The PZ28-135f4 on the ZR
If you’re like me, you might think the PZ-28-135 is just for video. That’s partially correct and that’s definitely its intended application. Let me share what I’ve learned. First, the PZ stands for Power Zoom. Yes, you can manually zoom and focus with the PZ28-135. You can also zoom and focus automatically with a button on the camera. While the balance point alters slightly, the big advantage of the PZ is your ability to use your hand for other operations / proper hand-holding. For example, I did an A2A with it this past weekend, where you hold onto your camera for dear life. Moving your hand around the lens barrel as you zoom seems risky at best. With the PZ28-135, you simply depress a button to zoom in or out. The focal length is perfect for doing “interview” type videos. It’s brilliant for A2A! Yes, the lens is heavier than your basic zoom but in the air, I welcome that extra weight. After all those attributes, what’s left? Its sharpness which is staggering! Doing my normal MO, I borrowed the PZ28-135 for my initial testing and appraisal. Looking at the results, I’ve now started to connive how I can add it to the locker. The PZ28-135 is not what I expected!