Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S vs DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Both are Nikon Z wide zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the 14-30mm F4 S if
- You need more reach: 30mm vs 28mm at the long end
- You shoot full frame: the DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR is made for APS-C
- Our notes say it suits: Landscapes, architecture, travel
Pick the DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR if
- You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/3.5 vs f/4)
- You want the lighter lens to carry: 280 g lighter (205 g vs 485 g)
- You want a wider view: 12mm vs 14mm at the wide end
- You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the 14-30mm F4 S does not
- You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.19 m vs 0.28 m
Spec differences
12 differences| 14-30mm F4 S | DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Format |
Full frame
|
APS-C
|
| Focal length |
14-30mm
|
12-28mm
|
| Max aperture |
f/4
|
f/3.5
⅓ stop faster
|
| Weight |
485 g
|
205 g
lighter
|
| Length |
85 mm
|
63.5 mm
shorter
|
| Diameter |
89 mm
|
72 mm
slimmer
|
| Filter thread |
82 mm
|
67 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
0.28 m
|
0.19 m
closer
|
| Max magnification |
0.16×
|
0.21×
larger
|
| Optical design |
14 elements / 12 groups
|
12 elements / 11 groups
|
| Image stabilization |
No
|
Yes
stabilized
|
| Released |
2019
|
2023
|
3 identical specs hidden: brand, mount, type. Show all
- Brand
- Nikon both
- Mount
- Nikon Z both
- Type
- Wide Zoom both
Our notes
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S
The Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S is a compact wide-angle zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras that, unlike many ultra-wides, accepts 82mm screw-in filters.
Pros
- Takes front filters
- Compact and light (485 g)
- Sharp across the zoom
- Weather-sealed S-Line build
Cons
- f/4 maximum aperture
- Distortion corrected in-camera
- Retractable barrel needs extending
Our notes
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR
More comparisons
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S vs Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
⅓ stop faster vs wider (10mm)
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF
more reach (28mm) vs wider (8mm)
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S vs Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF
more reach (30mm) vs ⅓ stop faster
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
425 g lighter vs more reach (300mm)
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
145 g lighter vs ⅓ stop faster
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm F3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
wider (12mm) vs more reach (300mm)