Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
Both are Nikon Z mount zooms for vlogging and travel — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR | Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 12-28mm | 28-135mm |
| Max aperture | f/3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Coverage | APS-C | full-frame |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
Which should you buy?
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR opens wider (f/3.5-5.6) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR covers 12-28mm and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ covers 28-135mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
Where to buy
Check the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR price on Amazon →
Check the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ price on Amazon →
FAQ
What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom, APS-C; the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is 28-135mm f/4 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.
Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR — its f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/4 of the other.
Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C). Note the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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