Nikon Ultra-Premium Telephoto Prime Lens

2023.09.27

Only a few days after publishing a video teaser, Nikon unveiled their second ultra-premium native Z-mount lens. Each of these lenses is given a name, starting with the Z 58mm F/0.95S Noct that boasts the maximum possible aperture while delivering outstanding image-quality. Today, the new Nikon Z 135mm F/1.8S Plena raises optical performance. to the next level.

Boasting a common bright aperture for Full-Frame prime lenses, the Nikon Z 135mm F/1.8S Plena is designed to deliver the most uniform rendering possible. Its medium-telephoto 135mm focal-length and fairly large aperture ensure that it can capture images with a razor-thin depth-of-field. This is an absolutely highly-desirable combo for portraiture. The closest Nikon Z-mount lens is the Z MC 105mm F/2.8S VR lens that does not quite match it in either reach nor brightness.

Most specifications of the Z 135mm F/1.8S Plena are expected for a premium prime lens. This model can focus down to 82cm for a magnification of 0.2X. It is equipped with a quick-shift focus-ring, switch and accepts 82mm screw-on filters which are fairly common. There is also a customizable button and a control-ring. Expect all the top optical elements currently available. Nikon is introducing a new Meso Amorphous Coat which is claimed to be their highest-performance anti-reflection coatings to date. The lens body is fully weatherproof too.

This Plena lens brings several enhancements to reach its ultra-premium status. Its optical formulation uses the wide diameter of the Z-mount to maximize light falling on the periphery of images. This is said to allow shooting wide-open without observable vignetting. A 9-blade circular aperture is there to ensure ultra-smooth bokeh. The control-ring of the Nikon Z 135mm F/1.8S Plena is stepless for the first time. The iris is controlled by a motor to smoothly transition over a continuously variable aperture. Additionally, the focus ring is completely customizable. Both its direction of rotation and response can be configured independently.

One advantage of the Z-mount for such design is that lenses can be made lighter. This lens weighs 995g which is quite light for such a bright telephoto lens with Full-Frame coverage. Availability is scheduled for the middle of next month for $2500 USD or $3400 CAD. Given its high-lens status, this lens is likely to be produced in smaller batches, so preorder yours today from B&H Photo or Adorama.

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