Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens Review

[SECTION]INTRODUCTION[/SECTION]

The DX crop-sensor range for Nikon’s Z DX mirrorless cameras grows further, with the addition of this new wide-angle zoom. The 12-28mm focal length range has a “35mm equivalent” of around 18-50mm, meaning it covers an extremely practical range from ultra-wide to standard. This could be ideal for all close-range photography, including street, photo-journalism, travel, architecture, groups, portraits and general social photography. Combined with a compact DX body such as the retro Zfc or the Z30 it provides a convenient and versatile package that is light and compact enough to carry virtually everywhere. Nikon has been delivering some outstanding and inexpensive Z optics, so let’s see if this new offering continues that trend, using the 20MP Nikon Z30 crop sensor body.

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Handling and Features

Extensive use of plastics gives us a lens that weighs in at a feather-light 205g, measuring a chunky 72mm x 63.5mm, but a perfect match for the Z30 body. There is a bayonet fit for a lens hood, but sadly one is not included in the package. The bayonet-fit hoods are so convenient and efficient that not using one and perhaps buying a relatively clunky screw-in hood detracts from the potential overall ergonomics of the lens. We can only guess as to how many dedicated hoods are purchased compared to sales of lenses, but the suspicion is there that it could be a relatively low number. This is an opportunity missed that would not add very much to the cost of every lens. As usual, there is a conventional 67mm filter thread within the bayonet fit for the hood.

Unusually, this is a Power Zoom lens and the zoom ring drives the zooming action via a whisper-quiet linear drive. There are 11 steps of zoom speed that are quite controllable, so particularly in videography zoom speed can be from ultra-slow to reasonably quick. This is not quite so convenient for the lens reviewer as particular focal lengths cannot be instantly set using a marked scale, but then lenses are not designed with reviewers in mind and quite rightly so. For its purpose, the power zoom gives smooth and shake-free zooming, which is a huge advantage for video.

The customisable control ring can be defined via the camera menus and includes aperture, exposure compensation, ISO, manual focusing or off settings. AF focusing is via extremely fast and quiet VCM motors and is not easily fooled, snapping virtually instantly into accurate focus. Focusing is down to 0.19m (0.63 feet) for a maximum magnification of 0.21x, usefully close although not in macro territory.

Optical construction is 12 elements in 11 groups, including 1 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) and 1 Aspherical. The diaphragm comprises 7 blades and is designed to produce a rounded aperture. We can add dust and drip resistance to the list of features, which is almost essential for a travel lens. We can also add the fantastic 4.5-stop-advantage VR system, which frees us from those pesky tripods for much of the time. This is great for travel, enabling sharp images in ridiculously low light levels.

Given all of this, we end up with a lens that is very difficult not to like, but for videographers in particular there is more. Being a power zoom, means that the zooming could be controlled by a Smartphone, by controls on the camera body or indeed by the dedicated remote control and vlogging kit handle. The wide angle of the lens also adds to the videography credentials, making it perhaps an ideal vlogging lens for APS-C format Nikon Z cameras. Stills photographers will also appreciate the smooth handling. What about the results though? Let’s now see if the technical performance matches up to the slick handling of the lens.

[SECTION]PERFORMANCE[/SECTION]

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Performance

At 12mm, central sharpness is outstanding from f/3.5 right through to f/11 and excellent at f/16. The edges are excellent from f/3.5 to f/8, very good at f/11 and good at f/16.

At 21mm, central sharpness is outstanding from f/4.8 to f/11, excellent at f/16 and very good at f/22. The edges are excellent from f/4.8 to f/11, very good at f/16 and good at f/22.

At 28mm, central sharpness is outstanding from f/5.6 to f/11, excellent at f/16 and very good at f/22 and f/25. The edges are excellent from f/5.6 to f/11, very good at f/16 and good at f/22 and f/25.

A superb and consistent performance throughout the zoom range shows that Nikon has done it yet again.

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR MTF Charts

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is measured with any in-camera corrections switched off, as far as we can know anyway. CA measurements indicate that there is virtually no colour fringing, and field tests bear this out. The figures are slightly higher at the edges at the widest angle, but even here are unlikely to cause visible fringing.

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Chromatic Aberration Charts

Distortion measures incredibly low figures, and the lens may be finding help from in-camera processing, but it’s the end result that matters and we can measure -0.28% barrel distortion at 12mm and +0.02% pincushion at both 21mm and 28mm.

Bokeh is pleasant and relaxed and although not perhaps in the same league as longer telephoto lenses certainly not far behind and very acceptable.

Flare is not generally a problem, but under severe lighting conditions, the various flare effects can be colourful and dramatic. This may delight some users as it is possible to create magnificent artefacts full of brilliant colour and yet with the underlying image being fairly flare free. I can imagine videographers having a great time with this at sunset and on night shoots. These are the things that give lenses character.

Vignetting is obvious at the widest setting, although hardly excessive for a zoom lens, but can be corrected in software or utilised creatively as the user wishes. As we zoom in, vignetting soon comes under control to very reasonable levels.

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Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Sample Photos

You can view additional images in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

[SECTION]VERDICT[/SECTION] 

Value For Money

The [AMUK]Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR|Nikon+Z+DX+lens[/AMUK] lens is priced at £379.

There are a few lenses that could be considered alternatives, but they do not really fulfil all the features of the new lens.

• [AMUK]Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £779
• [AMUK]Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6|Laowa+lens[/AMUK], £759
• [AMUK]Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR|Nikon+Nikkor+Z+lens[/AMUK], £329
• [AMUK]Nikkor Z FX 14-30mm f/4 S|Nikon+Nikkor+Z+lens[/AMUK], £1169

The new Nikkor Z lens looks fantastic value for money.

For more lens options, have a look at our lens top lists which feature optics we’ve reviewed and compiled into easy-to-read lists so you can make more informed decisions. 

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Nikon Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Verdict

Own this lens? Let us know what you think of it in the EQDB. 

[SECTION]SPECIFICATIONS[/SECTION]

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