Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 AI
The Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is a compact, sharp, and well-built telephoto lens from Nikon’s classic era. Ideal for portraits and landscapes, it offers excellent image quality with rich colors and contrast, all in a lightweight package. Perfect for photographers who appreciate vintage Nikon craftsmanship.
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Introduction to the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
The Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is a prime lens that stands as a testament to Nikon's engineering prowess from the golden era of manual focus lenses. Known for its compact design, superb build quality, and impressive optical performance, this lens has remained a favorite among photographers who appreciate the unique qualities of vintage glass. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning portraits or enjoy the reach of a telephoto lens without the bulk, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI delivers sharpness and contrast in a lightweight package.
Unboxing and First Impressions of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
Unboxing the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is like unearthing a piece of photographic history. The lens is solidly built, with a heft that belies its relatively small size. The all-metal construction is immediately apparent, and it’s clear that this lens was designed to last. The focus ring is buttery smooth, offering just the right amount of resistance, which makes manual focusing a joy. The aperture ring clicks confidently into place, giving you precise control over your exposure. Right out of the box, it’s easy to see why this lens has earned a reputation for being one of Nikon’s classic primes.
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI Specifications
| Brand #: | Nikon |
| Manufacturer #: | Nippon Kogaku K.K. |
| Country of manufacture #: | Japan |
| Model #: | 135mm f/3.5 AI |
| Focal range: | 135mm |
| Magnification range: | 0.13x |
| Maximum aperture: | f/3.5 |
| Minimum aperture: | f/32 |
| Number of aperture blades: | 7 |
| Angle of view: | 18 degrees |
| Optical formula: | 4 Elements in 4 Groups |
| Minimum focal distance (MFD): | 1.5m / 4.92 feet |
| Filter thread size: | 52mm |
| Lens hood: | Built-in retractable |
| Mount type: | Nikon F-Mount |
Build Quality and Design Features of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
The Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is a perfect example of Nikon’s commitment to craftsmanship. The lens is constructed entirely of metal, giving it a robust feel that’s often missing in modern lenses. Despite its solid build, the lens is remarkably lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for extended shoots. The focus ring, which covers nearly the entire lens barrel, is well-damped and offers precise control over focus, which is crucial for a telephoto lens. One of the standout features is the built-in retractable lens hood—a thoughtful design element that ensures you always have the protection you need against flare without the need to carry an additional accessory.
Optical Performance of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
When it comes to optical performance, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI doesn’t disappoint. The lens is incredibly sharp, even wide open at f/3.5, and the sharpness only improves as you stop down. The color rendering is classic Nikon—rich and vibrant without being overly saturated. Contrast is excellent, giving your images a nice pop, particularly in good lighting conditions. Chromatic aberration is minimal, even in high-contrast scenes, and the lens handles flare well, thanks in part to the built-in hood. The bokeh, while not as creamy as that produced by faster lenses, is pleasing and smooth, adding a nice separation between your subject and the background.
Sample Images from the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI Sample Image Gallery
Ideal Use Cases for the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
The Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is an incredibly versatile lens that’s well-suited to a variety of photographic genres. Its telephoto focal length makes it ideal for portraiture, allowing you to capture flattering images with a nice background blur. The lens’s compact size and lightweight design also make it a great choice for street photography, offering reach without drawing too much attention. Additionally, the lens’s sharpness and contrast make it a solid option for landscape photography, especially when you want to focus on a specific element within a broader scene. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or candid street shots, this lens delivers exceptional results.
Comparison: Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI vs. Other Lenses
Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S
When comparing the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI to its faster sibling, the Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S, the main differences lie in aperture and weight. The f/2.8 version offers a wider aperture, which provides better low-light performance and creamier bokeh. However, this comes at the cost of increased weight and size. The f/3.5 AI is lighter, more compact, and still delivers excellent sharpness, making it a more portable option for photographers who don’t need the extra stop of light.
Canon FD 135mm f/3.5
The Canon FD 135mm f/3.5 is another vintage lens that offers similar performance to the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI. Both lenses are known for their sharpness and compact design, but the Canon lens tends to render images with slightly warmer tones, while the Nikon lens offers more neutral color reproduction. The build quality of both lenses is excellent, but the Nikon’s focus ring is often praised for being smoother and more precise, making it the preferred choice for photographers who value manual focus control.
Pentax M 135mm f/3.5
The Pentax M 135mm f/3.5 is another contender in the vintage 135mm market. Like the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI, it’s compact and lightweight, making it a great option for photographers who want a telephoto lens that’s easy to carry. The Pentax lens is known for its sharpness and contrast, but some photographers prefer the Nikon’s more neutral color rendering and smoother focusing experience. The built-in hood on the Nikon is also a nice touch that the Pentax lacks, giving the Nikon a slight edge in handling flare.
History and Background of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
The Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is part of Nikon’s legendary lineup of manual focus lenses from the late 20th century. Introduced in the mid-1970s, this lens was designed to offer photographers a compact, affordable telephoto option that didn’t sacrifice optical performance. The AI version of the lens, introduced in 1977, featured Nikon’s new AI (Automatic Indexing) technology, which allowed for more accurate metering on Nikon’s newer cameras. Over the years, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI has gained a reputation as a reliable, high-performing lens that’s perfect for photographers who appreciate the craftsmanship of Nikon’s classic glass.
Current Market Price and Availability of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
As of now, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is widely available on the used market, typically ranging from $80 to $150, depending on its condition. Despite being several decades old, this lens continues to hold its value well, thanks to its solid build quality and excellent optical performance. It’s a popular choice among vintage lens enthusiasts and collectors, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to explore the world of manual focus photography with a classic Nikon lens.
User Reviews and Feedback on the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
Users consistently praise the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI for its sharpness, contrast, and build quality. Many photographers appreciate the lens’s lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry around for long shoots. The smooth focusing experience is another highlight, with many users noting that the focus ring offers just the right amount of resistance for precise control. Some users have pointed out that the f/3.5 maximum aperture can be limiting in low-light situations, but most agree that the lens’s compact size and excellent optical performance more than make up for it. Overall, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is regarded as a solid, reliable lens that’s well worth the investment.
Pros and Cons of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI Lens
Here’s a quick rundown of the strengths and weaknesses of the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Compact and lightweight design | ❌ f/3.5 maximum aperture can be limiting |
| ➕ Sharp and contrasty images | ❌ Manual focus only |
| ➕ Built-in retractable lens hood | ❌ Bokeh not as creamy as faster lenses |
| ➕ Excellent build quality | ❌ Some might prefer a faster aperture |
| ➕ Smooth, precise focus ring |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI
Q: Can this lens be used on modern Nikon DSLRs?
A: Yes, with the appropriate F-mount, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI can be used on most modern Nikon DSLRs, though it will be manual focus only.
Q: Is the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI good for portraits?
A: Absolutely. The 135mm focal length is ideal for portraits, providing flattering compression and smooth background separation.
Q: How does the built-in lens hood help?
A: The built-in retractable lens hood helps reduce flare and protects the front element, ensuring better image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Conclusion: Is the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI Worth It?
If you’re looking for a compact, high-quality telephoto lens with classic Nikon charm, the Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI is an excellent choice. Its sharpness, contrast, and build quality make it a reliable tool for a variety of photography genres, from portraits to landscapes. While the f/3.5 maximum aperture might not be ideal for low-light shooting, the lens’s other strengths more than compensate for this limitation. For those who appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage Nikon lenses, the 135mm f/3.5 AI is a must-have addition to any collection.
