Nikon's Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens Evaluation
In the realm of full-frame mirrorless lenses, two new contenders have emerged for videographers and hybrid shooters: the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ and the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S. Each offers unique features tailored to the needs of modern filmmakers, but which one suits your requirements best?
## Sharpness and Image Quality
The **Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ**, as a recently announced lens with a power zoom feature, is optimized for video applications. While specific details on sharpness are pending, power zoom lenses are typically designed to provide smooth zooming, which is beneficial for videography. The extended focal length range can be advantageous for capturing diverse scenes without needing to change lenses.
On the other hand, the **Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S** is known for its balanced performance across its zoom range, offering good sharpness and contrast. It is versatile and suitable for both stills and video.
## Distortion and Chromatic Aberration (CA)
Typically, power zoom lenses are less prone to mechanical variations that can occur with manual zooms, potentially reducing distortion during zooming. However, specific distortion and CA performance will depend on the lens's design and implementation. Nikon lenses generally have good correction for distortion and CA, with the 24-120mm f/4 S benefiting from Nikon's advanced optical design, which reduces these issues effectively.
## Vignetting
Both lenses are likely to exhibit some degree of vignetting, especially at their widest apertures, but the Nikon Z-mount system often handles vignetting well through lens correction profiles.
## Video-Specific Features
The **Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ** boasts a power zoom feature, a significant advantage for videographers, as it allows for smooth zoom transitions without the need for add-on motors or manual adjustments.
While the **Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S** doesn't have a power zoom, it offers a versatile focal length range suitable for a variety of narrative and documentary styles.
In conclusion, if you prioritize smooth zoom transitions and a broader focal length range for videography, the **Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ** could be the better choice. However, if you prefer a lens with proven sharpness and optical quality across a more traditional zoom range, the **Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S** might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs: whether you value the flexibility and video-centric features of the 28-135mm or the established performance of the 24-120mm.
- The Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens, with its power zoom feature optimized for video applications, is a recent addition to the full-frame mirrorless lens realm.
- This lens, with an extended focal length range, can help in capturing diverse scenes without the need to change gadgets, benefiting from technology advancements in photography.
- The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S, on the other hand, is a lens known for its balanced performance across its zoom range, offering good sharpness and contrast, suitable for both stills and video.
- Power zoom lenses, like the 28-135mm, are less prone to mechanical variations that can occur with manual zooms, potentially reducing distortion during zooming.
- Both lenses are likely to exhibit some degree of vignetting, especially at their widest apertures, but the Nikon Z-mount system, a part of its technology, often handles vignetting well.
- The Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens boasts a power zoom feature, a significant advantage for videographers, as it allows for smooth zoom transitions without requiring additional gear.
- The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S might not have a power zoom, but its versatile focal length range suits various narrative and documentary styles in the realm of full-frame mirrorless lenses.
- If you prioritize smooth zoom transitions and a broader focal length range for videography, the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ could be your best bet.
- If, however, you prefer a lens with proven sharpness and optical quality across a more traditional zoom range, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S might be more suitable, catering to your needs in the realm of advanced technology and photography equipment.
