Nikon 135mm AF f/2 DC lens review

[@dominiclester3232]

Nice, thx! And I really appreciate you noting the focus throw, most reviewers don’t bother. 👏👏

[@frederikboving]

🙏🏻

[@oliverlespoms9088]

Incredible lens just bought one today 250€ like NEW!!!

[@frederikboving]

Wow! Good job!!!

[@christopherleecowan]

I love my 105 DC thanks for the video

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for sharing 👌

[@maximusclaudius6514]

Thanks Frederik, fantastic lens review.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your kind words - much appreciated!

[@JB-ou6fl]

Thanks for the comparison pictures, especially for the bokeh. Those pictures were very helpful for me.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you JB24. After I shot the video, I added a few images to the album on flickr, to make the analysis more complete: www.flickr.com/gp/frederikboving/eG6X52 - my conclusion is that the defocus control part only has major impact if your background elements are relatively close to your subject, otherwise it will be rendered blurred anyway. All the best!

[@JB-ou6fl]

@@frederikboving that is a great observation. I noticed that the bokeh produced by this lens looks really smooth, creamy, and pleasing to my eyes. The impact of the defocus control is subtle but it is there in my opinion.

[@frederikboving]

@@JB-ou6fl www.opticallimits.com/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/225-nikkor-af-135mm-f2-d-dc-review--test-report?start=2 - maybe this can give you some additional info? I always try to use different sources when I form my opinion, so maybe you will also find this useful? Take care and stay safe!

[@JB-ou6fl]

@@frederikboving thanks for sharing the link. I read the reviews for both the 105mm and 135mm on that website. I like the comparison pictures. I now have a better idea of how the bokeh changes depending on the defocus settings. Have a great weekend! 😊

[@Ton-x4r]

I will get the 105mm version soon. And these kind of lenses are the reason why I don't part from my dslr's and go fully into the Z system. Nikon forgot to implement autofocus support in the FTZ adapter for screwdrive lenses. A missed opportunity.

[@frederikboving]

I think that an adapter with built in AF motor would be a pretty complicated construction with both motor, power supply and advanced communications with the camera body. If it was straightforward to do, some off brand vendors would have developed and marketed such adapters years ago.

[@Ton-x4r]

@@frederikboving Not easy for sure but they can pull it off in my opinion. Anyway Nikon is missing sales on the Z system because of people like me.

[@jph364]

Dear Frederik, thanks for this review. When you talk abour ordering from Japan you use Ebay or are there other websites you can recommend?

[@frederikboving]

Hi, thank you for your kind words! It's been a while since I've been shopping in Japan, but I always went for the shops driven by professionals and with good ratings. I never did shopping with an individual - I hear so many that receive faulty products and can't return the product. I have recently done som shopping over at mpb.com and kamerastore.com - they are professionals and make their living from the buy/sell margin, so of course it is not as cheap as buying from an individual, but it is also a much more "safe" shopping experience IMHO. Especially mpb.com rate their products condition well and so far I have only good experience with both sites. I have also sold a lot of gear to kamerastore.com and again I could have made more money selling each item on ebay individually, but the hazzle of that relative to shipping one parcel with all the goods in one go made the decision easy for me. Hope this helps - and no, not sponsored by either 🙂

[@harikaimal6328]

Best review, comprehensive, and great art photography ideas. Keep going, Sir!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your kind words! Will do!

[@trungdo8481]

Very nice video with superb commentary! I have both the 135mm F/2 DC and the 105mm F/2 DC, the 105 F/2.5 AI-S with CRC, and 135mm F/2.8 AI-S & F/3.5 AI-S also. :)

[@frederikboving]

Thank you and thank you for sharing!

[@frankwieczorek5112]

Lucky you, so please tell me does the 105 and/or the 135 DC hard stops on the focus ring, thanks

[@hazybrain7]

Great review Frederik ! I own the 105 DC a few years now and have come to the exact same conclusions as you ! Most of the time I don't bother with the defocus at all and find it a bit gimmicky Tbh. But it's a beautiful desirable lens that takes stellar images with autofocus, but I have to agree the old ais are right up there if you can stomach manual focus, I have several old ais and they are all spectacular, the 105 1.8 is even sharper than this lens, but also a heavy beast. The 105 2.5 is so small and unassuming but is has incredible IQ for the money.. Loving your honest reviews !

[@frederikboving]

Thank you hazybrain! MUCH appreciated! And thank you for sharing!

[@gemasboy]

May I know, how is the autofocus speed with your 105dc?

[@AntPDC]

I second that with regard to the 105 1.8 AI-s. A chunky lens for sure, but a beast of mechanical and optical excellence. Clearly, we are not alone in that view, including the increasingly nuts Angry Photographer, who has by now a notorious reputation for self-contradiction, to the annoyance of his many followers. On the 105 1.8 however, he's spot on.

[@secarr09]

This, and the 105mm f2 dc are my favorite lenses!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for sharing!

[@JeanCFLG]

Great video mate ! Simplified my choice.

[@frederikboving]

🙏🏻

[@paulhills1967]

Thank you for such an informative and well put together review.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your positive feedback Glenn, much appreciated!

[@dance2jam]

I do not own the 135mm f/2 DC, but I do own the smaller brother (105mm f/2 DC). Even though this is a review of the 135mm, I'd say it's spot on for the relevant issues that can apply to both lenses. 1. The difference between engaging the bokeh control rear vs not is subtle, 2. the shape of the bokeh "balls" is more round, 3. I find the lens very sharp wide open without DC engaged (when AF is used) - and slightly soft wide open.. 4. Using the AF with DC (R) engaged at the f/stop or wider and then focusing results in a very soft image, but focus manually, with focus peaking,, and the image is sharp. That's a lot of work to go through and so this lens took a seat on my shelf after I picked up a used copy of the 105mm f/1.4. 5. The CA/LA on the 105mm f/2 DC lens shot open was more than I liked. I was so tempted to purchase the Z135mm f/1.8 PLENA - as I do own a manual focus AI-S 135 f/2.8, but really can't find a good enough reason to pull the trigger. Thanks for the comparison. I always thought the 135mm DC was likely to be similar to its younger brother, so I never went down that route. This video just outlined my concern from the beginning. Thanks you! Nicely done.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for sharing and thank you 🙏🏻 for your kind words 👌

[@lanxxafame428]

very informative as i dont know much about 135mm before! thank you sir!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Zaaid 🙏🏻

[@jakobhovman]

Hullo Frederik...Thank You for this review of a special lens...! Very Gentle Soft pictures and defocus...! Softness can be of great great use, in portraits. Greetings

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Jakob, much appreciated!

[@alexblaze8878]

Great job as always Frederik! I’ve lusted after this lens for years but the cost, even used, has always been a discouraging factor. However, now that I’ve discovered the Sigma 135mm 1.8 ART lens I’m just blown away by how good that lens is and it will be my next major lens purchase. I’m a diehard Nikon fan and (besides the Tokina 100mm 2.8) I’ve purchased nothing but Nikon lenses but the Sigma 135 ART is just absolutely incredible even wide open. It be great to see you do a review of the Sigma 135 ART!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your kind words Alex! Much appreciated! Yes, need to take a closer look at Sigma's lenses some day 🙂

[@alexblaze8878]

@@frederikboving yes, I think the sigma ART series definitely warrant a close look. The 85 1.4 ART (for example) is apparently the new benchmark per DXO Mark and the comparison reviews on YT seem to support that assertion. Their 105mm 1.4 “beast” (1.6 kg along with a tripod collar?!) is also bringing stellar reviews.

[@rolandwasscher3994]

Thanks for the review. Mine from Japan as well. Send via DHL, 3 days and it was at my doorstep.paid $450,-

[@frederikboving]

I really like this lens. Both build quality and the images it produces. Hope you'll like it too.

[@tmewborn1]

Thank You so very very much, I love your reviews. I wish I lived near you as a friend to assist me in finding one of these neat old lens. I will soon be age 84, I still love photography. My Mobiity is gone, I use a walker to get around. This has changed my photography. I now have a small home studio, and have slowed down considerably to take images, enjoy the moment, and relish in the best images that I am capable of capturing.. I try. to live by the motto, "I don't want. to be anyone else or like anyone else, I just want to be the best me , I can be", I try to take this attitude in My Photography Hobby to be the best Photographer I can be with in my realm of abilities & understanding. I love Photograpjy because I always learn something when I am taking images, looking for subjects, and looking for another lens to add to my collection. I have modern day Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 & Nikon 85mm f1.8 lenses.. I have a Nikor 24mm f2.D & Nikor 35mm f2.8D lenses, I enjoy them for their quality of Metal build, sharpness , etc. thus I am looking for the older Nikon 135mm f2.0 lens. My greatest issue is understanding, and trust to obtain a near mint for $500 or less from Japan with no fungus, major scratches or dust issues. One site I found on eBay in Japan sounds promising. As I do they store their lens in low humidity environment's. I place My lenses in Zip Lock Storage Bags between uses. I believe this helps protect them the best I can. Again Thank You for your most excellent detailed reviews & explanations . I learned a lot watching your Video's

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Tom for sharing! Aging is no fun - you're 25 years ahead of me but I can see where it is going! Being the best version of you is a great motto to live by! When your mobility is gone and you work from home, maybe this lady can be of some inspiration: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqLHdIF7Zcl7fbMsi=E_qD37w4v4qMKSvY - she has made a series of images called "mothers" and they are absolutely beautiful and amazing!

[@aditya_gupta]

This is such an underrated lens...nikon really need lenses like these in z mount.

[@frederikboving]

🙂

[@johnw.3636]

I want them to make an adapter for these Ienses!

[@dageliason2615]

I think you can just use the adapter for the Z series

[@johnw.3636]

@dageliason2615 You can, but you cannot autofocus using the current adapters. These lenses are screwdrive lenses.

[@efhurtado]

Thank you for your time and review. Would you do another short video using the DC lens, shooting at f/4 and the DC set to f2.8 and f/2, out of curiosity?

[@frederikboving]

Édgar, you can see the defocus control vary from 0 to max (99) in this flickr album: www.flickr.com/gp/frederikboving/GpeVv3 - you can see from the file name what the DC setting was. All shot at f/4. Hope this helps.

[@efhurtado]

@@frederikboving, thanks! I may be wrong but I did not see any significant difference on the bokeh. It may not be worth all that money.

[@frederikboving]

@@efhurtado Hi, the bokeh changes are there but very subtle. I would not choose this lens for the defocus control alone - unless you are an bokeh expert/ fanatic that want the creme de la creme for your shots....

[@frederikboving]

@@efhurtado It is very subtle, and I think most clients would never notice! I guess it is a collectors item and a photographers lens more than anything else!

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

As always, an excellant and informative review. How about the Nikkor 105mm f/1.8 ai-s?

[@frederikboving]

Thank you! Yes, how about it? I "only" have a 2.5 copy in a pre-ai version, but I believe it was the same that was used to make the notorious "afghan girl" picture.

[@samuelsmith6804]

Great review I don’t have this lens, I have the 135mm f2.5 AIs. But I after thinking I would never own the 135 or 105mm DC , I finally got the 105 and I have been using on my d700. Just stunning. I imagine the 135 DC is equally good

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, the 135 DC is probably one of the lenses I'll bring with me to the grave! 🤗

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

I like the 135 for landscape as well! I have the 2.8 Ai-s and was wondering if the f2 would be worth it... seems like the one I have is good enough for me, and the extra speed and dc would really not pay off for the photos I generally take. Thank you for the review!

[@frederikboving]

Thanks! The "party trick" of the lens in review here is the Defocus Control. And it is often applied to portrait photography to blur the background. You can see some test shots of the effect here: www.flickr.com/gp/frederikboving/1a7J6H - I could be wrong, but I doubt that many use the 135 DC for landscapes. It is a very sharp lens, so if the 135 AIS lens is not sharp enough for you, then the 135 DC could be of interest, but not for the DC part, more for the sharpness. It is a brilliant lens, irrespective of the DC feature. Hope this helps.

[@MrRudyc]

Very Honest review. I own this lens and would never part with it. It has a life of its own, and in its own world. i do agree with most of the review. However, there are many in the know photographers who will pay up-front for this fantastic glass. I Love mine!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you! Yes, it is a wonderful lens, and I have no plans to part with it either!

[@jamesoliver6625]

One small thing is that in most cases, the last thing you want in a portrait is sharpness, except on the eyelashes or catchlights in the eyes. Everything else you don't mind a bit of defocus. I lucked out and found one on Facebook Market only 5 miles from my house, in pristine condition and half the price or new.

[@frederikboving]

Right. If you set the defocus control larger than the aperture number, then EVERYTHING is out of focus. Also the eyelashes and eyes. Sounds like you found a good copy without shipping from Japan :-D

[@jamesoliver6625]

@@frederikboving Yes it was really a weird thing because not a week earlier I had ordered the 105DC from Adorama used lenses and this popped up at a price you couldn't walk past. The results, I've used the 135 more than twice as much as the 105.

[@bfs5113]

What's good for portraits differed during different time periods. Back then, having a defocus or soft focus lens was better than using airbrushing or retouching by hand with a brush & paint. Of course, unless one was shooting portraits of the young and male gender. But today's trend is to use a sharper than a macro lens, even for a face full of wrinkles or imperfections and then pp later. Also, an out of focus gradient gives a 3D look of the head was preferred in the past, while today's need is for subject & background separation and a shortcut to take care of distractions.

[@jamesoliver6625]

@@bfs5113 Maybe, but I've seen two different videos of contemporary work being done where that very notion is expressed. My dad back in the 50s took some portraits (both of him and by him using a 6cmx9cm folding camera, 13.5cm when 10cm is "normal") and yes, the only thing in focus on the one print I have of him was his eye. But he was working at f4.5 or smaller and getting that effect (probably from the inherent lens characteristics) for the same reason, skin tones. But with the 135DC at f2 with the length of the 135 relative to normal you get the best of both worlds, minute depth of field AND background separation through the "apparent" compression, which is why I use it more than the 105.

[@bfs5113]

@@jamesoliver6625 👍 Yes, that technique has been used a lot throughout the decades, and I think it is often an artistic/creative visual expression. Not to mention back then, it was a somewhat difficult task to get it right and a bit of a show off in one's skill. 🙂 Furthermore, my old rule of thumb with portrait lenses was 50 for full length, 85 for 3/4, 105 for half and 135 for head & shoulder. My experience with my 105 f/2.5 is largely positive as a portrait lens, but not too practical in my case. That is, being too long in focal length when I used primes in the early days of film and not essential when I switched to zoom. Hence, my frequently used prime for portraits now is the Canon 85 f/1.2 L II, that I can finally adapt it to use on a Nikon body--my primary reason to get a Z6.

[@Badutspringer]

Godt arbejde. Tak for en grundig gennemgang af objektivet.

[@frederikboving]

Tak Karunā :-)

[@randallstewart175]

This lens and its companion 105mm DC are exceptional lenses for the Nikon system. Unhappily, they are two of the most expensive as well. For years IO wanted the 105mm version, but having a mint 105mm 2.5, and with no interest in the DC feature of the lens, I could never justify buying one.

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for sharing Randall! Many years ago when I was a young man, I bought a very expensive dinner table. The salesperson - being a salesperson - said that "the quality will linger on long after the price is forgotten". I smiled at his statement back then, but today - 25-30 years later - I have to admit that he was absolutely right. I have long forgotten the price, and that table has been at the center of my family life. So many dinners have been held at that that table, so many drawings made and stories told. So I was glad I spent the money back then. I feel a little bit the same way about this lens. It is a gem and I guess the price is simply a reflection of that.

[@groenevinger3893]

if you are lucky.. i recently found a brand new looking 135mm dc for 400€

[@danncorbit3623]

@@groenevinger3893 I got a 135mm f2 DC for $278 because it had fungus on the front element. Fortunately, that's both the easiest one to fix and the one where it matters the least (in case the fungus etches the coatings). I also have the Sigma 135mm f1.8 art. I rank them about the same. Fabulous lenses.

[@anasrida3454]

I wonder if you tried shooting the DC test shots at f2 would there be a bigger difference between DC and non DC bokeh, since the bokeh balls would be bigger I imagine. Of course I'm purely speculating. Thank you for another great video.

[@frederikboving]

Hi Anas, thank you! It is a good idea. Unfortunately, no matter which aperture I shoot at, I do not see any big differences. I did a series at f/4 that you can find here: www.flickr.com/gp/frederikboving/3eb3K4 - I also went "over" the aperture, so you can see the DC makes the image go soft. So my conclusion is that the DC is very subtle at all apertures, unfortunately.

[@aerozg]

Brilliant review, i love this lens.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you!

[@bearbearingston7696]

Great review as always, pre-AFS Nikon glass flares like crazy even when multi-coated but in their newer glass it's very hard to pull it out, yet there's something about old glass isn't? The example you showed us with the sofa and the flowers i think it's less "contrasty" because the f/2 DC image is ever so slightly more exposed, also to note is the rendition of the pillow on the sofa, a bit more dreamy (what many claim is "that" old look) a difference that the out-of-focus balls that were formerly cat's eyes show for dramatically.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you BB, you have certainly studied the video well! Yes, it is a good observation that the exposure differences could explain the contrast ditto - I did shoot in ambient light, and that always introduces an element of uncertainty. Yes, there is something about old glass - I have not quite figured it out, but images are somehow more likeable. And the funny thing is - If feel that the more I look for an explanation the further I get from the answer. Really a paradox!

[@zackchoy1969]

Prefer the 105mm DC for portraits. Thanks for the great review ~!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Zack. Yes, 105 vs 135 is in the personal preference territory. My understanding is that both lenses perform very similarly. 🙏🏻

[@nickfanzo]

Great Lens . This and a 28mm is all I need

[@frederikboving]

🤗👌

[@52701970]

I would be curios the bokeh if you shot f4 and defocused to 2.8 . thank you for your review.

[@frederikboving]

Derrick, you can see the defocus control vary from 0 to max (99) in this flickr album: www.flickr.com/gp/frederikboving/GpeVv3 - you can see from the file name what the DC setting was. All shot at f/4. Hope this helps.

[@AntPDC]

A belated Happy New Year Frederik! I hesitate to suggest you investigate the incomparable, the ever-beautiful - nay, the cat's whiskers of all portrait lenses: the Nikkor 105 f/1.8 AI-s (MF of course). Our ever-angry friend over the Ken Wheeler lunatic asylum describes it as "unmatched" for micro-contrast when shooting B&W. And not only him, as it turns out...

[@frederikboving]

Happy New Year AntPCD! Hope your new year has started well! The 105 is noted - I currently enjoy the 135, but duly noted. Btw, have you ever seen TAP actually showing facts or his process for reaching some of his remarkable conclusions? I have seen a lot of his videos, and he claims to be very fact based and scientific, but no sharing of data, methodology or the like. Have I just watched the wrong videos? 😄

[@AntPDC]

@@frederikboving "Now listen up girlfriend, this [fill in the blank] lens is perfection: it craps out silk sex and sugar; it is the tits, like a fine wine (and by the way I don't drink or smoke or do drugs). OK I said it was a piece of junk a couple of years ago, but so what God-dammit? It all depends on the context of use within the spectrum of differentiation - so I'm not back-tracking, nor am I being self-contradictory within the empirical parameters and spectrum of use I clearly set out when considering the dielectric capacitance of glass. Denotatively and connotatively, and accepting the fact that I know more about light than the best physicists on the planet (who are all idiots by the way) I don't see why I should explain myself to the stooges of the US/UK/Chinese/Russian Military Industrial Complex (yeah I've had too much caffeine). It's a simplex statement of irrefutable fact, and while Shadow Governments like the CIA and MI6 don't like to hear it, it is flat-out true empirically-speaking (I don't drink or do drugs by the way). I've had too much caffeine LOL LOL LOL". This is our dear Krazy Ken Wheeler all over (aka the Angry Photographer and Theoria Apophasis). You are right, he offers minimal objective evidence for his many gear recommendations; has no portfolio; and has highly questionable scientific credentials to the point of absurdity if ever you read one of his "papers", which he self-publishes absent any peer-review (naturally). That said however, his motives with regard to saving photographers of modest means huge sums of money when making buying choices are sincere and honourable - a public service of a kind - so many like me are in his debt. Moreover, I have personally found his lens recommendations to be rock solidly reliable, aside from the oddball exceptions when he expresses hyperbolic hatreds with respect to otherwise universally highly-regarded lenses. So on balance, thank you Kenny!

[@frederikboving]

@@AntPDC Ha-ha! You make a good TAP impersonation! 😄 I agree, has saved many photographers a good deal of money. But I don't understand why he thinks Nikons Z-lenses are crap (they're not) and why he now shoots Fujifilm. I guess we will never find out, but strange it is!

[@AntPDC]

@@frederikboving He deprecates the "excessive" number of elements in modern lenses - but in this he's occasionally all over the place. Intuitively, to the layman at least, this is a compelling argument when one considers certain modern 50mm prime lenses sporting a vast number of elements, and being gargantuan in size, weight and cost relative to, say a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 of some years ago. As to his older lens recommendations, I'm starting to think - in view of a few (it must be said) of his wildly self-contradictory reviews, that he watches the eBay market closely; fibs about market price, and flips them for money. He always claims he's "poor", yet is somehow able to buy land, property, GFX cameras, lenses and masses of other stuff with nary a hiccup. He valued himself at a laughable $4200 cash only the other day. Despite all this, I find him oddly entertaining, if only due to his comic absurdness, alongside his rather camp sense of humour. Fair enough , many of us owe him gratitude.

[@frederikboving]

@@AntPDC Ah, yes, the large number of elements is of course his vendetta. I commented on this in my Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 review. I am not sure if I believe in this theory, although there is another "feel" to images shot with older lenses if you ask me. I have a feeling he makes some money buying gear from people who do not understand the value of what they sell it at a more fair price after he has maybe used it for a little while and done some maintenance. I have no doubt that he has worked in a camera shop for many years and has great insight to the construction of both lenses and cameras like very few others. I also find him entertaining indeed, but he has the same fault that I have: he repeats himself several times. Once you have seen 1/3 of a video, the last 2/3rds are mostly repetition. I edit my videos to avoid this. He clearly does not. His videos are all unedited one-takes as far as I can tell. One of his most entertaining videos IMHO was one where he recorded a heron swallowing a large fish in one go. It was both bizarre and entertaining at the same time. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it!

[@steelpainter]

Hi Frederik, thanks for an excellent review - trustworthy. I managed to get this lens after seeing it, and the information you gave was extremely useful. I'm an painter who became a 'serious enthusiast' photographer during the recent lockdowns as an opportunity to learn new skills. Part of me would love to try the new Nikon Z system and third party lenses, but I can't justify that expense unless I was generating serious income with the equipment. I spent a lot of time watching and waiting for unusual deals for second hand, and I managed to get this 135mm AF f/2 lens for an amazing low price. I've come to feel it's an absolutely fantastic lens. I get how photographers in highly pressurised modern work environments aren't crazy about the old AF-D focus and all the optical 'flaws' (although one extremely busy wedding/corporate photographer who does massive events for very demanding clients told me he loved the 135mm and hated getting rid of it, it just slowed down his workflow too much). It's beyond perfect for me doing personal expressive projects with a slower workflow. Equipment does not make the photographer, but I've taken portraits and photographs of close up architectural details with it that have leapt out at viewers who were watching me improve on photography. The colours and sharpness vs bokeh in golden hour light are amazing. You also persuaded me to get a 50mm f/1.4 rather than the f/1.2 - I would have blown the extra cash otherwise. Thanks for that. Do you have any thoughts on the 85mm f/1.4 AF-D? Based on advice, I was going to get the f/1.8 version as it's meant to be almost optically identical but far more economical. However an f/1.4 version came to me very cheap as it was full of fungus and I got it cleaned and still saved money. I thinks that's another amazing lens as well.

[@frederikboving]

Hi Cian! Thank you for taking the time to write an interesting and comprehensive comment! With regards to the 85mm, I went for the f/2 version, and my thoughts on it are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZXMcn2CqKmLZ7M - the 1.4 version has a much more complicated design with more glass and for a "vintage look" that is normally not a good sign, but I have to make the reservation that I have not tested it.

[@frederikboving]

@Spinach Thanks for sharing Spinach! Yes, I also hear (have not owned it) that the 85mm f/1.4 AF-D is a gem of a lens!

[@brandontemple20]

will never see a metail build like this with DC and the built in hood

[@simpletraveler86]

I have the Z but have been wanting to add this lens to my collection for over five years. Finally picked one up for 630, from Japan, on eBay. The other day and now here I am watching your review. The CA is a bit rough, especially compared to Z lenses, but, I think I'll mostly use this lens on my D700 and F100. Either way I think a solid lens to have in my collection. Thank you for this wonderful review.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Mike, yes, fully agree, a wonderful lens! I am so used to the massive CA on my 28-105mm that I hardly notice the CA on this one :-D

[@frobo512]

How do you like this lens on your f100? I’m thinking about pairing it with mine for portraits and engagement shots.

[@AntPDC]

Great review, as ever Frederik. This is a lens I used to covet, but couldn't justify given that I already own the AI-s 135mm. Now I do not covet this DC Nikkor, especially following your excellent review here. As to the size of the front element, well yes: f/2 is letting in twice as much light as f/2.8. You know this of course, but others may not. And yes, I completely agree, based on my own personal experience, that the majority of the best used Nikkors come out of Japan, by far. They take care of their gear - unlike we slobs in the West! Allow me to question why, at 10:03 you attribute the absence of CPU contacts in the AI-s lens as somehow affecting information as to exposure data. If one uses Nikon's non-CPU lens menu option (as you did in this example, since aperture and focal length are being reported correctly), all exposure metrics will be available for every shot in the metadata. Am I missing something? Additionally, the chromatic aberration visible in your test shots is commonly seen even in the latest lenses when shooting in high contrast situations, so these artefacts should not be seen solely in the context of older lenses by any means. A DP Review of the recent Sony 35mm f/1.8 FE ($800), for example, states: "Lateral chromatic aberration can be severe in high contrast situations at corners of frame. Longitudinal chromatic aberration can lead to significant purple and green fringing in front of, and behind, the focus plane, respectively". So don't let that put anyone off buying one of these older Nikkors. Finally, one is bound to ask, given that you already own the Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 AI-s, why you spent $700 on the DC Nikkor f/2? I always thought Danes were sensible people ;) Best wishes, as ever, Ant.

[@frederikboving]

Ha-ha! Thank you Ant, well I sometimes buy lenses out of curiosity and my ambition to learn more and more about photography, not particularly because I need the lens for a job or other rational arguments. Also, I think of lenses and gear more as rental pieces than things I own. I have sold many lenses and a few bodies, and especially lenses hold their value surprisingly well. Of course there are transactions costs, but I don't feel I have spend USD 700 on a lens - the true cost of owning it, I first know when (if!) I sell it again. The remark about the CPU contacts was just so evidence that I used 2 different lenses and how the viewer could see this in the exif information on screen. You are right that you can compensate for lack of CPU exposure information via the non-CPU setup (if you remember it - I often forget!), but the lens information as such is missing. Thanks for the CA information - I was actually not aware of this. I thought that CA was an effect of misaligned glass with poor coating and that this was more common to older lenses than newer ones, but apparently not. Thanks for your feedback and sharing!

[@AntPDC]

@@frederikboving Thanks Frederik. It never occurred to me that one could consider these older Nikkors as "rentals". Certainly, they hold their value, and the move to mirrorless has increased their cost whereby many mirrorless owners are now hunting down these older lenses with excellent pedigrees and proven excellence, both in optical and build quality. And also for their rendition: a beautiful, distinctive, indefinable quality which the latest clinically-optimised, massively multiple element-count optics lack in many users' eyes, as if the photons have been lobotomised by the sheer thickness of glass. As to CA, as you say, it's always been a plague on lenses of all vintages and is hard to eliminate without compromising lens performance elsewhere. And at any rate, it's easy to remove (but not entirely) in PP using Lightroom etc. I have mentioned this before in response to one of your earlier videos. Best wishes, Ant.

[@AntPDC]

@@frederikboving BIG tip of the day to make Nikon's "Non-CPU lens" menu feature as easy as pie: assign each non-CPU lens to the the Function (Fn) button of Nikon bodies using the "Press+Command Dial" option in the Custom Settings "Controls" section. Makes selection fast and easy!

[@frederikboving]

@@AntPDC Thank you Ant, yes, the PS and LR ability to correct CA is noted. I prefer a lens that delivers images with as little PP is necessary, but maybe I - in the video - should have mentioned that much of the CA issue can be fixed in PP. Thanks!

[@frederikboving]

@@AntPDC Thanks Ant, noted! The precondition is however to REMEMBER, and that is the root of my problem. I get so exited when I change lens (!) that I completely forget about setting it up, no matter how easy it is. So I have lots of images shot with the 135mm booked as 50mm shots, and the other way around. Preoccupied is my middle name!

[@cloudatlasminer478]

Low Fstop, imo is about the overall level of Lens quality. However, from my experience, you’ll probably only use the lowest f stop is in a controlled environment. F4 with a bump in iso 200, focusing on shutter speed. Without a tripod. 1/50 -1/90 hand handheld. Tripod. For f1 studio portraits.

[@frederikboving]

Yes, I think that many photographers - if they go through their portfolio of images - will find that it is seldom they shoot images with the lens wide open.

[@ilmatanela1816]

Hi, thanks for the nice review 👍. Wish I could hear your opinion about AF reliability, but honestly I don't think I'll go for it, chromatic aberrations are really too strong and wide open it's quite soft. Bokeh is very nice but that's not enough to justify the investment, for me. It's a pity because I really love 135 mm FL for headshots and sometimes I find my 85 1.4D a little short. I also have a 135 AI, but the 3.5 version which I bought for peanuts and I also LOVE it, amazing value for money 🤑. Finally, you can't go wrong with a red from Tuscany, 🥂

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for sharing Il Matanela! Yes, it is a nice lens, but also a bit expensive, and the defocus control is very subtle and probably no clients (only photographers) will ever notice!

[@ironmantooltime]

Am I missing something? Defocus should be set to BELOW shooting aperture, which allows you to shoot foreground 5.6 or 8 and rear at f2. All you've done is shown with defocus control effectively off (ie the same as shooting aperture) it has minimal impact which is what you'd hope, as this suggests its impact on the underlying image is neutral. If you're shooting at f2.8 it can't have much impact but it should allow f2 bokeh on an f8 shot, no one eye in focus, one eye out whilst maintaining creamier low f stop bokeh and image separation. Did I miss it? Almost feel like watching the video again to check 😎

[@frederikboving]

Ken Rockwell writes: "If you set the control beyond the aperture you're using, like set to f/5.6 when shooting at f/2, you can get a softer focus effect." - I have taken that for solid info 🥴

[@ironmantooltime]

@@frederikboving I'm sure you can't set defocus to above your shooting aperture as it will blur the focal zone. If I shoot at 2.8 I shouldn't set defocus to 5.6 but

[@frederikboving]

@@ironmantooltime when I read the Nikon manual, the defocus ring is about the strength of the defocus. You don't select the f-stop for the background/foreground on the defocus ring but the strength of the defocus: larger number = more defocus. No, I probably did not test the inversely combination.

[@ironmantooltime]

@@frederikboving I don't have the manual and you're one of my favourite photography KZbinrs, have been following you for years but I heard it allows you to avoid low f stop effects of too narrow focal zone whilst keeping low f stop bokeh. Everyone says you can't put the defocus above the shooting aperture but to me this sounds like "strength of defocus" *on the bokeh area* can be dialled down below your shooting aperture. Like shoot f8 for sharpness but still get a blurred f2 background. Stronger defocus being lower defocus f setting.

[@ironmantooltime]

Someone said it should be called bokeh control.

[@JimResnikoff]

I have always admired that lens.. Never owned one thought

[@frederikboving]

It is a solid piece of metal and glass. Absolutely love it!

[@zaeemology1219]

From where I can Buy this Lens Is this Available please tell me?

[@frederikboving]

Hi, you can get a new copy at B&H photo, and used copies are on e-bay. Hope this helps.

[@raymondchan3587]

Why did you using the same shutter speed to compare and not to step it down when using large aperture?

[@frederikboving]

I can't recall but I guess the strength of the flash secured right exposure.

[@vantoth6674]

Hi Frederik, I just want to thank you for this very comprehensive video. Excellent presentation and detail about this lens. I managed to buy this lens a while back too from Japan. This lens is fantastic. I have used it for all around, and it does work great. I use it often for portrait, and there is a reason why it is called by many "The kind of portraits". Stunning images, even no post work is required most of the time. Mostly, actually it is better out of the camera than when post edited (unless someone has specific reason for post editing). Too much post editing takes the characteristics out. Those people that like BW, this is also fantastic for that. Often I am bewildered as to which photograph is better or I like more (original color, or BW), then I just end of keeping them both :). Once again, thanks for this. God Bless!

[@frederikboving]

Hi VT, and thank you for your kind words! Yes, it is an amazing lens, and I have a feeling that we will not see one like it for the Z-mount. It is from a different era, a different mindset and a different generation of engineers. So hold on to it - it is a true gem and I think it will stand the test of time even the coming 20 years! All the best!

[@vantoth6674]

@@frederikboving Hi Frederik, persons like you, keep the flame in people like me. Thus we continue admire and value the past (which is very much still the present and be future as well). I agree, I will keep it for good, and pass it over to my kids. Following watching your video, now the lens has been mounted on my camera again and taking it for a "good ride". It is amazing what this lens can produce (with the right skillset as well). Please keep up the good work and thanks much again for all, including your reply, it means a lot! God bless you and your loved ones richly.

[@frederikboving]

@@vantoth6674 Thank you for your kind words - all the best to you and your loved ones! Take care and stay safe! Best Frederik

[@backwoods1732]

It seems like this lens has been discontinued now. There's still some new ones out there, but it seems like those that are really the last new ones out there. I'm able to still get my hands on 3 new ones for about $800 each, I think I may get all of them and keep one for myself.

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for sharing Barry. I cannot assess if it is a good investment, but I have not seen the lens come in a version for the Z-mount, so maybe one day it will be a really rare lens.

[@georgehuman7253]

I love my 135mm f2.8 AI and don't see any reason why I should get any other 135mm or 200mm or even 105mm :D

[@frederikboving]

Hi George! So you are spending your time watching reviews of things you are sure you don't want to buy? I recommend you reflect upon this.

[@georgehuman7253]

@@frederikboving Actually olny after watching this video I got that my 135mm 2.8 sacks up well with it's more appealing successor :) And it made me happy :D Small things can make ppl happy too. Regarding your video and your approach to photo gear, I quite like them. Keep 'em commin

[@frederikboving]

@@georgehuman7253 Will do George and thanks!

[@kimc5750]

Excellent!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Kim!

[@84nomas]

How does this lens work on 35mm film?

[@frederikboving]

Sorry, I have not shot film in 30 years...

[@staspil6]

Why don't you set aperture to 5.6 and defocus ring to R2.0, so model face will be all in focus, good contrast and sharp (as it is at f/5.6), at same time background will have buttery smooth bokeh (as it is R2.0).

[@frederikboving]

I just tested the lens at 2x5.6 to see what the defocus control could do. It is not necessarily the way I shoot.

[@staspil6]

@@frederikboving "2x5.6" is it aperture f/5.6 and defocus R2.0 or it is aperture f/2.0 and defocus R5.6?

[@frederikboving]

​@@staspil6 neither. it is DC 5.6 and aperture 5.6

[@staspil6]

@@frederikboving if have time, can you check bokeh at 5.6 + DC 5.6 vs 5.6 DC 2.0?

[@frederikboving]

​@@staspil6 The 2x5.6 I have tested. It is 9 minutes into the video.

[@kolbasa8371]

That is such a nerd thing to compare blurred circles on the bokeh))) As you can see, here the circle is a little bit softer. That's amazing! XDDDD

[@frederikboving]

I guess the whole point with this lens is rather specialized...

[@hopeallwell7228]

my biggest complaint about this lens is the chromatic aberrations. It's criminal. Maybe back in the bad old days when people used film and print only 4x6 ... now I open the pictures on Lightroom, and there is no way LR can fix the aberrations in many situations.

[@frederikboving]

Agreed, CA is a pain and the post work is an additional step that doesn't always fix the issue. For portraits I think it's less of an issue but if you shoot high contrast scenes then CA is a pain.

[@hopeallwell7228]

@@frederikboving every time I try to sell it I convince myself not to as I can't be paying the latest greatest 135mm anymore. That being said I just tested the 135mm f/2 DC and the 105mm f/2.5 (non DC). At f/5.6, the CA is bearable, at f/8 is negligible. The 105mm f/2.5 is about one stop better in CA all things considered. This was done on a Z 9 with adapter indoors with low contrast. But really when anything high contrast or when light color meet dark color the CA color fringing is unbearable and I don't use it for anything important at all. Just for fun.

[@frederikboving]

@@hopeallwell7228 thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

[@JeanCFLG]

​@@hopeallwell7228I'm hesitating between 135mm 2 AIS and paying more for this 135mm DC. Or even going for the 135mm 2.8. As a beginner, is there a big difference that justify the price ?

[@hopeallwell7228]

@@JeanCFLG I only have experience with the 135mm DC f/2 for 135mm focal length. I love everything about the lens EXCEPT the chromatic aberrations which I think is crazy. It really comes down to personal quirks when it comes to photography. But the more rational choice I imagine is "just" get the 135mm f/2.8 for price and whatnot. If price is no issue get the latest Z camera and the Z Plena 135mm f/1.8 which essentially has no CA... I think the 135mm DC is a dog for the price and CA but people gush and rave about it so I don't know.. If you stick with DSLR, I think you better off getting the AF-S 24-70 f/2.8 and AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 and a D series camera. It's versatile and practical. But I know people have their quirks and get crazy lenses, I know I do.

[@kpharidasan3169]

Friendly lens

[@frederikboving]

🙂

[@navis5284]

After using the Sigma 105 1.4 Art lens, this lens is not a consideration. Thank you.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you.

[@brandontemple20]

they dont build em like this anymore

[@frederikboving]

Agreed! 🙂

[@josgeusens4637]

I think this review is worthless to me because there is a lot of pixel-peeping and not practical use involved. I am quite sure Nikon did not spend time and money to make another perfectly sharp 135 mm lens. This lens is constructed for whole other purposes than the ones used for sports and wildlife photography, where cropping is not unusual and thus the sharpness and chromatic aberration is critical. This video shows the technical side of this lens and there are way too much videos who do that. Lenses have other purposes than pixel-peeping digital on screen magnifications up to 400%. I see that you use the (fabulous) Nikon D750, which is a full frame camera where you can print photo's as wide as 1.5 meters at 100 dpi, which is huge, btw. To imagine a 400% magnification, would be the same as observing such a photo at a distance of only 45 cm. You'd be surrounded by that image. Real life photo's is what this lens needs, not lab-results.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your comment. Feel free to watch other videos than this one.

[@bidsandmen]

Guys who knows? what are these red pills on laces hanging on the camera in the place where the belt should be attached. I saw a lot of people on KZbin, I can't understand why they are.

[@frederikboving]

Peak Design camera anchors.

[@hazybrain7]

@@frederikboving My favourite camera strap system, especially the grey regular sized 'Slide' , so easy to move between cameras (if you have a few like me) I'm a convert to peak design !

[@frederikboving]

@@hazybrain7 Ha-ha! Yes, great design. And I also like some of BlackRapid's products though.