Nikon has unveiled the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena , the second lens in its Z-mount lineup that “sets the bar high, promising stunning bokeh, high resolution, fast aperture and incredible sharpness . “
The first such lens is, of course, the 58mm f/0.95 Noct, but the ‘Plena’ may prove much more popular and affordable. The name “Plena” comes from the Latin word “Plenum”, meaning the state of a completely filled space.
“The name was chosen to reflect the lens’s ability to embody the user’s creative vision by delivering superior aperture, beautiful, round bokeh, and outstanding sharpness and clarity across the entire frame,” Nikon explains. “ Following in the footsteps of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, this outstanding portrait prime lens is only the second Nikon lens to be given its own name, and we hope it will be highly acclaimed by users.”
Part of the S line, the Plena 135mm f/1.8 lens was designed with a focus on delivering superior images, essentially focusing on reducing vignetting and delivering sharp, bright images from edge to edge and corner to center.
“The Plena is a beautiful lens in every way, from its superb metal body to its simply breathtaking images. This is a lens worth getting to know, ” says Jay Vannatter, executive vice president of Nikon Inc. “ This is exactly the incredible optical innovation that our engineers promised to show, and which could only be developed with a larger diameter and shorter flange Z- mount .”
Plena consists of 16 elements in 14 groups, including four ED elements, one aspherical and one SR lens. It features an 11-blade aperture and larger rear element that Nikon says contributes to “exceptional” round bokeh that allows photographers to create “dazzling images.”
The lens has two special coatings on the lens. The first is mesoamorphous, which Nikon claims is the most effective anti-reflective coating in the company’s history and prevents reflections regardless of the direction from which light enters the lens. The second is Nikon’s original ARNEO Coat to reduce 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. Combined with sharpness and clarity, the lens allows for detailed rendering of subtle textures such as hair and skin tones. The company also claims to have superior backlight capabilities to create stunning nightscape shots.
The focusing system is driven by stepper motors (STM), and Nikon promises that this provides fast, accurate and silent autofocus for both stills and video shooting. The thread diameter for the front filter is 82 mm, the minimum focusing distance is 0.82 m.
Nikon claims “excellent” resistance to dust and droplets.
There are two Fn buttons on the body, which 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 it is not small, it is about half the weight of the Nikon Noct at 995 grams. Its length is 14 cm.
MTF Charts
Optical design
Examples of photos and videos taken with Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena
© Christian Ammann
© Taru Rantala
Specifications
- Focal length: 135 mm
- Aperture range: f/1.8 – f/16
- Optical design: 16 elements in 14 groups
- Special elements: 4 ED, 1 aspherical, 1 SR, 1 mesoamorphous
- Viewing angle: 18°10′ (FX format), 12° (DX format)
- Minimum shooting distance: 0.82 m
- Maximum magnification: 0.2x
- Aperture: 11-blade
- Filter thread diameter: 82 mm
- Dimensions: 98 x 139.5 mm
- Weight: 995 g
Video presentation
What about the prices?
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena will go on sale in mid-October for $2,500.