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 concerning the lens to this point.

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 Dimension: 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
• Inner Focusing: 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 development diagram, adopted by an outline of the lens’s climate sealing:

These specs are about what I’d anticipate for a primary wide-angle zoom, however a number of fascinating factors catch my eye. Most of all is the load. At 205 grams (0.45 kilos) and simply 64 millimeters lengthy (2.5 inches), this can be a significantly gentle and moveable lens that ought to pair properly with any of Nikon’s Z DX cameras to this point. Past that, at $360, this lens is well-priced for Nikon Z DX shooters on a finances.

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 could transform a polarizing characteristic. In brief, the zoom ring shouldn’t be 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 through Snapbridge or Nikon’s ML-L7 bluetooth distant. It’s also possible to change the pace of the zooming mechanism from very quick (0.55 seconds) to significantly gradual (36 seconds). The latter might be helpful for fascinating video results.

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

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 must be the straightforward alternative for many Z DX photographers as an alternative.

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 contemplate the FX lenses that pair properly with DX cameras (just like the Z 40mm f/2 for portraiture), Nikon Z DX is trying more and more good for many forms of images. However there’s nonetheless loads of room so as to add extra.

Pattern Pictures

We’ve got some pattern images to share with you from the Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 from varied conditions:

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

That is spectacular sharpness for a cheap ultra-wide zoom – though, in fact, the Z50’s 20-megapixel sensor shouldn’t be 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 discipline, however from what I can glean from these pattern images, picture high quality doesn’t seem like an issue.

Transport and Pre-Order

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

I don’t anticipate this lens to be backordered on the similar price as a few of Nikon’s higher-priced, lower-volume specialty lenses. That mentioned, today I usually advocate pre-ordering any gear that pursuits you, with the intention 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) – Right this 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 advantage of an influence zoom (PZ) for extra artistic versatility and nice trying video. The 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is designed to seize sharp and immersive content material that permits you to get extra of what issues within the body; extra associates, extra expansive landscapes and extra freedom to create with out limits.

That includes a particularly versatile zoom vary from an ultra-wide angle 12mm to 28mm², this lens is a must have for any vlogger or creator who needs to get the entire story within the shot, and dynamically change-up the body easily and constantly. The ultra-wide angle can be nice for all the pieces from larger-than-life landscapes, grand interiors, tabletop images and group selfies the place nobody will get not noted. Surprisingly small and light-weight for such a large zoom, the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm weighs solely roughly 7.3 oz, making it straightforward 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 images 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 need a super-lightweight and inexpensive broad angle for landscapes or road images, the NIKKOR Z 12-28mm is the lens you may 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 reinforce and simplify their video recording expertise. The facility zoom operate simply and effortlessly zooms in near a topic, or zooms out to actually set up the scene. To swimsuit any capturing model, the zoom will 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 a PC or cellphone with the SnapBridge app⁴. Moreover, the zoom price will be chosen from 11 pace settings, inside the vary of 0.55 to 36 seconds, for max 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 received’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 typically occurs in actual time, the lens is stabilized with Vibration Discount (VR) that gives an impact equal to a shutter pace 4.5 stops sooner⁵. This operate makes it straightforward to seize run-and-gun footage with out the distracting camera shake or shoot in low-light with minimal blur. Due to its small measurement and versatile angle of view, this lens can be well-suited for creating regular footage with gimbals.

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

• Extremely-wide angle lens is good for vlogging and broad establishing photographs but additionally landscapes, inside images and metropolis streets.
• Energy zoom operate gives easy, constant optical zoom that’s totally customizable with various speeds, which will 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 steady video and sharp photographs.
• Shut minimal focusing distance of 0.62 ft and most copy ratio of 0.21x permit for sharp and detailed photographs of merchandise, flowers, nature and different intricate particulars.
• Extremely-compact and light-weight design makes it straightforward to make use of and carry wherever.
• The physique of the NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm has been designed rigorously to ship dust- and drip-resistant efficiency,⁶ with a sealing that forestalls any mud or water droplets from coming into the lens.

Value and Availability

The brand new NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR will likely be obtainable in Could 2023 for a instructed retail value of $359.95*. For extra details about the newest Nikon merchandise, together with different NIKKOR Z lenses and the whole assortment of Z collection cameras, please go to nikonusa.com.

About Nikon 

Nikon Inc. is a world chief in digital imaging, precision optics and applied sciences for picture and video seize; globally acknowledged for setting new requirements in product design and efficiency for an award-winning array of apparatus that allows visible storytelling and content material creation. Nikon Inc. distributes client {and professional} Z Sequence 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 Net’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 might 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. Digicam 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. Based mostly on CIPA Normal; this worth is achieved when hooked up to an APS-C measurement/DX-format camera with the camera’s VR operate set. to “NORMAL”, and when zoom is about to the utmost telephoto place.
5. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance shouldn’t be assured in all conditions or beneath all situations.

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