Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Announced September 27, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a premium prime that delivers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and buttery smooth, circular bokeh. While it commands a high price and carries significant weight, the lens offers unmatched optical performance for portraiture and low-light photography.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast across the entire frame even at wide apertures
- Robust build quality with weather sealing and high-quality lens coatings
- Negligible vignetting, chromatic aberration, and distortion
- Beautiful, smooth bokeh with minimal cat's-eye distortion or onion-skinning
- Fast, accurate autofocus performance
Cons
- Large, heavy, and bulky physical design
- High financial investment
- Presence of some lens flare or color fringing in specific conditions
- Inconvenient placement or accidental activation of control rings
- Lack of internal optical image stabilization
- Launch price $2,499.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 135mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 82 cm (0.2x)
- Filter thread 82mm
- Autofocus motor Stepping motors (STMs)
- Weight & size 995g · 98 x 139.5 mm (3.86 x 5.49 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Nikon’s longest prime lens for their Z system with a bright f1.8 focal ratio delivers a compelling combination of sharp rendering and smooth Bokeh – something that is seldom seen in optical designs.
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When you spend two and a half thousand dollars on a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8, you expect to use it wide open. The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena certainly rewards you when you do.
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A superb lens for portraits and similar subjects, with the finest optical excellence you can buy. However, it’s less flexible than an 85mm portrait lens, and it’s also hugely expensive.
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Nikon’s premium S-Line lenses represent the pinnacle of their Z-mount engineering, and the Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena is one of the best.
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Have Nikon finally made the portrait lens to end all portrait lenses? I'm tempted to say yes, actually. Everything about this lens, barring its very high price tag, will put a serious smile on your face. It's a virtually perfect optic, and that is no exaggeration.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a perfect example of just how exotic Nikkor glass can get.
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Nikon made the promise of very low optical vignetting with this “Plena” lens and they delivered on that promise.
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This lens is simply exceptional, and something we haven't really seen before, from anyone. It not only knocks the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art off the pedestal, but the pedestal is still shaking.
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The lens is billed at the outset as being something special, and it proves to be exactly that.
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The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is undeniably an outstanding prime lens which creates breath-takingly beautiful bokeh whilst also being tack-sharp across the frame at every available aperture.
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The clincher is that it delivers absolutely exquisite image quality, making it one of the best NIKKOR lenses of all time, and one of my personal favorites.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena lens snaps incredibly detailed photos with buttery smooth backgrounds, making it ideal for bokeh and portraits.
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Nikon’s second signature Z-mount lens for its mirrorless cameras is a gem, combining pin-sharp detail with buttery smooth bokeh.
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The new Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens sincerely is so good. I think it's optically the best portrait lens that I've ever shot with, and you're getting Noct-like image quality with autofocus without some of the aberrations that the Noct has for a fraction of the price.
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[I] am extremely impressed with this Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens. It's an absolutely beautiful lens that can produce amazing results for both photo and video.
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I love lens. That just about says it all, I think.
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[T]he Plena is impressive, and I can see why Nikon gave it a name and not just a number. The Plena is something special.
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The Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is probably worth the hype, but it depends on who you are, how deep your pockets are, and what you need this lens for.
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I would say these are really really neck and neck, maybe I'm going to give the edge to the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena though. If you're going to be at base ISO the Plena is going to be a bit sharper, but again both of these lenses perform fantastic.
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On rare occasions, a camera maker will develop a lens good enough to be worthy of investing in the brand’s cameras. The Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is one of those lenses.
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This lens can be summed up in just six words: the greatest lens that I have ever used.
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It's perfect for video, it's made for portraits, and it excels well with nature and landscape images. Now, it comes in at 2,500 bucks, which is a lot, but I still think it's well worth it for all its versatility.
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[T]he Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/1.8 Plena prime lens is a powerhouse of optical excellence.
