A blog about photography

The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens is an exciting addition to Nikon's lens lineup, offering photographers a versatile focal length with a wide aperture for creative expression and stunning bokeh. This isn’t going to be a highly technical review, but more of a real world use review.

But first, let’s see what the specs are of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena:

Lens construction: 16 elements in 14 groups

Angle of view: 18.2 degrees
Diaphragm blades: 11
Minimum aperture: f/16
Minimum focusing distance: 0.82m / 2.69ft
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.2x
Filter size: 82mm
Full-frame: Yes
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Dimensions: 98 x 139.5mm / 3.9 x 5.5in
Weight: 995g / 2.2lb

For this review, I have had multiple outings with this lens. I went to a local zoo, I photographed my own car and I had the chance to photograph multiple dogs. This way I had a plethora of subjects to put this lens to it’s limits.

Features and Performance
The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is distinguished by its optical brilliance, marking a significant leap in imaging possibilities. Featuring a 135mm focal length and an impressive f/1.8 aperture, this lens empowers photographers to capture images with exceptional clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Operating at an exceptional caliber, the Plena's excellence stems from a meticulous design that prioritizes outstanding glass. Its optical path incorporates 16 elements, including four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, one aspherical element, and one SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) element.

Engineered in alignment with the Z-mount's wide diameter, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stands as the first NIKKOR Z lens to fully harness the mount's light-gathering capabilities. The larger back element of the lens ensures enhanced peripheral lighting, maintaining continuous brightness to the extreme edges of the frame. The result is the Plena's distinct spherical bokeh, achieved through minimal refraction and a clear light channel, effectively reducing vignetting.

Consistent excellence is delivered by Nikon's ED glass, providing exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy while minimizing chromatic aberrations, even at wide apertures. The addition of SR glass further mitigates chromatic aberration at the blue end of the spectrum, complemented by an aspheric element that minimizes aberrations and reduces the lens's physical size.

Complementing the quality of the glass, the lens incorporates two coatings: the Meso Amorphic Coat, proficient in reducing reflections from light at various angles, and the ARNEO coating, particularly effective in minimizing ghosting and flare.

Beyond its remarkable resolving power, the lens excels in transitioning between focus zones, delivering stunning subject separation and textural detail, even at its widest aperture. The autofocus system is a standout feature, with the Multi-Focus System employing advanced algorithms for swift and precise focusing.

The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena doesn't just stop at optical prowess; it empowers photographers with customization options. The strategically placed customizable control ring on the lens barrel ensures quick access to frequently used settings, elevating the photographer's creative control and workflow.

Design and build quality

In the relentless pursuit of photographic excellence, attention to every detail is paramount. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, a lens at the forefront of optical innovation, not only captures stunning images but also stands as a testament to superior design and construction.

As part of the Pro series, this lens excels in build quality, boasting a robust metal construction adorned with the distinctive Plena signature. Despite its generous focus ring, programmable button, and rear control ring, the lens maintains a sense of minimalism.

Recognizing that photography is as much about comfort as it is about capturing the perfect shot, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena shines in ergonomics. Its well-balanced design feels natural in the hands, while the smooth rotation of the focus ring and easily accessible control buttons contribute to a seamless shooting experience. The lens features a sizable, tactile focus ring that facilitates manual focusing with exceptional accuracy. In the pursuit of precision demanded by photographers, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena delivers with finesse.

The Plena's enchanting visual capabilities are just one facet of its meticulously planned design. Crafted with an appealing all-metal structure directly influenced by its optical considerations, this lens emerges as a lightweight and easily portable option, perfectly accommodating 82mm filters. Adding to its user-friendly design, you'll find an easily accessible assignable Fn button and a seamless clickless control ring for adjusting exposure compensation, ISO, and aperture—offering a versatile range of customization options.

Prioritizing durability, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena showcases a robust metal build. Its water- and dust-resistant sealing not only imparts a solid feel to the lens but also ensures its reliability in challenging conditions, making it a steadfast companion for committed photographers. Despite its resilient construction, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena maintains a surprisingly light profile, making it the perfect choice for photographers always on the move.

Engineered in alignment with the Z-mount's wide diameter, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stands as the first NIKKOR Z lens to fully harness the mount's light-gathering capabilities. The larger back element of the lens ensures enhanced peripheral lighting, maintaining continuous brightness to the extreme edges of the frame. The result is the Plena's distinct spherical bokeh, achieved through minimal refraction and a clear light channel, effectively reducing vignetting.

Consistent excellence is delivered by Nikon's ED glass, providing exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy while minimizing chromatic aberrations, even at wide apertures. The addition of SR glass further mitigates chromatic aberration at the blue end of the spectrum, complemented by an aspheric element that minimizes aberrations and reduces the lens's physical size.

Beyond its remarkable resolving power, the lens excels in transitioning between focus zones, delivering stunning subject separation and textural detail, even at its widest aperture. The autofocus system is a standout feature, with the Multi-Focus System employing advanced algorithms for swift and precise focusing. The Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena doesn't just stop at optical prowess; it empowers photographers with customization options. The strategically placed customizable control ring on the lens barrel ensures quick access to frequently used settings, elevating the photographer's creative control and workflow.

Image quality
The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stands as a revolutionary telephoto prime lens, pushing boundaries with its cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. Its 135mm focal length, paired with the expansive f/1.8 aperture, goes beyond mere sharpness, infusing each image with a captivating depth and dimension that breathes life into every frame.

This lens is a game-changer for Nikon's mirrorless Z System, offering unparalleled image quality in a widely cherished focal length. Leveraging the broader mount diameter of the Z-series, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena achieves stellar results in portraits, still life photography, and cinematic filming. It ensures edge-to-edge clarity and crafts surreal, circular bokeh that adds a distinctive touch to the entire frame.

One of its standout features is the ability to create remarkable bokeh that transcends the ordinary. The wide aperture and meticulously designed optics collaborate to produce a velvety, dreamlike background blur, enhancing the subject and making it pop within the frame.

The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena excels in low-light conditions, empowering photographers who refuse to be confined by daylight constraints. The wide f/1.8 aperture facilitates exceptional light-gathering capabilities, guaranteeing clarity, minimal noise, and a rich tonal range in even the most challenging lighting scenarios.

Nikon's exclusive Multi-Focus System, equipped with two independent AF drive units, ensures rapid and precise focusing throughout the zoom range. The dual STM stepping motors, integral to this system, provide impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance, catering to both still and video applications. The programmable linear focus ring enhances the manual focus experience with seamless rotation in both directions.

Crafted with cinematographers in mind, the Plena's popular focal length lends itself to background separation and intimate shots. It offers fluid shifts between focus positions and smooth aperture transitions, complementing its stellar image quality. When combined with Nikon's Multi System Focus autofocus, on-lens manual focus choices, and the extensive video capturing capabilities of the Z System, the Plena elevates the entire cinematographic experience.

Here's a comprehensive review of its key features:
Optical Performance:
The fast F1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur, making it a desirable choice for portrait photographers. The 135mm focal length provides a flattering perspective, compressing the background and isolating the subject effectively.

Build Quality:
Nikon is known for its robust and durable lens construction, and the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is no exception. The lens likely features a high-quality build with weather sealing, ensuring reliability in various shooting conditions. The smooth and precise focus ring enhances the overall handling experience.

Autofocus System:
Fast and accurate autofocus is crucial, especially when shooting subjects like portraits or animals. The lens is featuring Nikon's advanced autofocus technology, providing quick and silent focusing for both photo and video applications.

Image Quality:
Expect exceptional image sharpness and clarity, even when shooting wide open at F1.8. Chromatic aberration and distortion are very well-controlled, contributing to the overall optical performance of the lens. Nikon lenses typically deliver outstanding color reproduction and contrast.

Bokeh Quality:
With its wide aperture, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena should produce creamy and pleasing bokeh, helping subjects stand out against a beautifully blurred background. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for portrait and close-up photography.

Versatility:
The 135mm focal length strikes a balance between traditional portrait lenses and telephoto options, making it suitable for a variety of applications. It can be used for portraiture, events, or even wildlife photography, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios.

Below you’ll find a small gallery with multiple photos I have taken during my two weeks with the this beautiful lens, but first my conclusion.

Conclusion
The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena truly stands out as an extraordinary lens, seamlessly combining remarkable sharpness and high contrast across the entire frame. Its Bokeh is a work of art, featuring a distinctive quality that minimizes cat's eyes and ensures a smooth rendering of out-of-focus subjects in both the foreground and background. While the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S may offer a slightly softer transition zone and background at f/1.2, the differences become more pronounced at f/1.8 and beyond.

The choice between the two lenses often comes down to personal preferences, as each lens possesses its own unique Bokeh character. Nevertheless, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S earns the title "Plena" thanks to its exceptional clarity and the mesmerizing quality of its Bokeh. Operating at wider apertures, this lens not only delivers outstanding sharpness but also adds an artistic flair to photography, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both technical excellence and creative expression in their work.

Blog

NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena! A real world review.