Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Pre-AI Review

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March 1, 2009

135mm lenses falls in the medium telephoto line, and they are usually used as portrait lenses. It can of course be used for anything else, but this is usually where they are deployed. The 135mm f/2.8 Pre-AI Nikkor was made in somewhat low quantities, its estimated that less then 30.000 lenses were made. The reason for this is that this particular lens fell between two upgrades, production dates are believed to be between June of 1975 - march of 1976(source photosynthesis). The predecessor to this lens was the Nikkor Q.C Auto 135mm f/2.8, the successor the much smaller and lighter Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 which was also a Pre-AI lens. Pre-AI lenses need to be converted to fit modern day Dslr's (except the D40(x) and the D60) and in these cases the question is always; is it worth it to convert this lens AI'd? As usual the lens will be tested on the Nikon D3 for normal shooting, and the Nikon D2H for Infrared performance.

Specifications

Positives

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• IR performance, no hot-spot is detectable and sharpness is great as well.
• Contrast, even wide open the contrast is stunning.
• Sharpness, great results can be achieved wide open.
• DOF/IR markings, Depth Of Field and Infrared markings are provided.
• Built in hood.
• Build quality.

Drawbacks

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• Pre-AI needs to be converted to be safely mounted to any of Nikon's Pro Dslr's
• Size, quite big compared to it's replacement, and the AI and AI-S versions of this lens.

Verdict

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Quite a big gem, it shows great sharpness and contrast even wide open. It's almost too sharp to be used as a portrait lens in my opinion. Peak performance is f/2.8 to f/16, performance at f/22 is pretty damn good as well. IR performance is stunning, no hot-spot at any aperture, the provided IR mark makes focusing easy. The downside to this lens is the size and weight, when you compare it to it's replacements. On a DX sized Dslr this lens might just be a tad long for doing portraits. This lens is definitely worth converting to AI'd

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

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Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF. Price From: $1,029.95 USD

Nikon AF 135mm f/2.0D DC Price From: $1,319.95 USD

Nikon AF VR 70-200mm f/2.8 G-AFS ED-IF Price from $2,159.00 USD

Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Price From: $999.00 USD

Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Price: $769.00 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from October 20, 2010

Sample Pictures

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Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 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.