The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ tried and tested

Power zoom

One of the key advantages of the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is its built-in power zoom, which enables smooth and controlled zooming, something that is almost impossible to achieve with lenses designed for still photography. If you have ever tried filming a slow zoom with a standard lens, you know how difficult it is to keep the motion steady and fluid. Even with the greatest attention, the footage often shows visible shaking. This is because traditional photo lenses aren’t designed for consistent manual zooming. The power zoom solves this issue by providing precise motorised control, making it an ideal choice for videographers seeking clean, cinematic transitions.

Parfocal design

Another key feature is its parfocal design, which maintains consistent focus when zooming in or out. This is a significant advantage for video, where maintaining sharp focus during zoom transitions is crucial. With this lens, you can reframe with confidence, safe in the knowledge that your subject will remain sharp throughout the zoom range.

Constant f/4

One of the key strengths of this lens is its constant f/4 aperture, which offers consistent exposure and depth of field across the entire zoom range. Whether you’re filming at 28mm or fully zoomed in at 135mm, you won’t need to worry about changes in brightness or having to adjust your settings during the set-up. This is very useful in video production, where maintaining a consistent look between frames is important.

Best use cases

The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is the perfect choice for video creators who require flexibility, speed and consistency when filming in dynamic environments. With its power zoom, constant aperture and minimal focus breathing, it is perfect for content such as interviews, food videos, product work and documentaries. Whether filming on a tripod in a controlled studio or capturing movement handheld, this lens adapts seamlessly without hindering your workflow. It’s particularly useful when changing lenses isn’t an option and you need to cover a wide range of shots with just one lens.

Key tips

Use the power zoom for smooth, cinematic moves

One of the lens’s most distinctive features is the power zoom, designed for smooth and cinematic transitions. You can control it directly from the camera body, the optional grip or even remotely via the SnapBridge app. This allows for consistent, repeatable zooms without touching the lens. Try varying the zoom speed to create either dramatic pushes or slow, subtle movement that enhances the mood of your scene.

Take advantage of the close focusing distance

Take advantage of the lens’s impressive close focusing capabilities, particularly in the 28-50mm range. It allows you to get in tight on your subject without losing clarity, making it ideal for capturing rich textures, fine details and subtle movements. Whether you’re filming ingredients, hands at work or product elements, this feature adds intimacy and depth to your shots. It’s a powerful tool for food, product or documentary-style video, where those up-close moments help tell a more engaging visual story.

Try hi-res zoom for extra reach on compatible cameras

If you’re using a compatible camera such as the Nikon Z8, make sure to try the hi-res zoom function. It allows you to digitally extend your reach up to approximately 270mm while maintaining impressive image quality. This feature is especially useful when you need extra flexibility on set but don’t have the time or space to switch lenses. Whether you’re capturing a tighter shot mid-scene or reframing without moving your set-up, hi-res zoom adds valuable range without compromising your workflow.

Stay in 10-bit for grading flexibility

For maximum flexibility in post-production, make sure to shoot in 10-bit if your camera supports it. Profiles such as N-Log allow you to retain more colour information and dynamic range, which is especially valuable when working with the detailed, clean output this lens delivers. The extra bit depth helps preserve subtle tonal shifts and avoids banding in skies, skin tones or gradients. It’s a must if you plan to colour-grade your footage and want to fully bring out the lens’ optical quality in your video.

What I love about this lens

What really impressed me is how naturally this lens fit into the way I work. The power zoom gave me smooth, precise control and felt intuitive, almost as if it was responding to how I see a film unfolding. Its lightweight design was a pleasant surprise, especially during a full day of filming, and the optical performance delivered sharp, clean results with minimal focus breathing. I appreciate how versatile the 28-135mm range is. It gives me the flexibility to go from wide-angle frames to closeups without having to change lenses. This is very practical, particularly when I’m working on a tight schedule and don’t have time to change lenses between the takes. This lets me focus on the story rather than the set-up.

Handing it back after the test period was not easy, as it had already found its place in my workflow. This is the kind of lens that proves its value with every filming and, once you’ve used it, it’s hard to imagine going without it.