Nikon’s latest offering, the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, is its first video-focused power zoom lens in the Z-Mount lineup. The release comes as part of Nikon’s strategy to capture the hearts of videographers and cinematographers. We put the lens through its paces with a pre-production model and spent some time shooting on it.
The 28-135mm f/4 PZ has all the hallmarks of a traditional video lens, including a large square hood and geared focus ring. While we would have liked to see a mechanical focus clutch for precise focus pulls, the focus ring is well-damped and responsive. The power zoom can be controlled through various methods, including the rocker, body buttons, or the zoom ring around the barrel.
One notable feature of this lens is its excellent breathing performance, which makes it ideal for video shooters. The bokeh is also quite lovely, with a pleasing soft blur that separates in-focus subjects from out-of-focus regions. Close-up performance is standard for this class of lens, but the $2,600 price point may be out of reach for many amateurs.
Overall, we were impressed with our short time with the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ and look forward to shooting future projects on it when it becomes available. The addition of a power zoom lens means that videographers and cinematographers now have even more reason to consider Nikon’s Z-Mount lineup.
Source: https://petapixel.com/2025/02/12/nikon-28-135mm-f-4-pz-first-impressions-review-prestige-and-power