Nikon releases NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ power zoom lens

Looking for a new lens for your new RED Z-Mount camera? How about the new NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ  full-frame power zoom?

Featuring a versatile focal range, a customizable power zoom function, and what are billed as precise manual controls and agile handling, Nikon says this is the first dedicated NIKKOR Z lens designed to empower small-footprint productions and solo videographers with a lightweight cinematic tool that fulfils numerous roles. 

The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ looks different than other NIKKOR Z lenses, incorporating an updated design, but perhaps more importantly is a power zoom lens that spans many of the most commonly used focal lengths, from a wide 28mm for establishing shots, to 135mm for close-up/telephoto coverage.

It offers precise control, letting the user smoothly zoom throughout the focal range, but also offers a choice of 11 different zoom speeds to match specific creative styles. Much care has been taken with the balance, minimizing shifts in the center of gravity that occur with zooming. It also supports a variety of video accessories such as follow-focus controllers, matte boxes and more to help videographers capture the footage they want on location, as well as offering remote control capabilities using a computer or smartphone.

Key features

• The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ supports a convenient 28-135mm range of focal lengths, allowing for a variety of compositions without changing lenses.
• When used with the Nikon Z8/Z9, Hi-Res Zoom can be used for an angle of view equivalent to that of the 270mm focal length with 4K video recording. Additionally, from 135mm-270mm, the zoom is effectively parfocal.
• The lens supports dynamic close-ups with a minimum focus distance of just 13.3 in (0.34 m) in the 28mm to 50mm range and 22.4 in (0.57 m) in the telephoto range.
• Zooming speed can be selected from 11 speeds and assigned to the zoom lever or one of the camera’s Fn buttons.
• Zoom ring angle and direction of rotation can be customized to suit individual preferences.
• Synchro mode enables simultaneous optical zoom and Hi-Res Zoom using a single control with video recording.
• Professional video accessories, including matte boxes and follow focus systems are supported.
• Adoption of an internal zoom mechanism allows for comfortable zooming without concern for shifts in the center of gravity that may upset the balance of the camera-lens setup, especially useful when using a gimbal.
• Adoption of Meso Amorphous Coat, Nikon’s best anti-reflection coating, significantly reduces ghosts and flares.
• Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and accurate autofocusing.
• Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.
• Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing.
• Comes with a rectangular HB-116 lens hood that helps users control the amount of light entering the lens for less ghosting and flares. A filter adjustment window allows users to adjust circular polarizing and variable ND filters while the hood is attached.
• Zooming can be controlled remotely from a computer, smartphone, or tablet using NX Tether, SnapBridge, or NX Field.
• Customizable L-Fn buttons are positioned on the side and top of the lens for convenient operation of assigned functions, even when shooting in vertical (portrait) orientation.
• Nikon’s fluorine coat applied to the front lens element effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt.
• Designed with consideration for dust and drip-resistance.

Price and availability

The new NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price of $2599.The lens will also be available as part of a bundle with the new RED KOMODO-X Z Mount camera. For more information on these products, please visit RED.com.