the need to adjust lighting or ISO settings.

Engineered with a focus on cinematic precision, the Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Video Lens incorporates an internal zoom mechanism that maintains a stable center of gravity, which is essential for maintaining balance when mounted on gimbals, drones, or robotic heads. It boasts advanced optical technologies including the Meso Amorphous Coat to significantly reduce ghosting and flare, along with an aspherical ED element to minimize aberrations. The lens provides 11 selectable zoom speeds and supports linear manual focusing for repeatable focus pulls, while its optical design effectively suppresses focus breathing to keep the framing consistent during focus shifts.

Built to withstand the rigors of professional field use, the Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Video Lens features a rugged dust and drip resistant construction complemented by a fluorine coating on the front element to repel water and oil. It includes specialized video-centric hardware such as a built-in zoom lever, customizable L-Fn buttons, and a focus ring with a standard 0.8 MOD gear pitch for direct compatibility with follow-focus accessories. This USA model also comes equipped with a large rectangular lens hood featuring a filter adjustment window, ensuring that filmmakers can easily manage 95mm variable ND or polarizing filters during active shooting sessions.

FEATURES:
– Full-frame pro video lens
– Power zoom functionality
– Z Series mirrorless compatible
– Constant f/4 aperture
– 28-135mm focal range

The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Video Lens is a versatile, full-frame power zoom lens designed specifically for the Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This professional-grade lens covers a highly functional focal range of 28mm to 135mm, making it an ideal choice for a wide variety of video applications including documentaries, corporate productions, and event coverage. It maintains a constant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, providing consistent exposure and depth of field control even as the focal length changes. The lens is engineered for high-resolution performance, supporting up to 8K video capture with exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion.

PROS:
– Versatile 28-135mm focal range
– Smooth 11-speed power zoom
– Constant f/4 maximum aperture
– Suppressed focus breathing
– Fixed length internal zoom
– Stable center of gravity
– Fast and quiet autofocus
– Linear manual focus support
– Professional follow-focus compatibility
– Dust and drip resistant
– Meso Amorphous anti-reflection coating
– Customizable L-Fn control buttons
– Removable rotating tripod foot
– Compact for cine-style lens

CONS:
– Starting focal length is not ultra-wide
– Maximum aperture is only f/4
– Large and heavy physical dimensions
– Electronic power zoom lacks mechanical feel
– Relatively high price point
– External zoom increases lens length

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ offers a highly versatile focal range and professional-grade video features, including a smooth eleven-speed power zoom, suppressed focus breathing, and a constant f/4 aperture that maintains exposure throughout the zoom. Its design prioritizes stability with a fixed length internal zoom and a stable center of gravity, making it ideal for gimbal work, while advanced coatings and weather resistance ensure high-quality performance in various conditions. However, the lens is limited by its f/4 maximum aperture and lack of an ultra-wide starting point, and users may find its large physical dimensions, heavy weight, and high price point to be significant drawbacks compared to more compact or affordable alternatives. Read more…


Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ VR Lens

Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ VR Lens

A side profile of a professional Nikon camera lens is shown against a plain white background. The lens body is matte black with a distinctive gold ring near the mount. Bold yellow text on the front element reads Nikkor 28 to 135 Power Zoom. It features multiple textured rings for manual control. A power zoom rocker switch is visible on the side marked with T and W. A customizable L-Fn button sits just below the zoom toggle. An A and M switch for focus modes is located near the base. A sturdy black tripod foot is attached to the bottom of the barrel. The build appears robust and designed for high-end video production. The glass at the rear mount reflects a metallic silver finish.


Professional Video Production Rig

Professional Video Production Rig

A camera operator holds a professional video camera setup. The camera is mounted on a heavy duty tripod head. A large zoom lens is attached to the camera body. The lens has a 28 to 135 millimeter focal range. A thick circular filter is visible on the front of the lens. A Rode shotgun microphone sits on top of the rig. The microphone has a black foam windscreen and a red shock mount. The operator uses a leather hand strap for a secure grip. Two black support rods run along the bottom of the camera. The person is wearing a dark blue shirt and grey pants. The background consists of a blurred stone wall.


DJI Ronin Camera Gimbal Setup

DJI Ronin Camera Gimbal Setup

A black DJI Ronin handheld gimbal stabilizer stands on a brick surface. It is supported by a small integrated tripod base. A professional DSLR or mirrorless camera is mounted on the top axis. The camera is equipped with a large black lens featuring yellow markings. An external monitor is attached to the side of the gimbal handle for better viewing. A hand is visible adjusting the camera body from above. The background consists of a textured red brick wall. The lighting appears natural and even across the equipment. The entire setup is designed for capturing smooth and stable video footage.



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Best Nikon Nikkor Z 28 135mm F Deals

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ | Full-Frame pro Video Power Zoom Lens for Z Series mirrorless Cameras | USA Model, Black

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Key Features

  • ✅ One touch zoom. Switch from a sweeping establishing shot to a powerful closeup in a snap with a customizable rocker-style zoom control. Quick punch-in or smooth, slow zoom—with 11 speed options. (Supported by Z9, Z8 and Z6III cameras)
  • ✅ Constant maximum aperture. Maximum aperture of f/4 and minimum focus distance of 0.34m (Minimum focus distance of 0.34m is achieved between 28–50mm) allows for dynamic closeups with cinematic blurred backgrounds.
  • ✅ Balanced design. The internal zoom mechanism ensures that the physical length of the lens stays constant during zooming, with only a tiny change to the center of gravity (Maximum center of gravity shift between 28mm and 135mm is approx. 2mm)—essential for mounting on gimbals, drones and robotic heads.
  • ✅ Autofocus you can trust. When speed and convenience are key, the STM autofocus motor provides fast, reliable
  • ✅ Precise focus pulling. Support for linear focus allows you to dial in the exact desired rotation of the focus or control ring for absolute precision; while the large, ergonomically-textured focus ring makes precise manual focus adjustment easy. Knurled focus and zoom rings are directly compatible with follow-focus accessories.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20127
Color:Black
Dimensions:7 X 4.2 X 4.2 inches
Warranty:1 Year Limited Manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens | Versatile Power Zoom for Professional Videography and Photography (20127) + UV Filter + Cleaning Kit + Lens Pouch + Cap Keeper (Renewed)

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Key Features

  • ✅ Items Include: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens | Versatile Power Zoom for Professional Videography and Photography, UV Filter, Deluxe Cleaning Kit, 5-Inch Lens Pouch, Cap Keeper
  • ✅ Versatile Focal Range: The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens offers a broad focal length range from 28mm wide-angle to 135mm telephoto, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to detailed portraits. This all-in-one lens eliminates the need for frequent lens changes, ensuring you capture every moment seamlessly.
  • ✅ Power Zoom Functionality: Equipped with a power zoom mechanism, this lens allows for smooth and precise zoom transitions, essential for professional-quality video production. The zoom lever offers 11 different speed settings, enabling you to match the zoom pace to your creative vision, whether it's a slow, dramatic pull or a quick shift in perspective.
  • ✅ Superior Optical Performance: Constructed with 18 elements in 13 groups, including Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical elements, the lens minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions. The Meso Amorphous Coating significantly reduces ghosting and flare, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • ✅ Robust and User-Friendly Design: Weighing approximately 1,210 grams with the tripod collar, the lens offers a sturdy build without compromising portability. The included HB-116 lens hood helps control stray light, reducing unwanted flare, and features a filter adjustment window for easy access to rotating filters.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20127_EDIRE_1
Dimensions:10 X 7 X 7 inches
Warranty:90 days limited warranty

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens | Versatile Power Zoom for Professional Videography and Photography (20127) + Sling Backpack + Photo Software + Lens Case + 64GB Card + UV Filter + More (Renewed)

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Key Features

  • ✅ Items Include: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens | Versatile Power Zoom for Professional Videography and Photography, Sling Backpack, Photography Software, Padded Lens Case, 64GB Ultra UHS-I SDXC Memory Card, UV Filter, Flexible Tripod, Deluxe Cleaning Kit, Camera Hand Strap, Memory Card Wallet, Memory Card Reader, Cap Keeper
  • ✅ Versatile Focal Range: The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens offers a broad focal length range from 28mm wide-angle to 135mm telephoto, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to detailed portraits. This all-in-one lens eliminates the need for frequent lens changes, ensuring you capture every moment seamlessly.
  • ✅ Power Zoom Functionality: Equipped with a power zoom mechanism, this lens allows for smooth and precise zoom transitions, essential for professional-quality video production. The zoom lever offers 11 different speed settings, enabling you to match the zoom pace to your creative vision, whether it's a slow, dramatic pull or a quick shift in perspective.
  • ✅ Superior Optical Performance: Constructed with 18 elements in 13 groups, including Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical elements, the lens minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions. The Meso Amorphous Coating significantly reduces ghosting and flare, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • ✅ Robust and User-Friendly Design: Weighing approximately 1,210 grams with the tripod collar, the lens offers a sturdy build without compromising portability. The included HB-116 lens hood helps control stray light, reducing unwanted flare, and features a filter adjustment window for easy access to rotating filters.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20127_EDIRE_2
Dimensions:10 X 7 X 7 inches
Warranty:90 days limited warranty

Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens | Telephoto for Z Series mirrorless Cameras | Nikon USA Model

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Key Features

  • ✅ Exquisite Bokeh. Add spectacular drama and style to photos and videos with large, round bokeh that spreads across the entire frame, right to the edges.
  • ✅ Fast, accurate, near silent AF. Nikon’s Multi-Focus System uses dual STM stepping motors moving in sync for enhanced precision. The ultra-fast system operates in near-silence, so you can track moving subjects without mechanical noises or vibrations.
  • ✅ Cut through flare. Nikon’s most advanced anti-reflective coatings, Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat, are combined to overcome the harshest light coming from multiple directions. Assignable Fn button. Carefully placed for easy reach during vertical or horizontal shooting.
  • ✅ Advanced controls. The manual focus ring can be set to either rotation direction, linear or non-linear; the Control ring is clickless for smooth and precise adjustments to aperture, ISO, exposure compensation and more.
  • ✅ Advanced controls. The manual focus ring can be set to either rotation direction, linear or non-linear; the Control ring is clickless for smooth and precise adjustments to aperture, ISO, exposure compensation and more. Brilliant point light. City lights and stars are captured with refined brilliance across the entire frame, for an unparalleled level of clarity.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20123
Color:Black
Dimensions:5.49 X 3.86 X 3.86 inches
Warranty:1 year limited manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens

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Key Features

  • ✅ Covers a broad range of focal lengths—from 28mm to 400mm, with a 14.2x zoom.
  • ✅ A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m at the maximum wide-angle position and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x at 28mm allows users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
  • ✅ A total length of approx. 5.57 in. (141.5 mm) and a weight of approx. 1.6 lbs (725 g)—the lightest lens in its class—make this an easy lens to carry and shoot hand-held.
  • ✅ Stable VR performance equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and with hand-held shooting. When paired with a compatible camera, Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 5.5-stop stabilization by combining in-camera VR and lens VR.
  • ✅ Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing, which is especially useful for video shooting.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20125
Dimensions:5.57 X 3.33 X 3.33 Inches
Warranty:1 year Manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 | Compact standard prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

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Key Features

  • ✅ Camera compatibility: Compatible with FX and DX format Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras (42mm equivalent field of view on DX format cameras).
  • ✅ Close focusing: capture images from a min distance of 0.63 feet from your subject.
  • ✅ Custom control ring: Turn the ring on the lens to control focusing, aperture, ISO or exposure compensation.
  • ✅ Fast Autofocus: Dual stepping motors operate in near silence, ideal for video.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20101
Dimensions:1.7 X 2.8 X 2.8 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 | Large aperture mid-range zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

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Key Features

  • ✅ Camera compatibility: Compatible with FX and DX format Nikon Z series mirrorless (28mm-75mm on a full frame FX format Z camera), (42mm – 112mm equivalent on a DX format Z camera).
  • ✅ Lightweight and compact: Nearly 30% lighter than the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and it's just 4.8 inches long when retracted. This is a go-to lens for being on-the-go.
  • ✅ Fast constant aperture of f/2.8 through the entire zoom range: Giving you more control of light, depth of field, range of expression and options for creative storytelling.
  • ✅ Close focusing: Get as close as 7.5 inches to your subject, filling the frame with the smallest details.
  • ✅ Optimized for video: Focus breathing is suppressed to maintain a consistent angle-of-view as focus position moves. Use the smooth control ring to make iris adjustments that create a natural shift in brightness. And all the while, the stepping motor is operating in near silence to preserve your audio integrity.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20107
Color:Black
Dimensions:4.74 X 2.95 X 2.95 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR | Wide-angle power zoom lens with image stabilization for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

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Key Features

  • ✅ Versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom: From immersive and dramatic 12mm views to more natural views of a 28mm.
  • ✅ VR image stabilization: 4.5 stops of built-in optical VR (Vibration Reduction) counteracts shakiness for steadier
  • ✅ Power zoom: Select from 11 speeds—from slow and subtle to nearly instantaneous.
  • ✅ Close focus: Get as close as 11-inches from your subject.
  • ✅ Convenient zoom control: Versatile options for using the power zoom of the lens, including the zoom ring on the lens, the camera’s magnification buttons, the ML-L7 Bluetooth remote (sold separately) or via the SnapBridge app. as well as NX Tether software and the MC-N10 Remote Grip (sold separately).

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20118
Size:Compact
Color:Black
Dimensions:2.5 X 2.83 X 2.83 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) | Retro-styled compact standard prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

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Key Features

  • ✅ Special edition: Classic designed 28mm prime lens.
  • ✅ Camera compatibility: Compatible with FX and DX format Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras (42mm equivalent on DX format cameras).
  • ✅ Close focusing: capture images from a min distance of 0.63 feet from your subject.
  • ✅ Custom control ring: Turn the ring on the lens to control focusing, aperture, ISO or exposure compensation.
  • ✅ Fast Autofocus: Dual stepping motors operate in near silence.

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20110
Color:Silver
Dimensions:1.69 X 2.81 X 2.81 inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Large aperture wide-angle zoom lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

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Key Features

  • ✅ Large f/2.8 Aperture | Fast, bright and sharp across the entire zoom range
  • ✅ Wide-Angle Zoom Range | Covers a versatile 17mm to 28mm range that’s great for vlogging, landscapes, interiors, travel, street photography, food and more
  • ✅ Beautiful Background Blur | Shallow depth of field makes sharp subjects stand out against smooth, creamy backgrounds
  • ✅ Outstanding in Low Light | Capture detailed photos and videos from dawn to dusk or in dimly lit interiors
  • ✅ Great for Video | Fast, quiet autofocus, suppressed focus breathing and smooth iris adjustments

Product Details

Brand:Nikon
Model:20115
Color:Black
Dimensions:3.98 X 2.95 X 2.95 Inches
Warranty:1 year manufacturer
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