Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Announced

Lens News

by Jeff LochSeptember 29^th, 2023

Nikon has just announced their first 135mm prime lens for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras: the NIKKOR 135mm f/1.8 S Plena. This telephoto lens is part of Nikon’s S line of professional lenses, it covers full-frame image sensors, it is dust/water resistant, and it has a programmable linear focus ring, which is handy for filmmakers. So, let’s take a closer look at it!

After the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S, and the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, to list a few, Nikon continues to expand its line of professional lenses with the introduction of a prime telephoto lens ideal for portrait shots: the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena – features

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a telephoto prime lens with a large maximum aperture of f/1.8. This large aperture allows you to shoot in low-light situations but also creates a great separation between your subject and the background. According to Nikon, “Plena” originates from Latin and translates to “full” as a synonym for its complete performance.

The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is made entirely out of metal; it weighs 995g/2.19lbs and has a length of 139.5mm/5.47in for a diameter of 98mm x 139.5mm (3.9in x 5.5in.).

As part of Nikon’s high-end S-line of lenses, this 135mm f/1.8 S Plena portrait lens has many similarities with its siblings, including:

• Compatibility with all Nikon Z cameras, with either DX (cropped sensor) or FX (full-frame) image sensors.
• It has a Multi-Focus System consisting of two AF drive units for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performances.

• It is dust and water-resistant thanks to multiple sealing rings around the lens.
• You’ll find one clickless control ring on the lens, which you can set up to adjust the aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. Also, there is one Function button.

For filmmakers, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has focus breathing compensation. Furthermore, the programmable linear focus ring should simplify focus pulling by hand.

Lens design

The lens design of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena consists of 16 elements in 14 groups. You can find four ED elements, one aspherical element, and one SR element to reduce distortions, color, chromatic aberrations, and color fringing. In terms of coatings, most of the elements benefit from a Meso Amorphous and ARNEO treatment to improve color rendering and eliminate internal reflections.

The minimum focusing distance is relatively close for this kind of telephoto prime lens at only 82cm/2.69 ft. The 11-blade aperture should provide a smooth and round bokeh. The front filter diameter is 82mm.

Price and availability

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135 mm f/1.8 S Plena is available to pre-order now for $2999, and it should start shipping on October 12, 2023. The lens comes with the front/rear caps, the HB-108 lens hood, and the CL-C2 Lens Case in the box.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

What do you think about this new Nikon NIKKOR Z lens? What is your favorite focal length to shoot portraits? Have you already used other NIKKOR Z S lenses? Let us know what you think in the comments below!