Nikon’s first power zoom for the Z-mount system arrives with professional filmmaking features including 11-speed zoom control, minimal focus breathing, and an internal zoom mechanism. The Nikon 28-135mm f/4 marks a significant step for Nikon into the professional cinema lens market – just on the heels of announcing the first RED cameras with Z-Mount.
Nikon has now formally introduced their first power zoom lens for the Z-mount system, marking the company’s serious entry into the professional video market. The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ combines a versatile focal range with features specifically designed for professional video production. It was initially teased in October 2024 as “in development” and should now start shipping soon.
Nikon 28-135mm f/4 PZ – curiously similar to Sony 28-135 f/4 G OSS
The new Nikon lens is curiously similar to a Sony lens with the exact same focal range, f-stop, and even Power Zoom. We reviewed this lens (almost to the day!!) 10 years ago.
The lens represents a significant departure from Nikon’s previous Z-mount offerings, incorporating cinema-focused features like a dedicated zoom rocker with 11 programmable speed settings. This functionality allows video shooters to execute both subtle zooms for dramatic effect and rapid transitions when following action.
Professional cinema features of the Nikon 28-135mm f/4 PZ
A key design consideration appears to be gimbal compatibility, with the lens utilizing an internal zoom mechanism to maintain a constant center of gravity throughout the zoom range. This addresses a common frustration with traditional still photography zooms when used for video work.
Key professional features include:
- Customizable zoom ring rotation angle and direction
- Internal zoom mechanism for stable center of gravity
- Dual L-Fn buttons positioned for both horizontal and vertical operation
- Rectangular lens hood with filter adjustment window
- Industry-standard front diameter for matte box compatibility
Optical design and performance
The optical design includes Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coating for flare suppression, and the company claims the lens has been optimized to minimize focus breathing. The constant f/4 aperture is maintained throughout the zoom range, while a stepping motor handles autofocus duties. For manual focus pulls, the lens offers a linear response system typical of professional cine lenses.
Extended capabilities with Z 9
When paired with the Nikon Z 9, the lens supports Hi-Res Zoom functionality, effectively extending the reach to a 270mm equivalent focal length in 4K recording mode. This feature can be synchronized with the optical zoom for smooth transitions between standard and digital zoom ranges.
Remote operation and professional integration
Remote operation capabilities have been implemented through Nikon’s software ecosystem, including NX Tether for studio control, SnapBridge for mobile device operation, and NX Field for multi-camera setups. The lens supports standard follow-focus systems and professional matte boxes while offering weather-sealed construction with noted limitations.
Market position and future implications
This release signals Nikon’s ambition to compete in the professional video market for PTZ lenses, traditionally dominated by some Sony and Canon lenses. If the advanced video features of their own Nikon-branded cameras or their RED acquisition announcement a year ago wasn’t enough indication, this lens includes features that suggest Nikon is serious about addressing the needs of professional video producers also in the lens market, from the internal zoom mechanism to the dual-position function buttons.
Plus, don’t forget their announcement to ship RED cameras with Z-mount now, too, which, of course, can mean we’ll see this Nikon 28-135 PZ lens on lots of RED cameras in the near future.
How will it perform?
Critical aspects requiring real-world verification in case we get our hands on this lens:
- Assuming manual focusing will be fly-by-wire, it’ll be interesting to see how well it works. It’s a bit tricky with the Sony counterpart of this lens (from my own experience)
- T-stop measurement vs. the stated f/4 aperture
- Focus breathing performance across the zoom range
- Electronic zoom smoothness at various speeds
- Weight and balance characteristics for gimbal use
This lens is positioned in the mid-range professional cinema zoom market, costing around $2,600. It’s available for pre-order from B&H and CVP through our buy links below.
What do you think about this new power zoom lens from Nikon? Something you want to invest in if you are a Nikon user? Let us know in the comments below.
