Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S Lens Review

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Introduction

The Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S is the third version of this modest telephoto lens. The lens has been in Nikon's lens line-up since 1975, only minor changes was made to this lens throughout the production until it was discontinued. The optical formula went unchanged until the lens was discontinued in 2005. The lens features a built in lens hood, the optical formula consists of 6 elements in 4 groups. You don't really realize the size and weight of this lens before you pick it up, the lens weighs 860g!

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups

Picture Angle: 18° (35mm/FX)

Minimum focus distance: 1.3m / 4.5 ft

Filter Size: 72mm

Lens Hood: Built inn

Included accessories: Front cap, rear cap LF-1

Size: Dia: 80.5mm x Length 93.5mm / 31.69in x 36.81in

weight: 860g / 1.895lb

Diaphragm: 9 straight blades.

Price from: $ Discontinued

Positives

• Bokeh, buttery and smooth.
• Contrast is really good even wide open.
• Sharpness, even at f/2 the sharpness is outstanding when focused correctly, something that is quite difficult without a split image focusing screen.
• Weight, 860g

Drawbacks

• CA, way too much Chromatic Aberrations wide open. Too much for the D3 to handle on it's own.
• IR performance, although the lens shows no hot-spot, I find it rather soft all the way un till f/5.6 where it starts really performing well for infrared photography.

Verdict

The CA issue improves as you stop down, at f/5.6 it is no longer a problem in most scenarios. This was really a performance killer for the lens, that said in controlled environments like a studio(or outside in low contrast shooting) this can be limited down with even lighting, and coupled with some post processing you can get around it. Not really something you would want to do with an optic that goes for the price of this one(expect around $800 + for the AI-S version in EX condition) As far as sharpness good results can be achieved wide open when life is good to you, but normally without a split image prism it can be quite hard to get accurate focus. IR performance is a mix, on one side there is no Hot-Spot(which is good), but the images lack sharpness un till you hit at least f/5.6 on infrared shooting

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

B&H has a good selection in used Nikon equipment

Alternatives

Support this website by purchasing your equipment through theses links:

Nikon AF DC Nikkor 135mm f/2.0D Price from: $1,269.95 USD

Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR. Price From: $524.95 USD

Nikon AF 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX. Price From: $679.95 USD

Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8 ED AF-D Price From: $1,049.95 USD

Nikon AF 70-200mm f/2.8D G-AFS ED-IF VR. Price From: $1,869.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from August 24, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS4 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.