135mm Nikkor Plena - The Worlds Best Portrait Lens 😲

Stunning Optical Performance! CHECK OUT the 2023 5 Day Sale, and grab the free Boudoir Flower Shoot: geni.us/Charit...
PLENAR Available Mid October - Pre-orders - B&H: geni.us/Plena | Amazon worldwide: geni.us/135plena
NIKON Z EXPERT SETUP GUIDE: geni.us/ZFguide
I have never tested a lens - let alone a fast aperture prime lens - that is free from vignetting when shot wide open. Even the very best show some - and stopping down half or a full stop clears it up. But the Plena really seems closer to perfect than I have seen before, and the overall contrast, color and sharpness are all world class. This 'Peripheral Illumination' technology is certainly working!
Despite 'ONLY' costing $2500, I think this sits way above the rest of the Z range - and almost every other modern portrait lens from any brand, at any price - in terms of optical performance. It's stunning....
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[@UweRoclawski]

Photographer: "Look at these perfect bubbles in the background!" Model: "Omg...I look terrible on this shot!"

[@mattgranger]

Pre-orders - B&H: geni.us/Plena | Amazon worldwide: geni.us/135plena NIKON Z EXPERT SETUP GUIDE: geni.us/ZFguide

[@boostedmaniac]

Dang Nikon! I bought the 105mm F1.4 only 2 years ago thinking I'd just adapt it to my Z mount. It's been a great lens, but this looks even better.

[@mattgranger]

The 105 is an epic lens. No losers here 👍🏼

[@sammadonline]

Honestly the 105 is absolutely amazing. A true legend from the F mount

[@boostedmaniac]

@@sammadonline it is a great lens. I just have a bokeh addiction.

[@adebrian1737]

104mm f1.4 is good enough

[@youknowwho9247]

As someone who shot the Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E for years and who's now using a 135 (the Sony GM version) - if all you're doing is portraits, stick with the 105. Just a personal opinion obviously, but I think 105 is a much nicer focal length for static portraiture than 135. My reasons would be a) level of compression - at 135mm, features become really flat; too flat for my liking anyway and b) working distance - when you're taking half body shots or, worse, full body shots at 135mm, you'll have to literally yell for your subject to still hear you. In my personal opinion, the 105 you have is the absolute best portrait lens in the world right now.

[@cmdrls212]

So glad to see a manufacturer try something different. That massive rear element for mechanical vignette control is really interesting. As you can mount nearly any glass from anybody in Nikon bodies, these system exclusives are exactly what Nikon needs more of.

[@dance2jam]

From a business perspective, I might argue the reverse. If this lens could be mounted on SONY or Canon body, and it was that unique, it would sell more. That said, if Nikon keeps releasing killer lenses not available on other brands, some switching might be in the future.

[@cmdrls212]

@@dance2jam the problem is that the restrictive Sony mount cannot allow for it. Look at the size of the rear element. This is a Z mount exclusive. Also if Nikon were to produce Canon lenses, they may as well rename themselves as Tamron. 😉

[@dance2jam]

@@cmdrls212 Yes, my friend. I'm very aware that with the size of the rear element this lens cannot even take a Nikon teleconverter. I was just stating that if Nikon lenses could be mounted, with an adapter, to other brands, they would probably sell more of their lenses like the 400mm f/4.5, 800mm f/6.3, and perhaps the 400mm f/2.8 TC and 600mm f/4 TC. The release of this lens (the 135mm f/1.8 Z, S, PLENA) makes me feel more secure that my 200mm f2 is safe for long term use (and resale - if I would even consider it) as this is close enough at 135mm with focus on creamy out of focus and smooth transitions. I shoot at 135mm a lot, so I might have to try this new addition out after eyeing the 85mm f1.2. Nikon still needs some wide fast primes, ultra wides, and PC lenses - but I'm sure some of that is a ways off.

[@cmdrls212]

@@dance2jam you're not wrong but also, you could mount F lenses to the canon EF mount and many people did, but it never really translated into nikon lens sales of any significance. For example, canon remained the top dslr lens manufacturer in the world with nikon second and third parties offered canon shooters value without adapters. It really is hard to justify a first party manufacturer getting into the game of selling for another system without nuking itself in the process. However from a strategic standpoint, you're better off with being able to adapt any lens and nobody being able to adapt yours as it means people buying into a system will look at the versatility of having the widest choice of lenses, first or third party or adapted. In the end however, nikon had all the data for lens sales so clearly they didn't think sales to canon and sony users should factor into their mount choice, so obviously they went with something that would allow their customers the choice but also free their designers from being as constrained as the F mount had them be.

[@dance2jam]

@@cmdrls212 Well said, argued, and I agree. From my perspective, Nikon mirrorless went from trying to stop the bleeding (and movement to Sony/Canon), to making it's users content with what it is offering, and perhaps soon, if not a bit already, enticing other system users. Firmware 4.10 just dropped for the Z9 and this is at least the 5th - improving and now separating out bird AF and Plane AF. It's a good time to enjoy photography.

[@Hrishi1970]

Wow. Just wow. I used the sigma 135mm art for a wildlife shoot recently and the result was spectacular. I request you to compare the two if possible whenever you can. But hey, these are exciting times!

[@FrankNazario]

The Sigma Contemporary and Art line are SUPERB !!!! lenses. When you pair it with a Nikon body ... its something magical.

[@sports_car_enthusiast]

sigma art is good but very heavy.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

@@sports_car_enthusiast The difference is a few grams compared to this one. The Sony and Canon are lighter than the Nikon but again a few grams. Weight will not be a decisive factor among them.

[@sports_car_enthusiast]

@@jaimeduncan6167 between the Sony, canon and Nikon yes a few grams. The sigma, a little more…not a lot, but everyone knows sigma lenses are the heaviest for a reason.

[@TheUberSchattenjager]

Wow! - great lens, and what a perfect model to test it on! Kelsey was lovely, and her poses were spot-on. More Kelsey, please!

[@mattgranger]

Yes she was great - thanks to her and also Steph for the introduction.

[@animestarlord9021]

The 200/F2 is my favorite lens. The 50/1.2 is my second favorite.

[@lymancopps5957]

I told myself no more Nikkor lenses this year, but Nikon is making that promise difficult to keep. I expect a 35mm f/1.2 coming soon. Wonder if that lens will also be a Plena. Thanks Matt for a really good introduction to the 135 Plena.

[@MichaelLaing71]

Having everything from 85mm 90mm*,105mm, 110mm**, and 135mm, I think in the right situation 135mm is probably my favourite focal length and really anyone complaining about f/1.8 really needs to get over themselves. I have the Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar, which is considered by many to be the non-Otus Otus lens and whilst it is a pain to focus wide open it is still may favourite lens and is also a lens I love using on my GFX100s, with surprisingly little vignetting (easily corrected) for a 35mm lens. * Both 90mm and 135mm with APS-C (2 lenses Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro and Fujifilm 90mm f/2) ** 135mm mounted on GFX100s.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Mine is 105mm. I would love a 105 f1.4 Plena. I don't know if the mathematics are not conducing to the 105, but it will be nice.

[@davidduffy9806]

Matt, you've aided my growth as a photo enthusiast. Many thanks

[@mattgranger]

Happy to help!

[@Noksus]

Oh my goodness Kelsey is absolutely stunning. I like the lens too.

[@Comalv]

and then people will add vignetting on portraits for their dramatic effect. Jokes aside this looks stunning. Not sure if I can justify it for me having the 85 1.2 already, but it's going to be on the wishlist for sure

[@jaimeduncan6167]

😃Blondes dying hair black and brunettes blonde. We humans are like that, we fight to get something just to want another.

[@Twobarpsi]

135 is my favorite FF lens for portraits!!

[@d.k.1394]

I like 100mm

[@EricLouisYoung]

wow, they're actually using the Z mount. this is the first lens to utilize its girth. we need a full line of lenses like this.

[@mattgranger]

Please let their be a 200 f2 Plena!!

[@EricLouisYoung]

@@mattgranger That, and a 28mm f1.8. Make 28 great again!

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@EricLouisYoung A 28mm f/1.4 might even be considered.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

that is not true, many Z mount lenses benefit from the size of the mount with large rear elements

[@renessda5519]

Of course 105/1.4 S Plena too

[@mikekolleth6168]

Looking forward to a shoot out to see how the Plena compares to the 200 f2 in respect to compression and sharpness and boekh. Love my 200 but have been hoping for a more portable contender for the portrait throne.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Me too. I also would love to see it face-to-face with the Sigma. The Canon and the GM will be cool, but it's just academic, Nikon users are not going to buy the Canon Lenses, and Sony users are not going to buy the Nikon. So a good comparison with the Sigma is better than an average review with a bunch of lenses we are not going to buy.

[@boostedmaniac]

Matt, once you get a chance, please compare this with the 105mm F1.4. Thanks!

[@mattgranger]

Will do

[@ArnaudLerondeau]

That’s gonna be the key comparison !! And to your point about 105 focal length being ideal Matt, i totally agree ! The wait is not over to me to replace my beloved 105 1.4 i sold when switching to Z. I miss it since years now 🥲

[@DAVID-io9nj]

That is a strong statement for a new lens without any general usage yet. At this level, I am sure there are many favorites, for any number of reasons, depending on what the user is looking for.

[@Rhiwwers]

I often see people out on the web say that Nikon lenses doesen't do bokeh and that is a reason to not choose the system. Every time I see it I think to myself "how much did Canon pay you to say that?" because I've been making bokeh intended or unintended since my very first D3300 and 35mm 1.8 prime. Good to see that Nikon is still the bokeh-king. 😂 I've been having so much fun with the '78 135mm f2, I wish I could afford this one when I upgrade to mirrorless!

[@mattgranger]

Funny, I’ve never read people saying that about Nikon lenses 😂

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Most of the Z mount lenses are clearly superior to the Canon RF equivalent, be it Bokeh, sharpness, CA control... the higher end the lens the larger the gap up to super teles where Nikon plain obliterates Canon, not even close.

[@MultiAmruth]

Knew plena had to do with circular bokeh looking at the teaser

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

This lens combined with 50mm f1.2/85mm f1.2 is just about perfect for my festival photographs... all I need now is a 35mm f1.2... or better yet a 28mm f1.2

[@renessda5519]

or 35/1.2 and 24/1.4

[@Azertyvo]

I'm selling my 105 1.4 and buying a Plena. The FTZ helps but it's a transitional solution. And I agree with the 135 focal length requiring a lot more space. But when I find myself in a tiny room, I think I'll use my 50 1.8 which may be not as good but it's still a very good S lens

[@mattgranger]

Ok, enjoy!

[@felixdamith1]

Could not resist… has to order the lens… Mostly trying to use for shooting owl at night … Thank you Mat …

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Since the question of image quality is settled on all of these, the question is really focal length: * Z 50mm f/1.2 S * Z 85mm f/1.2 S * F 105mm f/1.4E * Z 135mm f/1.8 S * F 200mm f/2G I think the 'focal length doubling' of the {50mm, 105mm, 200mm} set makes a lot of sense. It's sort of 1-stop interval of focal length On the other hand, the 2/3-stop interval focal lengths of {50mm, 85mm, 135mm, 200mm} is also interesting, with a slightly smaller change from one lens to the other. As I started writing this, I thought it would make the decision easy for me. And then I made it hard again. Sigh...

[@MichaelLaing71]

I wouldn't think clinically about which focal length to get. I have 24mm 35mm 50mm, 58mm 85m, 90mm 105mm, 135mm lenses and really the lens to buy is the lens that feels right to you. Be it the focal length, optical ability or feel or the lens. I never use my 50mm, I hate the focal length, but take me up to 58mm and I love that lens.

[@elram2649]

2:37 Correct! 'Pleh-nah' 🤓👌 Now there's Plena and there's Planars... very clever marketing move by Nikon. 🏆

[@HR-wd6cw]

Now we just need Nikon to release the 35 1.2 and I think we are set for all of the basic high-premium glass for the most part. Maybe an 200 f/2 Z mount version but that's a bit of a specialty lens in a way. I mean if you think about how far Nikon has come in the past 5 years, it's actaully quite amazing, despite them losing quite a bit of market share to Canon and Sony, but how fast they were able to develop and populate the Z system into what it is today, with the bodies and lenses we have, not to mention third party support now. Three years ago (so basically before the Z9, and Z II bodies) I may have been a bit skeptical as to the longevity of the Z system as a long-term system, but now I can safely say that it's here to stay and it will only get better. This all being said, I am not likely going to get the 135 as I sort of got out of portrait photography (it's a long story but I got tired of all the drama that sometimes goes with it -- unreliable models, other photographers that cannot act like adults, etc), and have returned to my other primary genres (landscape and travel photography) but this lens certainly is welcome in the Z line-up regardless and if I was to return to portrait photography at some point (in a serious manner, not as a hobbyist) I might consider adding this lens. But for travel and landscape photography it's probably not needed. I might however invest in the 105 macro, as that has multiple uses (could be used for portrait, but also macro obviously, and it's a bit cheaper but not quite as fast as the 135).

[@saucelove]

wow! what a lens and model! you have my dream job

[@mattgranger]

Mine too!

[@visionz_n_media]

I purchased the 85 1.2 and told myself I wasn’t going to buy another lens this year. Now Nikon brings out this 🤦🏽‍♂️. Guess I’m going to stay broke 😅

[@mattgranger]

😂 commiserations

[@jasonmilner379]

I can definitely see using that lens for outdoor portraits but as mentioned, the focal length may not work so well in smaller studio space. I kinda wish my 85mm 1.2 lens was given some cool designation (Noct, Plena..) too.

[@mattgranger]

You can give it your own nick name. How about the 85 mirabilis?

[@vinyalonde]

This lens looks spectacular. I think you just sold a lot of lenses for Nikon! I too have a 200mm F2 and while I love it, there are considerations that go into using it such as supporting its weight and futzing around with focus to ensure that what I want to be in focus does not slip out of that tiny depth of field. Without autofocus, this is a tough lens to shoot with in my experience. And of course, the locale has to provide enough room to back up. I agree, the 105mm F1.4 F mount lens is a great portrait lens too and it is hand-holdable and offers perhaps a more useable depth of field. This lens seems to be a nice balance between the two (105 and 200). I don't mean to suggest though that it is in any way meant to be a compromise between the 200 and 105. I realize you will do a more in-depth test but if time permits, I would like to see a few minutes of comparison between the three lenses (105, 135, and 200) with perhaps some recommendations on when to use one over the others.

[@rcgrant9310]

Matt, I'm looking forward to your more in-depth review of the 135mm Plena. THANK YOU!

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Glad you mentioned the older 135 F2 lens! This looks to be the modern replacement of the 135 F2, which is a very nice nod to it! Excited for it! Seems like a "mini" 200 f2? 😮

[@mattgranger]

Hope to compare to the 200 asap. It’s light years ahead of the DC

[@Riskbreaker2009]

I still think the Samyang AF 135mm f1.8 FE is the best portrait lens its lighter, optically perfect no distortion, almost no vignetting and way cheaper than the Sony FE GM, Canon RF L and the Nikkor Z S Plena

[@mattgranger]

I’d disagree about optically perfect. But I’m glad you love it 👍🏼

[@ericfreibrun5920]

Matt, thanks, as always for the useful and interesting information. The Nikon 135mm f2 lens was introduced in 1995, which is 28 years ago, not 18, as mentioned at 11:28. Time flies!!

[@mattgranger]

😳 … I’m old

[@felm.974]

Let's Go Nikooooon! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Jimbojam]

I have one of these and I am constantly amazed by it

[@LMActionsports]

I own the Sigma 105 mm F1.4 Bokeh beast and the 135 mm F1.8 for Sony I prefer the 135 mm with its nice beautiful creamy depth of field over the sigma. The 135 f1.8 lens in any brand just Does it just right for compression and that dreamy look you want in your portraits. I’m glad Nikon finally came out with this for the Nikon users. It’s been long overdue.

[@elram2649]

Can't help but notice but... I just got through sending a black widow spider to the afterlife and just noticed Matt's mic looks like another one of them. 😱😫

[@earlxx]

Sounds like a very interesting lens. I just bought the 85/1.2 and wonder how they compare in bokeh. Not sure I need the 135 in addition to my 200/2. Kind of too many lenses for literally the same situation.

[@sports_car_enthusiast]

Now I want a 58mm 1.2 Plena, to replace my 58mm f/1.4 (and whatever you do, do not make it as large and heavy as the 50 1.2, and no lcd screen either)...surely many are wishing the same to replace the 105 1.4e as well...good times to be with Nikon Z.

[@dystopia-utopiarelation-re3191]

time to add vignetting in post ;-)

[@mattgranger]

😅

[@enricomarconi8358]

amazing lens and yes if from latin meaning full - you must pronounce it with an E sound as in Ebony and not PLINA... with an I sound as in Equal...

[@Ypsilantiweddingphotographer]

So now I know why the 85 1.2 was on sale a couple weeks ago … and I fell for it.

[@CareyP]

Another great video Matt!

[@mattgranger]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ghas4151]

I’m also waiting for a fast Z-mount 105. Managed to fight the urge with this one although it wasn’t easy!

[@metallurgico]

"focusing on the bokeh" makes me giggle lol BTW this glass looks so amazing

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Pronunciation: Latin, and for people that speak Spanish is the same root as plenilunio (Luna llena) full moon. To me, I am not native, the second E in "elephant" sounds equal, execpt for a little bit of enfasis on Plena. The A will be open like the A in Apple (to me again).

[@michaelkaercher]

I like the lens. Personally, I am not a big fan of shooting wide open. I like to have both eyes in focus. Usually, I go for 5.6 or 8. Nice review.r

[@BugsTours]

Very good review :) - Thank You and WooHoo Great Job Nikon!

[@chennytango9298]

To my taste, still nothing beats the 200 f2 VRii. The plena maybe a bit sharper and has more modern look but the 200 f2 just magical and yet so natural and organic.

[@mattgranger]

100%

[@35mmraw]

I jumped ship to Sony for their 135 years ago. Interested in a comparison to see if I should jump back!

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

I had added a Sony line for the 135mm f1.8 GM and ended up clearly disappointed. Very sharp but flat and lifeless rendering.

[@Tirielphoto]

King is only one! Sony Zeiss Sonnar 135/1.8 :D

[@mattgranger]

Yes sure, everyone wants ‘their’ lens to be the one.

[@marcuscsik1509]

The only thing that come to my mind, is that Nikon has make the lens with a bigger circle of projection, maybe almost Fuji digital medium format, but attache that in to a FX cam! Seen the crop from the bigger circle, most of the distortions and aberrations, stay at the unseen corners!

[@Capcity44]

This makes me want to whip out my Zeiss 135 mm APO Sonnar. I know it’s not as great as this lens, but since I can’t buy it right now, it’ll have to scratch the itch.

[@mattgranger]

The Zeiss APO is a beautiful lens!

[@reinhardbecker284]

I think the technical idea of having nearly no vignetting is quite simple: use the larger size of the camera bajonett to create an oversized image circle, like a medium format lens. The bigger image circle needs space and the lens quality at 1.8 is no easy task, but this could be the answer.

[@adamkrauss303]

I have watched a few vids so far and it’s not blowing me away. And like you said, I don’t see myself buying a 135 prime no matter how good. Much rather have that 85mm 1.2.

[@diuco17]

Comparing it to the zeiss otus or milvus 135 f/2 could be interesting, once you have the production unit.

[@Lastman10101]

I clicked so fast on this video. Matt G the legend.

[@mattgranger]

Thanks mate!

[@ThorDyrden]

Matt - Europe is with you pronouncing "Z" as "zet"... 😊 Damn... I really consider to buy my "poor man's Plena": Viltrox XF 75 mm F/1.2 Pro on Fuji-X ... would equivalent to a 115mm f/1.8 .. for outdoor portaits.

[@inchon66]

Nikon is coming for everyone’s money!

[@josephmancuso6957]

Skydweller black? Nice Matt!

[@mattgranger]

Well spotted 👍🏼

[@aquanimo1212]

보케테스트와 주변부 화질비교한결과 니콘의 85mm 1.2를 능가합니다. 물론 소니의 135mm g렌즈도 압도하고요. 실험은 한국유튜버가 이미 공개하였습니다.

[@stefanbeek6249]

Hello Matt, what a great lens!! Realy! If you are looking fore a very special lens, what blow your mind, try A Leica 90 R 2.0 summicron Apo. its manual lens, myn whas stolen 7 years ago. still, the best potrait lens ever... about the price, 3000-4000 euro's for a good one,

[@mattgranger]

Hey mate, yes I’ve used it. Very nice lens.

[@dance2jam]

I might be one of the few that want your thoughts of the Z 135mm f1.8 S Plena vs the f-mount 200mm f2 for IQ, separation, and bokeh as a portrait lens. As I have mentioned to you for a while, personally, I have been waiting to see what the 135mm would offer. Outdoors and at events it's a range I find myself in a lot using the 70-200. The price and the portability make it an interesting option. You still are working at a fair distance to subject. The 135 doesn't have VR like the 200mm does. That said, the 135mm is 4.5 lbs or about 2 kilos lighter. So, I'd love to see the shoot out, but also hear your personal opinion for both options on the Z8/Z9 bodies. I've heard some allude to the lens has some "imperfections" compared to the 85mm f1.2, and then the positive spin "but that gives it character". Do you know what they are talking about? What "imperfections".

[@TEN21Portraits]

This title is crazy knowing the 85MM 1.2S exist lol

[@lilloc2094]

Yeah I'm thinking about going with the 85MM F1.2 instead of the 135mm

[@thurthevintagelens]

Got them both both same quality depends on what kind of compression your looking for.

[@camilo8cheryl]

Same boat, have the 50/85 1.2s and 135 plena, different tools for different uses..135 is my go to for outdoor with lots of space and for obliterating annoying eye sore backrounds

[@MikeVideos327]

​@@thurthevintagelensi own both and respectfully that are not the same. The 135 has better colors

[@lassepetersen684]

Ohh this lens is tempting. What do you think Matt. Is this a lens that can tip the 200mm F2 off its throne?

[@shekatagani]

I have the 135/2 and I shoot it with their old SLRs, I would match it to this New lens any day!

[@mattgranger]

Glad you love it! I hope you will get a chance to compare them - there is a HUGE difference.

[@robertleidner9703]

With the size and quilts of the Sigma 135 I still prefer that for the price

[@julianmorgan5994]

Right, it looks tasty, but at £2700 here in the UK and the 85mm 1.2 at closer to £2300 makes for an interesting comparison. After my experience with my 105mm f1.4 though it’s hard to warrant picking up the Z glass when second hand the 105 goes for £999.. three times the cost and certainly not 3x the performance. Would love to see a comparison of those 3. Also it has been said many times that 105mm is the perfect portrait focal length. If they made a 105 f1.4 or f1.2 WITH image stabilisation in Z glass, then we’d be talking!!! Still, it would be £3k and again is not worth it over the 105 f1.4E !

[@mattgranger]

That’s surprising about uk pricing!

[@finknottle992]

@@mattgranger​​⁠​⁠​⁠The UK Nikon website has the Plena at £2699 and the 85mm f/1.2 at £2999. Thanks for all your videos!

[@migueltrujillo5932]

Plena

[@tonytech5520]

4:21 I don't know why, but I hate when the pointing ends of the diaphragm blades are facing out (visible from the front).

[@Telly26]

This lens, the NIKKOR Z 105mm MC or the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 for portraits?

[@kevinvandenhoven1348]

Nikon Z 🎉🎉🎉

[@johannguasch754]

I want a Plena 50mm !

[@jaychristianson]

Matt, I have been in love with my sigma 135mm 1.8 on the z9 .. do u have an experience with this ? If so, how would u compare them ? Best wishes

[@Jawad.1]

No matter what lens Nikon/Canon/Sony come up with, they can never challenge the image quality of the Medium Format GFX, unless they pivot towards manufacturing Medium format sensors. *GF 110mm F2 with GFX 100 ii combination hovers at the top of the image quality chart.*

[@mattgranger]

Fair point re resolving power, but your strike rate will be much higher with this.

[@taylorhickman84]

@@mattgranger that's a great point, after upgrading from the A7iii to the A1, my hit rate has gone down which I attribute to the resolving power.

[@jsprite123]

I get the funny feeling Nikon will come up with the 105mm version of this lens...

[@mattgranger]

I'd love to see that happen.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

I'm guessing this has an enormous image circle. Would probably work well on a Fuji GFX if it can be adapted.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

It cannot, the flange distance is shorter on the Nikon

[@thedondeluxe6941]

​@@bernardlanguillier7970 Ah, ok. Too bad, looks like it would probably cover that sensor with not much vignetting.

[@d.k.1394]

Love u. Love this lens.

[@zc9344]

Hey Matt, what do you think about when comparing Nikon z 135 1.8 to Zeiss otus 105 1.4? Thanks!

[@fpessolano]

My 135 tend to sit mostly unused, si best portrait lens depends on if you like the focal.

[@mattgranger]

Yep. As stated in video - only if 135 works for you.

[@Neopulse00]

"It's about damn time"

[@feraudyh]

The plen is pronounced as in plenty (according to a Nikon sales rep).

[@feraudyh]

No worries!

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I have not seen the lens but I have confidence on Matt.It’s good that it’s lighter than the Sigma. I also find the 135mm to be too long , even if you are outside one starts to have communication issues. The lens does not have VR (no need for portraits, but limits the applications) . I was hopping for a 105mm lens. In any case, it seems like a fantastic lens and a good value.

[@renessda5519]

With Nikon great IBIS (Z8/9) you do not need VR that will make the lens bulkier and heavier.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

@@renessda5519 Agree, since it's a portrait lens. But it limits indoor sports applications, which could be a strong point because of the aperture (one can shoot about 2.4x time faster than f2.8). As I stated: I believe it was a good call. I will have done the same.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@jaimeduncan6167I would like to see how it focuses indoors shooting sports.

[@ldmndz4652]

Matt just as a focal length in general..do you prefer a 135 or 105?..for some 135 is too much but for others 105 is a "sweet" spot between an 85 and 135 because you don't have to be so further back from your subject..its a good middle ground..haha wow this 135 is crazy..

[@mattgranger]

I discussed this in the video. I generally prefer 105

[@ldmndz4652]

@@mattgranger yup..if I had to choose between a 135 or 105..I would also agree with you that 105 is the sweet spot..but do you think Nikon chose to update the 135 instead of the 105..because of the more familiarity along with combatting with the 135 segment that most other brands offer..its funny that most people always over look 105 and go straight to the more popular 135..

[@indrajitadvani3742]

Better than the Nikkor 85mm f/1.2?

[@mattgranger]

I don't have any more to add, beyond what I already said in the video :)

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

Hello wallet my old friend...

[@user-sd3ik9rt6d]

Can you use a Z30 as a rear lens cap?

[@Flashback543]

There is no way its better than the 85 1.2

[@mattgranger]

I’ve just compared them head to head. Video coming soon with sample files.

[@FreedomCompatriots]

I just wish Nikon would make an FTZ adapter with D lens screwdrive AF support so I could use my 135 and 105mm f2 Defocus lenses. I won't buy into the Z system until Nikon makes that adapter. Sony made an adapter for its Minolta screwdrive lenses as there is a market for it so I fail to see Nikons failure in making one for its legacy customers. I don't see any reason to buy new lenses just so I have AF. I'm tries of rebuying newer versions of the same old thing thank you very little Nikon!

[@Jawad.1]

It's time for Nikon to also announce *105mm f1.4 Plena and 200mm F2 Plena.*

[@mattgranger]

Why? WHY!? Why are you trying to bankrupt me!?!

[@Jawad.1]

@@mattgranger Your channel's content is so impeccable it will never let you go bankrupt...!!!

[@mattgranger]

Haha. If I bought all the gear that appeals to me, I would quickly 😂

[@TheNitebinder]

I don't understand how Nikon, Canon, Sony and camera companies make such expensive equipment, then expect photographers to rush out and buy them. Sometimes, people do get tired of keeping up with the Joneses or buying the latest must have gadget.

[@mattgranger]

I hear ya. It goes in cycles. And there are millions of customers, so you don’t need everyone to be ready to upgrade or buy at a launch.

[@Mr09260]

Nikon is KILLING the Photography Industry with the Best of Breed of everything >> rather like Rolls Royce does in the Car Industry >> Less Sales but THE BEST

[@avianadlp]

it comes from de term " LUZ PLENA" =" FULL LIGHT"

[@jacklombardo8783]

Matt where did u get your cap from?

[@mattgranger]

I bought it in Hong Kong. I can’t see it available online. The brand is Brookside

[@andreasstolten9179]

Seems somewhat similiar to the STF (Smooth Transition Focus) Lenses by Sony or Canon. The f-Stop is 1.8 but what is the t-Stop?

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

I suspect the T stop is f1.8 also because the lens may in fact be a f1.5 lens

[@mattgranger]

I understand your logic but I do not think it is like the STF in that way. I am not sure the t stop

[@MadManTnT]

Hey. Was the location provide by Nikon or was you choice?

[@mattgranger]

Chosen and paid for by me.

[@pbasswil]

Godlike bokeh. Is it my imagination, though, or does the subject not *_explode_* out of the background as with some other big bokeh lenses - like: modest edge contrast, or something?

[@otata]

Wow... when I saw how heavy this lens is and how much it should cost, it makes me seriously think about a system change, away from the Z system. It's all out of date!

[@mattgranger]

😂

[@otata]

No really, as a normal mortal, how should one be able to afford it. The quality is beyond question, but what use is a tool if you can not buy it and it is so heavy. Too bad actually, I had really looked forward to it. Higher faster further.... for this you quickly become too old.

[@greysuit17]

Worlds best is quite a stretch

[@fsahouri]

can you compare it to the sigma 135mm?

[@mattgranger]

I’ll try