Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S Review

Nikkor Telephoto 135mm f/2 AI-S

Optically, this vintage lens is in a class of its own and is often used as a comparison block for other high-end telephoto lenses. With superb, silky smooth bokeh and surprisingly sharp image rendering wide open, it’s no wonder this lens is the secret weapon of choice for many portrait and sport photographers.

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First Impressions

The first time you pick up the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S, you can immediately tell it’s something special. Solidly built, with a weight that’s reassuring without being cumbersome, this lens feels like it’s ready for anything. The focus ring is buttery smooth, gliding with just the right amount of resistance, making manual focusing a joy rather than a chore. The overall design is classic Nikon—a perfect blend of form and function.

Unboxing this lens, especially if you’re fortunate enough to have one in mint condition, is like stepping back in time. The lens has a no-nonsense, utilitarian aesthetic that screams durability. Unlike many modern lenses, there’s no plastic to be found here; it’s all metal and glass, just as it should be. The built-in telescopic lens hood is a nice touch, adding a level of convenience that’s often missing in today’s lenses.

Specifications

Features

History and Background

The Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S was introduced in the early 1980s, during a time when Nikon was at the height of its mechanical and optical prowess. This lens is part of Nikon’s AI-S lineup, a series of manual focus lenses that are renowned for their build quality, reliability, and outstanding optical performance. The 135mm focal length has always been a favorite among portrait photographers, and this lens, with its bright f/2 aperture, is no exception.

The AI-S version of the 135mm f/2 replaced the earlier AI version and included slight modifications to the mechanical design, allowing for smoother operation and better compatibility with newer Nikon camera bodies of the time. Over the years, this lens has garnered a reputation as a “bokeh monster,” thanks to its ability to produce beautifully smooth out-of-focus areas, making it a favorite for portraits and subject isolation.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S doesn’t disappoint. Wide open at f/2, the lens delivers excellent sharpness in the center with a slight drop-off towards the edges, which can actually work in your favor for portrait photography, helping to keep attention focused on your subject. Stop it down to f/2.8 or f/4, and the sharpness improves across the frame, making it versatile for a range of applications.

The color rendition is classic Nikon—rich and saturated without being overbearing. The contrast is excellent, even at wide apertures, and the lens handles chromatic aberration remarkably well for its age. Flare control is decent, but the built-in hood is essential when shooting in strong backlit conditions.

Sharpness

Sharpness is one of the strong suits of the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S. At f/2, it’s sharp enough in the center for most applications, especially portraits, where you might want a bit of softness towards the edges. As you stop down, sharpness improves dramatically, making this lens a great choice for more detailed work such as landscapes or product photography. The fine details it can capture make it a compelling option for those who still appreciate manual focus precision.

Bokeh

The bokeh produced by this lens is one of its standout features. The 135mm focal length combined with the fast f/2 aperture creates a beautifully shallow depth of field that turns busy backgrounds into creamy, out-of-focus swirls. The bokeh is smooth and rounded, thanks to the lens’s optical design, which includes 9 aperture blades. This lens is perfect for portrait photographers who want to isolate their subject from the background and create a dreamy, ethereal look.

Build Quality

In terms of build quality, the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S is a tank. The all-metal construction means that it’s built to last, withstanding the rigors of professional use. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments, which is crucial for a lens that relies entirely on manual focus. The aperture ring clicks into place with a satisfying feel, giving you confidence in your settings.

This lens is a great example of Nikon’s engineering philosophy during the 1980s—a focus on durability, precision, and optical excellence. If you treat this lens well, it’s likely to outlast many of the modern plastic lenses that dominate today’s market.

Manual Focus Performance

The manual focus experience with the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S is a joy. The large, well-textured focus ring provides a precise and controlled focusing experience, which is particularly important given the razor-thin depth of field at f/2. The lens’s long focus throw allows for very fine adjustments, making it easy to nail critical focus, whether you’re shooting portraits or more static subjects.

For those who are used to autofocus lenses, there might be a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, manual focusing with this lens can be a very rewarding experience.

Feature Breakdown

The Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S is a straightforward lens that prioritizes optical performance and build quality over bells and whistles. It doesn’t have autofocus or image stabilization, but what it does offer is an exceptional manual focusing experience, a fast f/2 aperture, and a build quality that’s hard to match in today’s market.

The lens is designed for photographers who appreciate the art of manual photography and who are willing to take the time to get the shot just right. Its simplicity is part of its charm, and its performance speaks for itself.

Pricing and Availability

On the used market, the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S typically sells for between $500 and $800, depending on its condition and whether it includes original accessories like the lens caps and case. Given its performance and build quality, this lens is a bargain, especially for portrait photographers or anyone looking to add a fast telephoto prime to their kit.

While not as widely available as it once was, you can still find this lens on auction sites, in camera shops that specialize in vintage gear, and from private sellers. It’s a lens that’s held its value well, and for good reason.

Conclusion

The Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S is a lens that embodies everything that was great about Nikon’s lens design in the 1980s. It’s solid, reliable, and delivers stunning image quality that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a portrait photographer looking for that perfect bokeh, or a landscape shooter who appreciates fine manual control, this lens is a worthy addition to any Nikon shooter’s collection.

While it may not have the modern conveniences of autofocus or image stabilization, the experience of using this lens is something that many photographers find deeply satisfying. It’s a lens that rewards patience and skill, and in the right hands, it can produce images that are nothing short of magical. If you’re in the market for a classic telephoto lens with a fast aperture and beautiful rendering, the Nikkor 135mm f/2 AI-S should definitely be on your shortlist.

Images captured with Nikkor Telephoto 135mm f/2.0 AIS

Images of Nikkor Telephoto 135mm f/2.0 AIS

Equipment

1. The sample images in this post were captured using a Sony A7r, Mark III
2. The product images were captured using a Samsung Galaxy Note 9