Best Power Zoom Lens for Videography in 2025? - Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Review

Nikon’s Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens, launched on 13 February 2025, marks a bold leap into video territory for the Z-mount system. This full-frame power zoom lens blends versatility with cinematic flair, targeting filmmakers who need precision and quality in a compact form.

Recently, Hieu from Georges Cameras took it out for a real-world spin, testing its sharpness, focus breathing, zoom smoothness, autofocus, and usability. In this article, we’ll dive into its design, specs, and performance, combining key details with Hieu’s hands-on findings to see if it truly delivers.

Video Takes Centre Stage with the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens

Nikon’s purchase of RED Digital Cinema in March 2024 paved the way for video-focused innovation, and the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is proof of that shift. As the first full-frame power zoom in the Z lineup, it’s built for videographers, with RED’s Komodo-X Z Mount and V-Raptor X Z-Mount cameras adding extra appeal. Hieu from Georges Cameras paired it with the Nikon Z6 Mark III, setting high expectations for Nikon’s video debut. With its striking gold ring and filmmaker-friendly features, this lens signals Nikon’s intent to compete in a market once dominated by its hybrid cameras like the Z9.

What’s Under the Hood?

This lens spans 28mm to 135mm with a constant f/4 aperture, ideal for wide vistas or tight portraits. At 1,120 grams, it’s substantial yet portable, measuring 105mm by 177.5mm. The 95mm filter thread suits a variety of matte boxes, and minimum focus distances are 34cm at 28mm and 50mm, 43cm at 85mm, and 57cm at 135mm. A nine-blade aperture ensures creamy bokeh, while Meso Amorphous and fluorine coatings cut flare and smudges. In addition, the power zoom steals the show, offering 11 speeds via a rocker, Fn buttons, or software making it perfect for cinematic push-ins or quick reframes.

Lens Design and Build

From our findings, we found the lens compact, premium, and well-crafted from the outset. Its dual zoom system, a manual ring plus a power zoom rocker, is a standout. Manual zooming offers hands-on control for spontaneous shots, while the power zoom delivers smooth, repeatable moves for cinematic or remote work. With 11 speeds, it’s versatile, though Hieu noted preset speeds lack the organic feel of manual tweaks. However, in saying that having both options is a clever touch.

The internal zoom keeps its size fixed, a win for gimbal balance, and the HB-116 hood with a filter window adds practicality for a 95mm variable ND filter. Dust and drip resistance holds up in most conditions, while two L-Fn buttons, a control ring, and an AF/MF switch offer customisation for any workflow.

Performance that Doxesn’t Disappoint

Sharpness impresses: at 28mm f/4, the centre is razor-sharp, with slight corner softness (better at f/8). It holds steady at 50mm and 85mm, peaking at 135mm, where sharpness and contrast hit their stride. For 4K, it’s more than enough, and 8K offers cropping flexibility. The f/4 aperture keeps exposure consistent, with minor light fall-off at 135mm that’s barely noticeable.

The power zoom’s smoothness is exceptional which finer manual control for nuance. Autofocus, via an STM motor, is fast and quiet in good light but hunts slightly in low light or with moving subjects. For most video work, it’s solid, though fast-paced shooters might await firmware updates (we did use a pre-production model). Flare is tame, bokeh is soft, and cat’s-eye effects are minimal at 135mm.

The big surprise? It’s parfocal. Focus stays locked as you zoom with breathing so minimal you’d need to pixel-peep to spot it. The internal zoom seals its gimbal-friendly status.

Who’s the Nikon Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens For?

This lens is a videographer’s dream. Solo shooters, documentary filmmakers, and event pros will adore its 28-135mm range and power zoom precision. It’s a lightweight workhorse for Nikon Z users or RED owners, especially with a Z9 or Z6 Mark III. When comparing price, it’s more than Sony’s FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS, but doesn't disappoint in its feature set making it an ideal companion for production work.

We see this lens as Nikon flexing its video muscle post-RED acquisition. It’s not a full cine lens (no T-stops or de-clicked aperture), but its parfocal design, minimal breathing, and internal zooming bridge hybrid and pro needs. As Sony and Canon lead, Nikon’s optical legacy and fresh take could carve a niche, with more cine gear likely brewing.

Final Thoughts: A Lens Worth Getting

The Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a standout, blending cinematic potential with practicality. We recommend this lens for its sharpness, parfocal magic, and gimbal-ready design. It’s not flawless, but it nails video essentials. For Nikon shooters or hybrid creators, it’s a winner, hinting at a bold video future. Our verdict? It’s a lens to get.