Nikon 135mm Plena - Great, But Not For Everyone (Review and Examples)

In this video, I'll give my thoughts on the Plena after shooting with it for several months!
IN THIS VIDEO
Nikon 135mm 1.8 Plena - amzn.to/3UXWLMj
MY CAMERA GEAR
Nikon Z9 - amzn.to/44OC2x6
Nixon ZF - amzn.to/4agHuev
Nikon 500mm PF - amzn.to/3Oaz7aH
Nikon 300mm PF - amzn.to/3Dzd6xv
LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
My Website: www.alanyoung....
Follow me on Instagram: @alanyoung.wildlife
#photography #nikon #nikonz9 #nikonzf

[@dance2jam]

I've wanted a Nikon 135mm lens for many years (as I shoot outdoor portraits with the 70-200mm there a lot. After waiting for a long time, I purchased a used 200mm f/2. The smooth rendering and transition zones of the 135mm remind me of the 200mm. Prior to that, I also used the 105mm f/1.4 a lot. Different animal for a different type of shot. That said, two other photographer friends are all looking into buying a 200mm f/2 (one Nikon, one Canon) because of the shots I constantly share with them. (I told them don't do it - but I love that lens). Heavy- Ha. The Plena would be a delight. I'm not really sure I need the 135mm f/1.8 anymore - faster (slightly), lighter (a bunch), distance to subject (a bit closer) - but I'm not sure it's enough to make a difference or make it worth it. Now, one thing Alan I've recently started to do (I'm not a professional photographer as my shirt reminds people), I've ignored advice to "only shoot at f/2. That's why you buy that lens". I found that while the background does become identifiable, the 200mm's smooth transition zones hold up even at f/7.1 - where the background can be sort of identified, and isn't crushed so that you don't know what's there. I've found it both fun, and challenging to not get hung up in the fast aperture trap. Making sure, when stopped down, that everything in the photograph belongs and is essential to the story. The 200mm still looks far better than any other lens shot that way. When I use it for indoor action adult ice hockey shots - while it is not nearly as flexible as zooms, the players love the action images with the 200mm. For the kids, the Mom's love seeing their child shot with the 200mm. My comments were prior to you mentioning the 200mm f/2 at the end. I was curious to see a comparison between the 200mm f/2 and 135mm f/1.8. I haven't see n one on KZbin yet - probably because few have both. Which would you choose? And, do you need both?

[@ConfusedAstroStation-mb2ch]

You get the 135 1.8 Plena as a 200 f/2 alternative. It won't replicate 200 f/2 but it's close..the things is super heavy with my Z9, Plena would be perfect, I already have 70-200 2.8S and plan to shoot the hell out of it at 2.8...lol

[@dance2jam]

@@ConfusedAstroStation-mb2ch Which thing is super heavy with your Z9? Are you talking about the PLENA or the 200 f2 (which goes without saying). If I didn't own the 200mm f2 already, I'm sure I would have strongly considered picking up either the 135mm f1.8 or the 85mm alternative (likely 1.2). I have been shooting predominately wildlife, sports, and action. Lately, moving into lighting and portraiture. I could certainly do without the weight of the 200mm f2 (and the size). Nailing focus on DSLRs was not fun, but on the Z9, very doable. When I compare the images with the lens stopped down to the 105mm f1.4 stopped down, the lens again separates itself in my opinion because of how smooth the transition out-of-focus zones are - and the color rendering. For now, I'll just admire the 135mm from a far - and pick up a used copy someday.

[@saucelove]

It’s for me. It’s pure perfection ❤

[@saucelove]

I just bought my 135 from Best Buy 1 week ago. Haven’t had a chance to really use it. Moved back to Nikon from Fuji. The rumored 35mm 1.2 sounds very appealing to me. That’s I’ll need. 2 lenses.

[@tr3v87]

I want one for my wildlife work. Currently using the 70-200.

[@davewalker5706]

Had mine for a month or so, I love it, it is absolutely amazing. I use it for landscapes and generally turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Balances beautifully on the Z*, once its on the camera I don't want to take it off!

[@mrdarryljones1]

I have one and have found that due to its superior optical quality, making panoramas with it creates the most amazing high resolution, high megapixel images! Shooting at 135mm also takes me out of my comfort zone. I know I can use it for portraits but finding ways to use it in other photography, I think, makes me a better photographer. Fun review and nice rodeo shots! 👍🏾

[@MikeVideos327]

Could you eleborate on the panoramas? I would like to try this but i am very light on all post activities.

[@mrdarryljones1]

@@MikeVideos327 Take a series of shots that overlap. Use manual focus and keep the focus the same for all your shots. Bring them into Lightroom and select all the overlapping shots. Right click on one of the selected shots and go to photo merge. The sub menu will give you options; pick panorama. Choose a projection and wait for the preview. If you’re happy with the results, make the panorama. LMK how it goes! 👍🏾

[@JFANDAPMFung-wp4jp]

This lens look stunning!

[@margot6041]

This is an excellent review, this lens is on my list!

[@ConfusedAstroStation-mb2ch]

I scratch my head when people use this lens incorrectly...step further back like 20 or more steps ans shoot this lens full body in landscape...look at images by Lisa Holloway or Daniel Venter...they shoot full body landscape oriented photos on portraits with 200 f/2 lens...that's when you see this lens shine. so called baby 200/f2..head shots, half body portraits looks like same as a 50 1.8 nifty fifty $100 lens..lol..

[@jackking5631]

Interested to see a comparison between this and 85mm 1.2. Currently have 35mm and 24-70mm, and debating on Plena vs 85mm 1.2. I feel 85mm might be better for my use case since it looks more versatile and forgiving.

[@BostonSchulz]

Do you have the ability to rent both (the 85mm and the Plena) to see what works best for you? I have just an old 85mm 1.8 but I use it all the time. It's such a beautiful focal distance, and always so sharp. I can't imagine how much better the 1.2 S would be. 😍 So if you don't have one in your kit -- that might be a perfect option.

[@saucelove]

its not tough call, not for me, I sold my 105mm 1.4 along with my D810. The Plena rules supreme. IMO

[@markma0905]

You got many fair points, Thank you❤

[@martingrierson1152]

Excellent approach and guidance. Thanks!

[@AliMohammad-kx5rc]

Hi - I am a street photographer, I have Nikon Z6II camera with 24-70 f4 lens, I also have 50mm f1.8 z lens, which i usually use most of the time, I live in Montreal and most of the photos I shoot in the city, I am thinking to buy 135 f1.8 lens, do you think that this lens will be good for urban landscape photography? Thanks for the reply in advance.

[@migueltrujillo5932]

Made the switch to mirrorless via Z8 and The Plena and now my D850 and the 200 f/2 VR don't see much the light of day for street portraits.

[@videorezensent]

The image circle is move evenly illuminated, with more light rays hitting the sensor at close to a right angle. The image circle may be wider, but that is not the main feature, and most likely the image circle is restricted by some mechanical vignetting (outside the full frame area, of course).

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

I just ordered it.

[@TonyMigPhotography]

I own it. Simply the best

[@petersphotojourney]

I'm looking at this lens for Rodeo/Barrel Racing, I think you just sold it for me!

[@JohnDoe-101]

very nice

[@MBI83]

Great review and comparisons. However, DoF on 105 /1.4 and 135 /1.8 are exactly the same

[@dannyli9424]

At 5:53 mark, I actually like the image produced by the 105mm better, I think would say in general I prefer the image from 105 better, while the 135 1.8 is a lot more " technically perfect" lends, but the 105 just offer some magic, maybe that's what people called " character", call me crazy, I even like the Zeiss Milvus 135 F2 APO better than the new 135 Plena. Between the Plena and the 85 1.8S ( which I also own), in my opinion is huge huge difference and the Plena is a very clear winner, I really don't like how the 85 1.8 renders the background. so I bite the bullet and got the 85 1.2 also and will get rid of the 1.8 as soon as I have the time to do it.

[@ConfusedAstroStation-mb2ch]

I'll keep the 85 1.8S for travel...135 1.8S for serious portraits..

[@TouchLifeStudio]

Great review. Thx. Q: if you were to choose one, would you go with 105 1.4 or 135 1.8? Thx.

[@alanyoungphoto]

Thank you! This is honestly a very tough choice. I think the Plena gets my vote but it would make me sad to give up the 105.

[@camilo8cheryl]

If shooting above F2, just go with a cheaper lenses out there, the strength of this lens is get as close

[@migueltrujillo5932]

Pleno, plenaria, are derives but I think theres more.

[@woodymallory9058]

This one is not for me,I don't think I would have any photos at 135 unless I hit it on a zoom. great review though! I might check Nikon Image Space so I can see how many photos I have at 135....I went back and checked on 135 focal length: less than 5 photos

[@alanyoungphoto]

Yes! I definitely see this as more of a specialty lens for portrait photographers that want a unique style.

[@macmac6479]

is the ZF "enough" for the Plena? I have the Z8 but thinking about buying the ZF for travel and street. I have the 50mm 1.2 and 105 2.8 but I really want to try the Plena.

[@alanyoungphoto]

The ZF + Plena combo has produced some amazing images for me! I’d say yes

[@macmac6479]

@@alanyoungphoto thanks! The pixel shift is also there if I need more resolution!

[@migueltrujillo5932]

Plena is also a name of a music genre from P. Rico🎼🎹🎵

[@AlexanderYoung-fw9de]

Did this come out today or yesterday?

[@AlexanderYoung-fw9de]

We need Nikon to sponsor you

[@Live-life..]

85mm 1.2f on my list but will skip 1.8f 😎

[@migueltrujillo5932]

Plenamente es una cosa plena. "Theres plena cerveza for everybody. (plenty)

[@intrinsicimagery]

I’m so tempted. I own the 50 1.2, 85 1.8, and 70-200 2.8 S. But I need the 135, right?

[@trojanhman8136]

It will hold its value better than cash.

[@gregoryowain2073]

All depends on what you will be shooting!

[@2klember]

How about to compare Plena to Nikon 135mm F2 DC lens. Plena is overpriced and I don’t think is worth to buy if you already own 105mm 1.4 or 135mm F2 DC.

[@bailey.nt86]

It's definately not worth it if you still shoot f-mount. The 135mm DC f/2 is just as amazing for $500 However, if you only have Z cameras the DC f/2 won't autofocus so your kinda stuck with manually focusing it.

[@2klember]

@@bailey.nt86 yes it is. Amazing lens. I do shoot F-mount. Dslr s are my favourite cameras. D lenses on Z mount don’t have AF but there is a great AF assistant to help with manual AF. Nikon 135mm F2 DC will deliver all the time.

[@gopalbarkur3917]

Very good video, but I wish you could have hired a good professional model to illustrate.

[@strippedlist]

This is the 20th BS video to justify 2700 euros for a lens....the same thing does Samyang, Sony lens much cheaper....if i put plena lens and sony lens side by side you wont know which is which and there is at least 1000 euros difference

[@gregoryowain2073]

But if you are a pro and want the best of the best then a 1000 euros doesn't make much of a difference. Especially if you preferred the handling and rendering of this lens over something else.

[@ismael5714]

[@ismael5714]