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Nikkor Telephoto 135mm f/2 AI-S
AT A GLANCE
This titan of classic lens offers an enduring build, incredible image quality, and bokeh that is rivaled by few
Our Score
4.4
Where to buy

The classic Nikkor 135mm f/2 stands among the greatest pro-photography lenses of all time. Built like a tank, with some of the highest quality mechanics featured by any lens, the owner of this item can expect a lifetime of exceptional performance with only basic care and maintenance.

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.

Nikkor Telephoto 135mm f/2.0 AIS at a glance

  • Superb sharpness, punchy colors, and crisp micro contrast
  • Exceptionally well made from all metal and glass components
  • Virtually no barrel distortion
  • Features built-in metal lens hood
  • Very little chromatic aberration for a vintage lens
  • Ultra fast and bright f/2 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth of field and for good results in low-light photography
  • Quite sharp at center wide open at f/2
  • First-in-class image background compression for a superb bokeh effect and shallow depth of field
  • Ideal for weddings, portraits, sports photography, and an array of close up work

Nikkor Telephoto 135mm f/2.0 AIS Sample Images

Technical Specifications

Focal Length (35mm format):135mm
Maximum Aperture:f/2
Minimum Aperture:f/22
Mount format:Nikon F-Mount (AI)
Format:35mm Film
Angle of View (35mm format):18°
Focusing Distance:1.3m to Inifinity
Elements/Groups:6 elements in 4 groups
Number of Blades:9
Focus type:Manual Focus (MF)
Filter size:72mm
Manufacturer:Nikon
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Weight:855g

Equipment

The sample images in this post were captured using a Sony A7r, Mark III

The product images were captured using a Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Image quality
Bokeh
Build quality
Micro contrast
Ergonomics
Center sharpness (wide open)
Edge sharpness (wide open)
Reader Rating0 Votes0
PROS
Gorgeous bokeh
Beautiful classic Nikon color rendering
Solid, enduring build quality
Sharp at center wide open
Low distortion
Excellent contrast
CONS
Very heavy
A bit soft at the edges wide open
Manual focus may present a challenge to first time users
4.4
Where to buy
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