Compare lenses

Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S vs Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S and the Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR side by side, computed from this guide's catalogue.

Which to pick

Pick the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S if you want a wider view (from 14mm equivalent) and coverage of full frame, so it suits the larger-sensor bodies too. Pick the Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if you want a brighter f/3.5 (0.4 stops more light), for dim light and softer backgrounds; optical stabilisation, which helps most on bodies without it; more reach (to 42mm equivalent); a design for APS-C, which usually means smaller and lighter; and a lighter lens (205 g against 485 g).

Still torn? Ask the guide about the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S and the Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

Specs side by side

Rows that differ are in full colour; the better value is marked where one is better by any measure.
Spec	Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S	Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
Maker	Nikon	Nikon
Focal length	14-30mm (zoom)	12-28mm (zoom)
Full-frame equivalent	14-30mm	18-42mm on APS-C
Maximum aperture	f/4	f/3.5-5.6brighter
Made for	Full frame	APS-C
Mounts	Nikon Z	Nikon Z
Stabilised	no	yesstabilised
Autofocus	yes	yes
Zoom range	2.1×	2.3×
Weight	485 g	205 glighter
Cameras it fits	16 in this guide	16 in this guide

Focal range, in full-frame terms

Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S: 14-30mm.

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR: 12-28mm on APS-C, like 18-42mm.

Aperture

Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S: f/4 wide open.

Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR: f/3.5 wide open.

Each opening drawn to scale against f/1.4: a smaller f-number lets in more light and blurs the background more.

Field of view

How wide each sees, at each end, on the sensor it was made for.

Cameras they fit

16 cameras in this guide take both, so either works on the same body.