Nikon has announced a new lens for its Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a mid-telephoto lens that Nikon says has dreamy bokeh, a fast aperture and beautiful compression.
Fast aperture
The Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena lens has a wide maximum aperture of f1.8. This should make the lens good for low light usage and deliver a very shallow depth of field. The lens also has an iris with eleven blades which should give a smooth, round bokeh. In addition, Nikon says that the f/1.8 maximum aperture ensures a consistently bright image all the way to the extreme corners of the frame.
Optical design
This lens is constructed with 16 elements in 14 groups. These include four extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, one aspherical element and one short-wavelength refractive (SR) lens element. The lens also features the Nikon Meso Amorphous Coat to prevent reflections regardless of the direction from which light enters the lens. In addition, the original Nikon Arneo Coat is used to reduce ghosting and flaring.
Autofocus
The Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena lens autofocus system uses stepping motors (STMs) for fast and accurate autofocus. Importantly for video use, Nikon also says that the autofocus system is quiet. In addition, the close focus distance of the lens is only 2.69 feet (0.82 meters). At this distance, with the aperture wide open, the depth of field is less than a quarter of an inch. This means you can capture beautifully dreamlike images with soft, blurred backgrounds and foregrounds.
Other features
For measurements, the Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena lens measures 3.9 inches by 5.5 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds (995 g). The filter size is 82 mm. The lens also has two Fn buttons to which you can assign a wide variety of functions. In addition, the body of the Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena lens is fully weather-sealed for durability.
What we think
The new Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena is part of the Nikon S Line so you can be sure of superior image quality. The marketing for the new lens also emphasizes its superior peripheral illumination. This means it should deliver the maximum amount of light to the far edges of the frame. In addition, the wide f/1.8 maximum aperture will give you great low light performance and beautiful bokeh. If you use a Nikon Z-mount camera and need a mid-telephoto lens, the new Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena should be on your shortlist.
Pricing and availability
Nikon says that the new Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens will be available in mid-October. It will retail at $2,499.
