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

Nikon simply introduced their latest Z-series lens – and their first ultra-wide entry within the Z DX lineup. It’s the Nikon Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, a lens that was first added to the roadmap in September of 2022. Right here’s what we all know in regards to the lens up to now.

Nikon Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 Specs and Options

• Full Title:  Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
• Mount Sort: Nikon Z Mount, DX solely
• Focal Size: 12-28mm (2.3× zoom)
• Angle of View (DX): 99° to 53°
• Most Aperture: f/3.5 at 12mm; f/5.6 at 28mm
• Minimal Aperture: f/16 at 12mm; f/25 at 28mm
• Aperture Blades: 7
• Filter Measurement: 67mm
• Lens Parts: 12
• Lens Teams: 11
• Particular Parts: 1 aspherical, 1 ED glass
• ARNEO Coating: No
• Nano Crystal Coating: No
• Tremendous Built-in Coating: No
• Fluorine Coated Entrance Aspect: No
• Digital Diaphragm: Sure
• Vibration Discount: Sure
• Inside Focusing: Sure
• Inside Zooming: Sure
• Management Rings: Focus ring and zoom ring, each electronically coupled
• Focus Motor: STM
• Minimal Focus Distance: 0.19 meters (7.5 inches)
• Most Magnification: 0.21× (1:4.8)
• Mount Materials: Plastic
• Climate/Mud Sealing: Sure
• Dimensions (Size × Diameter): 64 x 72 mm (2.5 × 2.8 inches)
• Weight: 205 g (0.45 lbs)
• MSRP: $359.95 (check current price and availability)

Right here’s the lens building diagram, adopted by an outline of the lens’s climate sealing:

These specs are about what I’d count on for a primary wide-angle zoom, however a couple of attention-grabbing factors catch my eye. Most of all is the burden. At 205 grams (0.45 kilos) and simply 64 millimeters lengthy (2.5 inches), this can be a critically gentle and transportable lens that ought to pair effectively with any of Nikon’s Z DX cameras up to now. Past that, at $360, this lens is well-priced for Nikon Z DX shooters on a price range.

Then there’s the “PZ” within the lens’s title, which stands for Energy Zoom. That is the primary Nikon Z lens to make use of an influence zooming mechanism, and it might change into a polarizing characteristic. Briefly, the zoom ring isn’t mechanically coupled to something – identical to with focus-by-wire, it’s a totally digital connection.

Energy zooming has some benefits in concept, together with higher climate sealing and price discount. Nikon can be promoting its potential for videographers and distant shooters, who can activate the zoom mechanism remotely by way of Snapbridge or Nikon’s ML-L7 bluetooth distant. Past that, you possibly can change the pace of the zooming mechanism from very quick (0.55 seconds) to noticeably sluggish (36 seconds). The latter pace may very well be helpful for attention-grabbing video results.

I’m personally a fan of mechanical buttons and dials moderately than digital coupling, however not everybody will agree. If you happen to’ve ever wished to zoom your lens remotely, or exactly outline the pace of the zoom, now’s your likelihood.

Previous to the announcement of the Nikon Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, there had been a transparent lack of ultra-wide choices for Nikon Z DX cameras. Some photographers handled it by adapting F-mount lenses, whereas others used third-party choices from varied firms like Viltrox. Now, although – assuming that the efficiency of the Nikon 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 is as much as par – it ought to be the simple alternative for many Z DX photographers as a substitute.

The 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 brings Nikon’s whole variety of Z DX lenses to 4, alongside the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3, 50-250mm f/4.5-5.6, and 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3. There’s additionally an unannounced 24mm DX lens beneath the “compact prime lenses” part of Nikon’s roadmap. When you take into account the FX lenses that pair effectively with DX cameras (just like the Z 40mm f/2 for portraiture), Nikon Z DX is wanting more and more good for many kinds of images. However there’s nonetheless loads of room so as to add extra.

Pattern Photographs

We now have some pattern photographs to share with you from the Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 from varied conditions:

That final photograph is noteworthy as a result of it comes with full taking pictures information, and I’ve a full-resolution model to exhibit picture high quality and sharpness. Right here’s a 100% crop from the bottom-right nook of the full-res picture (a 960-pixel large excerpt):

This seems to be spectacular sharpness for a reasonable ultra-wide zoom – though, after all, the Z50’s 20-megapixel sensor isn’t testing it as a lot as a 30+ MP DX sensor would. The efficiency in backlit conditions additionally appears good. I nonetheless want to check the 12-28mm lens in our lab and within the subject, however from what I can glean from these pattern photographs, picture high quality doesn’t appear to be an issue.

Transport and Pre-Order

The Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR will begin transport in Might 2023 at an MSRP of $359.95. It’s already out there for pre-order from the same old suspects:

I don’t count on this lens to be backordered on the similar charge as a few of Nikon’s higher-priced, lower-volume specialty lenses. That mentioned, lately I usually advocate pre-ordering any gear that pursuits you, with a view to keep away from provide points.

Official Press Launch

IMMERSIVE VIEWS AND CREATIVE FREEDOM: THE NIKKOR Z DX 12-28MM F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR POWER-ZOOM ULTRA-WIDE ANGLE LENS IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO NIKON’S GROWING TOOLKIT FOR CREATORS

Nikon’s Tremendous Light-weight Extensive Angle Lens Places a Variable Energy Zoom and Superb Picture High quality Inside Attain

MELVILLE, NY (April 18, 2023) – At the moment, Nikon Inc. has introduced the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR, the ultra-wide angle lens made for content material creators and vloggers.  This newest light-weight lens is the widest NIKKOR Z DX-format lens but¹, and has the additional benefit of an influence zoom (PZ) for extra artistic versatility and nice wanting video. The 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is designed to seize sharp and immersive content material that allows you to get extra of what issues within the body; extra pals, extra expansive landscapes and extra freedom to create with out limits.

That includes an especially versatile zoom vary from an ultra-wide angle 12mm to 28mm², this lens is a must have for any vlogger or creator who desires to get the entire story within the shot, and dynamically change-up the body easily and persistently. The ultra-wide angle can be nice for all the things from larger-than-life landscapes, grand interiors, tabletop photographs and group selfies the place nobody will get ignored. Surprisingly small and light-weight for such a large zoom, the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm weighs solely roughly 7.3 oz, making it simple to carry with an prolonged arm. It’s completely mated to light-weight cameras such because the ultra-compact and succesful Nikon Z 30, Z 50 or the retro impressed Z fc.

“Nikon is dedicated to equipping content material creators with the instruments they should make movies and photographs that look nice, and we’re very enthusiastic about this newest addition to our rising system of creator-centric cameras and lenses,” mentioned Jay Vannatter, Government Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Whether or not you’re vlogging or simply desire a super-lightweight and inexpensive large angle for landscapes or avenue images, the NIKKOR Z 12-28mm is the lens you might have been ready for.”

The Lens Made for Content material Creators

The NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is the primary NIKKOR Z lens using an influence zoom with linear drive, offering easy optical zoom and different considerate options for creators to boost and simplify their video recording expertise. The facility zoom operate simply and effortlessly zooms in near a topic, or zooms out to really set up the scene. To swimsuit any taking pictures fashion, the zoom could be activated by twisting the customizable zoom ring on the barrel, with designated buttons on the camera physique, or when utilizing the ML-L7 Distant Management³ (included within the Z 30 Creator’s Accessory Kit). The zoom can be managed remotely by way of a PC or telephone with the SnapBridge app⁴. Moreover, the zoom charge could be chosen from 11 pace settings, inside the vary of 0.55 to 36 seconds, for optimum consistency when reframing your shot or including dramatic artistic aptitude.

Autofocus is sharp, dependable and quick, working flawlessly with the eye-detection AF in Nikon cameras to maintain deal with you or your topic. The lens options an STM motor drive, making it extraordinarily silent when focusing, so viewers gained’t be disturbed by the sound of camera operation. What’s extra, when transitioning to a close-up of a topic, the 12-28mm has a really shut minimal focus distance of solely 0.19 m(0.62 ft). This lets customers seamlessly transfer the main focus from their face to a product in-hand, whereas the picture stays sharp.

Realizing that the most effective content material usually occurs in actual time, the lens is stabilized with Vibration Discount (VR) that gives an impact equal to a shutter pace 4.5 stops quicker⁵. This operate makes it simple to seize run-and-gun footage with out the distracting camera shake or shoot in low-light with minimal blur. Due to its small dimension and versatile angle of view, this lens can be well-suited for creating regular footage with gimbals.

Primary Options of the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR:

• Extremely-wide angle lens is right for vlogging and large establishing pictures but in addition landscapes, inside images and metropolis streets.
• Energy zoom operate offers easy, constant optical zoom that’s totally customizable with various speeds, which could be engaged with camera buttons, zoom ring or used remotely.
• VR Picture Stabilization reduces camera shake with as much as 4.5 stops of compensation for secure video and sharp pictures.
• Shut minimal focusing distance of 0.62 ft and most copy ratio of 0.21x enable for sharp and detailed pictures of merchandise, flowers, nature and different intricate particulars.
• Extremely-compact and light-weight design makes it simple to make use of and carry wherever.
• The physique of the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm has been designed fastidiously to ship dust- and drip-resistant efficiency,⁶ with a sealing that stops any mud or water droplets from getting into the lens.

Value and Availability

The brand new NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR will likely be out there in Might 2023 for a steered retail value of $359.95*. For extra details about the most recent Nikon merchandise, together with different NIKKOR Z lenses and your entire assortment of Z sequence cameras, please go to nikonusa.com.

About Nikon 

Nikon Inc. is a world chief in digital imaging, precision optics and applied sciences for photograph and video seize; globally acknowledged for setting new requirements in product design and efficiency for an award-winning array of kit that allows visible storytelling and content material creation. Nikon Inc. distributes client {and professional} Z Collection mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, an unlimited array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system equipment, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software program merchandise. For extra info, dial (800) NIKON-US or go to www.nikonusa.com, which hyperlinks all ranges of photographers and visible storytellers to the Internet’s most complete studying and sharing communities. Join with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram,TikTok, Vimeo and Flickr.

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Specs, design, product title, and provided equipment could differ by nation or space. Specs and tools are topic to alter with none discover or obligation on the a part of the producer.

1. As of April 18, 2023.
2. Angle of view is equal to that of an 18-42mm lens in Full-frame/FX-format.
3. Digital camera magnification buttons and 11 pace performance supported on the Z 30 and the Z fc at time of preliminary launch.
   4. These capabilities will likely be supported by subsequent software program replace.
4. Primarily based on CIPA Normal; this worth is achieved when connected to an APS-C dimension/DX-format camera with the camera’s VR operate set. to “NORMAL”, and when zoom is ready to the utmost telephoto place.
5. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance isn’t assured in all conditions or beneath all circumstances.

*SRP (Recommended Retail Value) listed solely as a suggestion. Precise costs are set by sellers and are topic to alter at any time.