Nikon Announces 12-28mm DX Power Zoom Lens

Nikon has just announced the release of a 12-28mm (equivalent to 18-42mm full frame) wide angle power zoom lens for its DX cameras, such as my own Zfc.  As is the case with the DX cameras themselves, the target audience for the lens is obviously content creators and vloggers, and for that purpose it appears admirably adapted.

For one thing, the wide angle of view is excellent for vlogging purposes, though there might be some slight distortion if used at its widest setting and held too close to the subject.  And the power zoom allows the user to easily move in and out from the subject using a bluetooth remote.  Finally, the lens's light weight - only 7.2 ounces - makes it extremely easy to carry about.

I was surprised to see that lens features VR control.  It's a nice bonus, but I honestly hadn't thought it would be necessary on such a lightweight wide angle lens.

The new lens is currently available for preorder at B&H for $359.95 which seems a very reasonable price for a Nikon lens offering so many features.  I'm sure it will become a best seller among content creators.  I don't know if I'll purchase it myself, however, at least not right away.  The lens's focal length largely overlaps that of the 16-50mm kit lens I purchased  with my Zfc; and though the power zoom is a useful feature, it's not one I have great need of at present.

Creative Labs Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 External Sound Card

In early January when B&H Camera was having its annual post-holiday sale I purchased the Rode VideoMic GO for more than a third off list price.  Even though I had no immediate use for it at that time, the price was simply too good a deal to pass up; and at any rate I was sure I would be able to put the microphone to good use when recording on-camera sound at such time as I began vlogging. 

As it turned out, I eventually decided against using the microphone on-camera.  For one thing, I did not intend to appear in any of the videos myself since I am definitely the world's least photogenic person.  Secondly, and more importantly, I found it too difficult to record coherent audio of my voice at the same I was shooting video.  It was simply too distracting to try to do two things at once when each task really deserved my full attention.

I then decided I would record the voice track separately, after first having shot the video, using the RODE mic with my Windows 11 notebook's built-in Sound Recorder.  To that end I purchased the RODE Ttipod 2 to use as a small mic stand while recording.  I also intended to use the tripod, when closed, as a hand grip on which to mount my Nikon Zfc with 16-50 lens while shooting video since it would obviously provide the camera with far greater stability than if I were to shoot handheld.

It was a good idea, but for some reason one of my notebook computers would not recognize the microphone when plugged in.  To get around this, I returned yet again to B&H and this time purchased the Creative Labs Sound Blaster 3 Sound Card and USB DAC amp which turned out to be a inspired purchase for only $19.99.  Not only did it solve my problem connecting the microphone to the computer, but it also dramatically improved the sound quality when I listened to music with my headphones.  Leaving its use with the microphone aside, I would definitely advise purchasing this item to anyone who listens to listen to music on their computer.  It really works; and after all, it's hard to go wrong at such an inexpensive price.