Nikon launches NIKKOR Z 135mm f1.8 S Plena lens

Nikon has announced the NIKKOR Z 135mm 1.8 S Plena, the second lens in its Z-mount lineup that sets the bar high, promising “dreamy bokeh, high resolution, full brightness, and incredible sharpness.” The first such lens is, of course, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f0.95 Noct, but the Plena seems to be a much more convenient and affordable lens.

Part of the S line, the NIKKOR Z 135mm 1.8 S Plena was designed with an emphasis on peripheral illumination—essentially, an emphasis on reducing vignetting and delivering clear, bright definition from edge to edge and corner to center. The lens consists of 16 elements arranged in 14 groups, including four ED elements, one aspherical element, and one SR lens. It features an 11-blade aperture and a larger rear element.

The 135mm 1.8 lens has two special coatings on the optics. First is the mesoamorphous coating, which Nikon claims are the most effective anti-reflective coating in its history and prevents reflections regardless of the direction from which light enters the lens. The second is Nikon’s original ARNEO Coat, which is also used to reduce the incidence of ghosting and flare.

Nikon places great emphasis on plenty of peripheral light at f/1.8, resulting in consistently bright images across the entire frame. This, combined with a high level of sharpness and clarity, allows for detailed rendering of subtle textures such as hair and skin tones. The company also claims to have superior spotlight capabilities to create stunning images of nightscapes and cityscapes.

The focusing system is driven by stepper motors (STM), and Nikon promises that this will result in fast, accurate, and silent autofocus for both stills and video shooting. It has an 82mm front filter thread and a minimum focusing distance of 0.82 meters. Nikon says it also offers “superior” dust and water resistance.

Two Fn buttons on the lens barrel can be assigned different functions. One is located at the top of the lens, which Nikon says allows for smooth adjustments even when shooting vertically, and the other is located on the side. Although the lens is not small, it is about half the weight of the Nikon Noct at 995 grams.

Price and release date

The new NIKKOR Z 135mm f1.8 S Plena can be pre-ordered via Amazon.com, Bhphotovieo.com, and Adorama.com at $2,496.95 and will be released on October 12, 2023.

NIKKOR Z 135mm 1.8 S specifications

• Focal Length: 135mm
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Angle of View: 18° 10′
• Minimum Focus Distance: 2.7′ / 82 cm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
• Optical Design: 16 Elements in 14 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
• Image Stabilization: No
• Front Filter Size: 82 mm x 0.75
• Dimensions: 3.9 x 5.5″ / 98 x 139.5 mm
• Weight: 2.2 lb / 995 g