INCREDIBLE!!! Nikon 135 f1.8 PLENA Review (vs Z 85 1.2) A MUST HAVE LENS

[@froknowsphoto]

Plena or 85 1.2??? Which do you go with and why

[@leolihawaii]

Plena, I got it yesterday on Amazon

[@craigmyersphoto]

I love a 135 but I don’t think I could ever choose it over an 85 1.2. I hope I’m able to test out the Plena though, I’m sure it’ll do a great job

[@natalieauroraphoto]

I think the 85 is a more useful focal length. 135 is nice but a touch long. 85 you can use during events/sports a little easier. Sweet spot.

[@corykphotography]

Plena for sure, I have the Viltrox 85 Z and absolutely love it.

[@TheRollorokka]

You should do comparison video.

[@hunterjuarez883]

That photo of the player handing the sign ball to the fan was absolutely beautiful. Great image! Love to see that view

[@guyyowell8547]

I bought this lens, and I agree it is a “must-have”. This lens would also be ideal for shooting concerts!!

[@gordonphotography]

I finally ordered one and am now going back and watching reviews. That one of JT is out of this world man. Also the one black and white of the baby. Got me excited to get it before heading home for the holiday. Good stuff

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Best 135mm f1.8 ever, I got mine a week ago. I used to own the Sony GM 135mm f1.8 (used on a9II and a7rIV) and it is very sharp also, but the look of the bokeh is IMHO significantly better with the Nikon and not just because of near circular bokeh balls (that were not even mentioned here although it is a key differentiator and a unique proposition). The gap in image quality is IMHO larger than the 400 US$ price gap would suggest.

[@howiesternphoto]

agree. Had the Sony, and now the Nikon and the Nikon is night and day more special in it's rendering and look. The Sony was clinical, the Nikon is art.

[@starbase218]

2:00 The Sony does have more cats eye, BUT, I'm not sure if that's a problem. The lemon shaped bokeh balls at the edge may just focus your attention more to the centre of the frame(?) Not sure though. The Nikon is slightly heavier than the other two, but not by much. If it is optically better, I think that's entirely justified.

[@summonedfist]

Cats-eye bokeh has always been an over-vocalized "problem" online. Nobody in real life cares from my experience of regularly shooting portraits.

[@MickeyKodak]

@@summonedfist well the Rounds on the Plena are so fine round, that it is Reference.... the Pics are outstanding i was so happy surprised with it

[@summonedfist]

@@MickeyKodak I don’t disagree! I love good looking bokeh. I don’t mean it directly in response to the Plena, but I do wish reviewers stopped always harping on catseye bokeh like it’s objectively bad

[@OriginalWatchcow]

My take on this is if your customers are noticing optical artifacts of the lens you already messed up. No one but other photographers really notice these things. I'm guilty of obsessing on "quality" myself. A pointless game most of the time, as soon as you move the needle off "junk," your technique influences the image more than the hardware.

[@gromenteal2133]

@@summonedfistCats eye bokeh is actually bad but we don’t have another option other than to accept it and adopt to it. If we photographers had the choice 1001% will choose a round bokeh than cats eye bokeh. I can’t stand it and that’s why I stop down.

[@ChaseMoreLight]

Damn. Those Nikon colors are primo 🤌🏼

[@Chris-13]

Jared are you feeling OK ? You have only said good things about Nikon in this video😂 😂 Great video btw

[@livejames9374]

This lens has around -0.3 EV vignette. The Sony 135 has -1.56 EV. Major difference

[@froknowsphoto]

What does that even mean lol. Just go take pictures.

[@livejames9374]

@@froknowsphoto come on, then why did you talk about vignette and try to say the Sony lens is similar also having no problem. Here’s the truth… You’ll have over a stop brighter image with the plena. There’s many situations where a brighter lens come in handy.

[@airtyme]

​@@froknowsphotoyou got owned

[@gromenteal2133]

One more thing he didn’t mention which is Plena has no cat eyes whatsoever which again was worth mentioning. I don’t know why he didn’t photograph something like 2:01 and compare the out of focus round vs cat eyes.

[@panzer3279]

@@gromenteal2133 Correct. This lens is technically far superior than the Sony 135 GM.

[@saibhargavamanda1062]

I love the look of 135 ever since the sigma Art but cant choose over 85 becase of the working distance constraints for the most of the work i do. Im still thinking why didn't they put that large rear element in 85 1.2 also n call it part of a plena series. I wish there will be an afordable 85 1.4 plean so that I can buy both 135 n 85 and maybe 35 1.4/1.2 sm day comfortably

[@Mr09260]

Gee Nikon are Killing all comers in the Photography Industry with latest cameras and the LENSES

[@JasinBoland]

Seriously that ball shot is one of your greatest! What focus mode were you on JP?

[@tonyferrell3456]

The Realmuto pic is a gem. Great job.

[@timclark2515]

Thanks Jared! JT pic is phenomenal.

[@sgpork]

Please do a comparison video of the Plena against the RF and GM.. would be good to know/see

[@chinmaychiplunkar]

I have observed that when Jared talks about a really good Nikon product he lets his heart out! Separation from the Nikon ecosystem really takes a toll, and such great products bring back the good memories we had back in the DSLR days. Hope Nikon continues its pace and improves over the years to come, because other than the autofocus, they have nailed the picture quality and colour reproduction for the mirrorless era.

[@MickeyKodak]

Got it 11.10. early.... shooting since 4 Decades with Nikon but this one is an outstanding Lens, i was happy surprised. I took the Plena over the 85mm 1.2 cos one of my first was a 135mm long ago as 35 50 135 was Standart. I just have the old 135 2Defocus so the Plena was a want..... I have a 50 1.2 so i dont realy need the 85 1.2 as i have a 85 1.8 also... But the Plena is a must buy as U say

[@vic_the_roman]

Eventually , I will get this lens. ❤

[@jamesprivet]

Your photo at 9:14 is stunning, I agree it is a great composition and clarity, pops beautifully.

[@mzeeshanch]

Like always an amazing review... Jared one thing you have to start doing is start telling Nikon people to put better/faster motors in their lenses... And more autofocusing points... That will improve their hit rate and tracking as well... I shoot nikon z9 and realized when I shot a canon r6 mk2 with their 24-70 f2.8 was how fast the motors were... That is a reason for better hit rate as well... Companies listen to you and your word drives innovation... This is one point that needs to be put forward...

[@pawetura549]

Hi! Thank you! Please tell me how it compares to Canon RF 135 1.8?

[@thesharpercoder]

I love my EF 135 f/2L USM. This lens looks and sounds like a great lens. Good & Plena. Choo-Choo!

[@roymatusek6636]

I the 135 plena is perfect for event photographers shooting weddings ceremonies in a dark church where no flash is allowed but I would go with an 85mm 1.2 for portraits.

[@HartponderJr]

Plena of sharpness.

[@raymondbelliveau]

Im glad we r finally getting fast Z mount lenses.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Actually you have more fast lenses options with Nikon than with Sony... but you can adapt Sony FE lenses on the Nikon bodies with excellent AF so for Nikon shooters it is not an OR proposition but an AND proposition.

[@xploraflorida]

I was waiting for you to do this review. Thank you fro

[@tpjverhoevenphotography]

Soo, Jared.... I've never heard you being THIS excited about a new piece of kit before. And I agree. Went to Brussels to the Photo Days Expo and tried it out prior to seeing this video. Priot to THAT I already pre-ordered it too. And yes, I do also have the 85/1.2 with which I already shot numerous events. I couldn't agree more. This is indeed a must buy for Nikon pros. Thanks for confirming it.

[@johnz4412]

I have the Z 35, 50, and 85 f/1.8 lenses. They're fantastic, light enough to maximize concentration on subjects, and affordable. This is not a necessity for any professional. I'm sure it's beautiful for specific instances, but the lenses just mentioned can handle anything, and are sharp as a tack. If I was rich and wanted a toy, well......

[@18yearsoldnot]

How about the colour and 3d pop? Sharpness is not as important as character and that’s why I’m wondering if I should get the lumix 85 over the Nikon 85 because I have both systems

[@johnz4412]

Sharpness isn't the only way my Nikon 1.8 Z primes excel. Read the reviews. The images are gorgeous.@@18yearsoldnot

[@otraguardia]

8:01 "You have 11 aperture blades with this lens. Canon has 9 and the Sony also has 11. Do I see a big difference between those? And the answer is no." Of course you don't. You never closed the aperture on any of those lenses.

[@JordanCS13]

I see a lot of people say stuff like this when shooting wide open and like you, I always scratch my head. Jared: the aperture blades don’t impact bokeh until you stop the lens down. Wide open you have the perfectly circular opening without any blades.

[@froknowsphoto]

That’s true.

[@Hodenkat]

If you're a Canon shooter, the $2500 price tag Nikon wants doesn't seem all that bad for a lens like this. Z8 and Z9 owners rejoice!

[@greysuit17]

But if your a Sony shooter…that’s insane!😂😂😂

[@adamginsburg9909]

Absolutely nothing for Sony A1 owners since 2021 😢

[@Omegaparsec]

@@adamginsburg9909yep jumped ship already no regrets…

[@sgpork]

Canon price are crazy in my country too. And the lenses are either too big n heavy or too slow.

[@sports_car_enthusiast]

@@greysuit17why is that insane? Sony been jacking up prices on their cameras for years now, ya’ll just accept that without complain? This is the best 135 on the market, blows away the competition on flare control and bokeh. Plus you can get a z8/9 for $4k/$5.5k compare that to a ripoff a1 at $6500. And the new Zf with the same level expeed7 based AF system from the z9 is only $2k. Nikon also has the best super tele lineup in mirrorless. So yea…

[@lavluvlov]

Wow, that autographed ball is a good prize, but you also made the photo of it, a great prize !

[@Angelica-gm6bj]

I would kill to get this lens, it’s so beautiful.

[@flugga182]

these images are incredible. what a lens nikon

[@solidstream13]

I wonder how this would be for indoor basketball/volleyball

[@frankbosco293]

I use the custom command dial on the Noct set to exposure compensation. Since with mirrorless 'What You See is What You Get' I rotate the dial until the image looks perfect (to me). Exposure calculation is obsolete. It's a great feature on these lenses as far as I'm concerned.

[@derekcunninghamRHS]

Which preset was used for the toddler on the playground at the beginning of the video? Those were some awesome shots, and I would love to use those presets with my own kids.

[@froknowsphoto]

4:56 Salt Water Taffy from FroPack4

[@derekcunninghamRHS]

@@froknowsphoto Ah! I missed you stating that in the video. Thank you! And thanks again for another great video. That lens looks incredible.

[@derekcunninghamRHS]

@@froknowsphoto Ah! I missed you stating that in the video. Thank you! And thanks again for another great video. That lens looks incredible.

[@cy9nvs]

I really want it, but I think I'd barely ever use it. 😅

[@camilo8cheryl]

When the time comes you need those magical images, you have no lens to do it..i seldom use my 85 1.2s, 70-200 2.8s, but when i had the chance those lenses produced stunning photos, now im selling or trade all my 35,50,85, 1.8S, 24-70 4s so i can get the plena. The 50/85 1.2s lenses is just far superior in sharpness and magical look in them optics design.

[@cy9nvs]

@@camilo8cheryl Yeah, I know, but for a lens this expensive, this isn't as straight forward as that. 😅 Cameralabs compared this to some other, cheaper lenses, and the old DSLR Sigma 135mm f/1.8 doesn't seem that far off, probably makes more sense for me.

[@Mersuharrastaja]

What is Plena? is it series of lenses or? Is there non-plena 135 from Nikon?

[@t_mcb_1342]

how does it compare to the Sigma art f1.8 135mm? Maybe not for Nikon, but for Sony ie...

[@MrCoolAttitude]

I picked up a 135mm f2 fc lens some while back. Really love it on my d700. These new ones sure look sexy though.

[@MickeyKodak]

The Defocus Lense was very Nice and Heavy i still have it and the D700 was a Wonder as she came out but mine is sold but i always remember

[@chriszueller990]

I've been following Jared for years now, and this is not a dig or anything like that, but I would love if Jared would address his complete 180 on Nikon. Hopefully, he can address it during RAW talk. I created a game a few years ago, I used to take a drink after every dig on Nikon, now I need to change it to every nice thing said about Nikon from Jared. I've gotten drunk so quickly lately. LOL!!!

[@erik_stein]

I think Jared started appreciating Nikon again back when one of the Z9 firmware updates came out that made Nikon autofocus on par (or at least in the same league) as Sony and Canon. Most of his past criticisms were against AF performance, which Nikon has pretty much fixed. Just my guess

[@froknowsphoto]

There’s no 180, their af for mirrorless prior to the z9 couldn’t hold a candle to even the most basic mirrorless from Sony and canon. It comes down to that for me.

[@airtyme]

Isnt the reason why there is edge to edge circular bokeh because the rear element is oversized? Which none of the other brands have done

[@Joyofvision99]

I see some octagons at 8:19. I wonder how it compares to Sony, which is incredible.

[@livejames9374]

@@Joyofvision99that was shot by a different lens stopped down

[@mbismbismb]

canon also has IS on their 135mm f1.8 L series USM

[@ripkendavis1570]

What Nikon Z camera should I get. Rn I currently have the z50

[@marcusbeasley3212]

I have an 85 1.2 and can't wait to get this lens. Been waiting for this since I got rid of my Sony 135GM after ditching Sony...just have to finish paying off my Fuji 200F2 lens first...if I have any manner of self control.

[@ilaion11]

What is that you didn't liked at Sony? Color science is not a problem for me, is there any other issue that made you choose Nikon over Sony? (of course this 135 is way better than Sony's 135GM, but that is a good lens in its own right)

[@Joyofvision99]

@@ilaion11 how is this one way better than the Sony? If I recall correctly, the Sony was one of the sharpest lens ever tested if not the sharpest incredible auto focus too.

[@ilaion11]

@@Joyofvision99 I only call it better than Sony in terms of optical qualities. Sony is a sharp lens, but is not as well corrected for chromatic aberrations. Probably Sony is sharper in the center, but Plena is sharper whole frame with less vigneting. This Nikon lens is better than Canon RS's also optically.

[@summonedfist]

@@ilaion11 for a 4.5 year old lens, the Sony's an incredible buy especially at today's grey/used market prices!

[@ilaion11]

@@summonedfist I don't doubt that! Incredible work can be done with that lens. I just share a moment of appreciation to Nikon for going the extra mile and create a truly incredible lens that exhibits higher optical quality than the competition, for a little higher price. It is always great to have fierce competition, and I can safely assume that is Sony didn't bring that 135, Nikon wouldn't have put such an effort to create Plena. I am sure Sony will come out with a stellar 85 1.2 soon.

[@medievil2]

The question everybody is asking , how does it compare to the Sony version?

[@charlesgarratt5270]

Hi Brilliant review, as always, thank you. Question for you and everyone.. Would you rather this lens on a Nikon Z7ii or the 135mm GM on Sony A7iv? I have both cameras and only want to buy one of these two lenses. I want the Sharpest for eye detail in portraits and the lens that produces the smoothest bokeh. Also happy to hear all thoughts on systems and best setups with these two cameras and lenses. Also, just to note, im debating swapping my A7iv for A7rv in the near future. Thanks in advance and I hope you and everyone is having a good day.

[@gromenteal2133]

This lens is not like every 135 1.8. Optically this is superior to every 135 1.8 in every way. You put Sony Canon Sigma Samyang 135 side by side and you won’t tell a difference, add Plena and you will see a difference. All 135 1.8 have great smooth bokeh but what differentiates Plena is the rounded bokeh, I don’t know how it’s important to you but for me it is the biggest reason I am planning to get it, it looks just different, rounded shaped bokeh will always look so much nicer and better than a lemon shaped bokeh which we find in every lens wide open. Plus nearly zero vignette wide open and very sharp and contrasty at its closest minimum focus at 1.8 which none of the other 135 lenses on the market can achieve. Of you have both Sony and Nikon I would say go for Plena, but if you want a 135 for your Sony then go for Samyang which is cheaper, equal in most cases and better in some cases than the Sonys. I did rent Plena for a week and shot in every scenario, you could do the same, rent both Sony and Plena and make your decision, this way you won’t need to rely on other’s opinion.

[@gromenteal2133]

Check out Christopher Frost review of this lens, a trust worthy reviewer.

[@sjm.photos]

sony 135gm is my fave lens for portraiture and its nice to see the nikon users have something as good now but at £1100 more than the sony gmaster is it worth it?

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

I am not sure where you get that price difference from, the gap is 400 US$. And having owned both lenses, if you love the Sony you'll be amazed at the Nikon, it delivers a much sweeter look.

[@sjm.photos]

@@bernardlanguillier7970 im looking at uk prices

[@sjm.photos]

@@bernardlanguillier7970 how have you owned both lenses when the nikon has just been released and is preoorder at the moment lol

[@homie81]

​​@@sjm.photos pre order? I got mine since 14 October 😉

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

Your images are always so so dark in the shadows, is this intentional? Nice lens from Nikon I will agree.

[@froknowsphoto]

Might be your screen? I also edit with a lot of contrast. Personal choice.

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

@@froknowsphoto No my Mac screen is fine buddy. I now realised you use those preset things. I have a friend who likes them and anyone in say in a black suite has zero detail, it's a blob of blackness.

[@raynerp]

@@The-Tall-Photographer Hi said it's a personal choice, a blob of darkness is OK if the author wants it to be like that

[@phphoto]

I can’t wait to get my hands on this lens. I have a 85mm 1,4 and never use it. It has something to do with the whole 85mm thing, it just not a lens for the type of shooting that I do. I believe when I get my hands on the 135mm I probably won’t take it off ever 😄

[@niceyesplease]

Plena or the RF?

[@corykphotography]

Jared, what is your opinion on the Sigma 50-100mm f1.8 zoom lens?

[@pierrevilley6675]

I'm not Jared, but i can tell you that it is a DC (APSC) lens, which makes it the equivalent of a full frame 75-150 F/2.7. So just buy a full frame body and a 70-200 2.8, you'll get the same results with 50mm more reach and optical stabilization.

[@kamalalzayer3430]

Hi . Thanks for the nice Video .I am considering to buy a Bookeh Lens .couldnt decide about the z 85 or the 135 mm and need your advice . I have a z 8 with 4 lenses , 1 . 14 -24 2 . 24 -70 3 . 70 -180 f.2.8 4. 105 macro lens f 2.8

[@dakotaxu4792]

The Z85mm f1.2 is more useful than the Z135mm Plena. Both have great bokeh but the 85 has better separation and you can use it indoors as well as outdoors. With the 135 you need a lot of space to shoot and your subject will need to be further away. The 85 is $300 more expensive but really worth every penny

[@fatherchristmas2998]

Beautiful photos

[@loveandprem]

Thanks! Ordered today :D

[@Travel_Photography_Dude]

I gotta go buy one

[@jeffrielley920]

Did you upgrade the Z9 firmware to 4.1 and is it the vast improvement that some are saying it is?

[@froknowsphoto]

This was filmed before that was released. The 600 6.3 video was where I updated to 4.1. And no, nothing is a vast improvement. Everyone says that every freaking Nikon update at this point

[@livejames9374]

4.1 update was for birds. Jared doesn’t shoot birds much at all

[@kamalalzayer3430]

I have a z 8 with 4 Lenses 1. 14-24 2. 24-70 3. 70-180 4. Macro lens 105 f.2.8 Now I want a bookeh lens Which lens should I buy The 85mm f 1.2 Or the plena 135 mm f1.8

[@jocblues]

Interiors 85, external 135

[@emm8485]

Not a Nikon shooter, but this will cost Plena of money!!

[@paulmorrall5719]

Would make an absolutely Superb lens for Astro 👏🏻

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

yes, close to zero coma

[@JoeLoffredo]

Nice review!

[@vinyalonde]

Fro Knows Photo! Come for the great reviews; stay for the laughs!

[@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763]

Hey Bro, that's why they call him Fro!

[@GemmaHentsch]

Also the Fuji no masp instead having each item be a physical dial is so much more usable…

[@SeriousExplorations]

I used to have a fro like that. Now all I have are the memories. :D

[@anthonysork6716]

Thanks Jared - love your channel 👍 Do you have affiliate relationships in Australia?

[@sajjanreshami]

I am waiting for your canon RF 10-20 F4 review.

[@stepheneckert4006]

Filmed and being edited, will be out soon!

[@sajjanreshami]

Thank you

[@highdynamicphotographyfilm2235]

I am waiting for that review as well.

[@highdynamicphotographyfilm2235]

For canon 10-20 f4

[@cyanidestatic7896]

Currently in the process of trading in my D850 and my 105mm 1.4 for the Plena. I got to try it out a couple of months ago and I absolutely loved it. I'd also be using it for street photography alongside portraits

[@dakotaxu4792]

You don’t think the 105mm f1.4 has better images than the Plena?

[@cyanidestatic7896]

@dakotaxu4792 The Plena seems to be a step up from the 105 1.4. The 105 1.4 is one of the best lenses you can get for Full Frames but the Plena is one of the best for mirrorless and is better than the 105. That's my opinion on it anyway

[@dakotaxu4792]

@@cyanidestatic7896 I purchased the 105 yesterday, but haven’t had the chance to try it out yet. I also have the Z85mm f1.2. Tomorrow I’m testing out both in the field. I honestly like the 105 because it’s not as unwieldy as the 85. So here’s my question: I want to also add the Plena to the collection. Do you think I can get away with having an 85mm1.2, a 105mm 1.4 and a 135mm 1.8 (if I also get the Plena)?

[@kevon1797]

Will this lens work with my Nikon D610?

[@randygerber1565]

No

[@anthonyhershko]

Wonderful video!!

[@giovanniraebiger2354]

good for night / Astro photograpie a screen on the lense, that's not a waste of technology for me

[@AVerkhovsky]

I am very happy with the Samyang AF 135 1.8 for Sony, a bit lighter, two times less expensive, and just as sharp as Sony GM ))

[@hondahoon2479]

I would love to try this for some indoor basketball

[@vukhuat4251]

I really looking forward to the upcoming Viltrox 135 F1.8. With the impressived quality of the recent lenses from Viltrox, I guess it will be amazing.

[@hackinghifi]

It definitely looks great and your presets look very good. It would be nice to have some comparison shots too against cheaper lenses. I’m not that familiar with Nikon lenses but some of the cheap lenses from Samyang really hold their own against the expensive stuff in the Sony world. It would be nice to see what you get in terms of the differences and if it’s worth the extra money to whatever Nikon has for cheap lenses.

[@UweRoclawski]

Photographer: "Look at these perfect light bubbles in the background!" Girl: "I look terrible on this photo!"

[@johnl2613]

Photographer "that's fine. We just wanted something in the foreground" LoL

[@maxwell1usa]

@8:41 absolutely crushed it!!!

[@ChadWilson]

What a fantastic model! Awwwwwww!

[@EugeneMaynard]

As a working professional, I went with both the 85 1.2 and 135 1.8! Different tools for different needs! My only problem is that my beloved Canon EF 135 2.0 L might feel that I left her for a younger and fresher model, she need not worry, I hope I can handle two beauties at the same time!😉

[@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763]

I'm not sure what you can handle Maynard

[@EugeneMaynard]

@@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763 😂😂😂

[@RussandLoz]

Some side by side photos with the 85 1.2 would have been good. But apart from that I don't get the appeal with this lens, I'll stick with my 105 1.4 🤗

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

The main difference with the 85mm f1.2 is round bokeh balls. I own both.

[@bratsdelight]

Jared is the best🎉

[@starbase218]

Careful with the Tonéh Jared.

[@Neopulse00]

82mm filter thread damn. Thought it was gonna be 72mm if anything.

[@mluu83]

Sony, Canon, and Sigma are also 82mm.

[@carljonesmedia]

Keeping mine on ice until Monday Night Football in a couple weeks!

[@heathwirt8919]

Beautiful images, the lens is definitely top shelf.

[@lavluvlov]

Would like to see a night life photo with this lens..

[@StarvisionGraphics]

Ohhh nooo....not the wind tunnel test!!! LOL!

[@1rstKike]

135mm is too long for me 🤷‍♂️ ... 105mm f1.4 is ideal ... 😏👌

[@johnz4412]

Or an 85. I agree that 135 can be a challenge with subject communication and needed back-up distances, especially in studio.

[@sgpork]

Yea fanastic lens. No doubt. But way more costly than the competiition. How does it do if compare with the sony and canon counterparts?

[@tectorama]

A must have, unless you mostly do sports and wildlife.

[@froknowsphoto]

Must have for sports

[@miked8121]

Jared .... Is it worth considering the Sigma Art 135 F1.8 with FTZ at half the price new and as low 1/4 the price used. You gave it an excellent review 6 years ago.

[@OkwyUgonweze]

I had the sigma and I can tell you it’s a great lens more so when you consider the price .If you can’t afford this by all means get the sigma ,this is from a man that have shot them all .

[@RejeRush]

The sigma 135 with the ftz is an excellent lens in comparison and I use that exact combo on a Z8. I literally bought the Plena and sent it back to Nikon after a couple days because I couldn’t justify spending the money on a lens I only use during wedding ceremonies and toasts. Plus, I would rather spend $2500 on the 35 f1.2 when it comes out as that’s a focal length I use very often.

[@cmdrls212]

The cat eye bokeh in the Sony is ridiculous. Now I can't unsee. More plena primes Nikon!

[@chrislognshot]

nuts roasting of fire.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

I waited all the way to the end for the “cya”.

[@kibbo00]

You have perfected giving the appearance of making a positive comment yet throwing in a negative undertone which plugs your preferred camera company Mr. Polin. I used to love your reviews and now you have gone to several other camera manufacturer so you have forsaken the old one. That’s OK but please stop handing out underhanded slams at your previous cameras. But then again, you have moved thru them all so you have the experience. BUT, please stop the underhanded slams.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

2:00 when he is trying to make it seem like the Sony is the same is funny. His comments can mislead, but the image did not lie: full of onion bokeh, in brutal contrast to the Plena lens. Clearly, the Sony is still a fantastic lens, and combined with the superior AF of the Sony quite something, but the Lens is not like the Plena.

[@j.gvideostudio1846]

NICE EXCELENT

[@johnhernlund539]

Disregarding AF, how does it compare optically to the famous Zeiss 135/2 lens?

[@photographerjonathan]

The Nikon 135 cost $400 dollars more than the Canon and Nikon 135 lenses because it says Plena on it. but it does seem to render really nice. but personally I am someone who wants a small and light system. and with Sony you can buy the new Samyang 135 which has beautiful image quality for around $1000 dollars. which is allot less than $2500 dollars. but Nikon was really smart giving the lens a fancy name. all the lens snobs will love that they own a Plena. just like the people who brag about there Leica Noctilux or Summicron and all the fancy names Leica gives their lenses so they can charge five times the money for them. but I do have to say that I think this is the best lens that Nikon has ever put out. and its the first lens from them that *( maybe ) * actually backs up their claim that the bigger lens mount gives them an image quality advantage. because all I have seen up till this lens is that the big mount is a disadvantage. because all of their lens designs have to start out being bigger where it connects to the lens mount. which means their glass is going to be bigger and heavier right from step one of the design. and the big mount is even more of a disadvantage on their apsc cameras as far as making smaller and lighter glass. but even with the size and weight and price. I think Nikon will sell allot of these new 135 Plena lenses. because there are allot of people out there with Plena of doe. who will just want to have it in there bag or display case.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

The Samyang can be adapted to Nikon Z without any problem. The look of the Plana images is really outstanding.

[@howiesternphoto]

I used to have the Sony135...And the Plena is a whole other level above. The Sony is sharp but sterile, and the Nikon just renders artistically(especially skin texture). The bokeh is truly unique on it, zero cats eye, and no vignetting. It feels light, and honestly handes way better on my Z9 then the Sony did on my A1 with grip(Sony ergos will forever be awful and unsatisfying to use). The plena lives up to the hype. It's the best lens I've ever owned.

[@dw.imaging]

I would pay 3-4k for an 85mm 1.2 - 135mm 1.8 telephoto (IF) it were possible to exist. It would probably weigh 2500 grams though 😂😂.

[@striderwhiston9897]

Vignetting is much worse on the sony 135mm, albeit still not bad.