Nikon just announced the newest lens for the Z system – and their first lens ever with a “Plena” designation. The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is full of high-end features and will be available next month for $2500. It also has one of the most intense optical construction diagrams I’ve ever seen.
Specifications
- Full Name: Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
- Focal Length: 135mm prime
- Angle of View: 18°10′ (12° on DX)
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Elements: 16
- Lens Element Groups: 14
- Filter Thread Size: 82mm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.2x (1:5)
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.82 meters (2.69 feet)
- Image Stabilization: No
- Aperture Blades: 11
- Anti-Flare Coating: Yes
- ED Glass Elements: 4
- Aspherical Elements: 1
- Short-Wavelength Refractive Elements: 1
- Focus Motor: 2 stepping motors
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Rings: Focus and custom
- Function Buttons: Two (duplicating)
- Switches: A-M switch
- Construction Material: Metal
- Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 140 x 98 mm (5.5 x 3.9 inches)
- Weight: 995 g (2.19 lbs)
- MSRP: $2499.99
Product Photos
Analysis
It’s already clear that those are high-end specifications, but Nikon has taken things a step further by giving this lens a new designation, Plena. Even with Nikon teasing this lens for about a week, no one seemed to know what “Plena” meant, so I’ll let Nikon explain:
The name “Plena” is derived from the Latin term plenum, which denotes the state of a space being completely full. This name was chosen to reflect the lens’ ability to fulfill the user’s creative vision with superior light gathering capability, beautiful, well-rounded bokeh and outstanding sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Following in the footsteps of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, this distinctively brilliant portrait prime is only the second Nikon lens to be granted a dedicated name, with the hope that it will be highly regarded by users for many years to come.
Combine that description with the high launch price of $2500, and my expectation is that the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena will be one of the highest-performing Nikon lenses yet. I also want to draw your attention to the lens construction diagram, which is a terrifying but beautiful sight with so many large lens elements close together:
Besides that wild lens diagram, a few features about the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stand out to me. First, the 11-bladed aperture diaphragm is clearly designed to give out-of-focus highlights a smooth, circular shape. Second, the lens has a metal construction rather than the usual high-quality plastic of other Nikon Z lenses. And third – something not shown in the specifications above – is that Nikon’s press release extensively emphasizes that the 135mm f/1.8 Plena is designed for minimal vignetting.
Vignetting can be a problem for more than just the obvious reason of darker corners. It also leads to bokeh-related issues, particularly a “cat’s eye” shape in out-of-focus corners of the image. Lens designers can minimize vignetting at wide apertures by giving the lens a larger image circle. (This often improves corner sharpness at wide apertures as well.) However, the tradeoff of a larger image circle is that the lens must be larger, and usually more expensive, than normal. And while Nikon has kept the Plena to a pretty reasonable 995 grams / 2.19 pounds, it’s still a big piece of glass.
One downside with the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is the lack of teleconverter support. Nikon’s current Z teleconverters simply can’t fit on this lens – the rear element is too close to the lens mount. I’m not complaining too much, since this optical design is presumably what allows for the reduced vignetting and high optical quality that Nikon is advertising with the Plena. Still, I would have liked to see a 135mm f/1.8 that could become a 190mm f/2.5 in a pinch (or a 270mm f/3.6). At that point, it would have been a compelling alternative to a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom in even more ways.
Sample Photos
In their teaser video and press release, Nikon placed a lot of emphasis on the bokeh of the 135mm f/1.8 S Plena – in a way not seen since at least the 58mm f/0.95 Noct, and perhaps since the Nikon 58mm f/1.4G. Given that, I was very interested in the sample images that accompanied the lens’s announcement.
From the samples so far, I’m impressed, but bokeh is subjective by definition. I’ll leave the following photos and crops for you to analyze for yourself, with my analysis afterwards. Click on them to see larger. The crops below are the same size each time: 2033 pixel wide excerpts from the full-resolution Nikon Z8 images.
Based upon the images above, the quality of the background blur looks very good to me. There is basically no cat’s-eye effect, meaning that out-of-focus specular highlights are rendered as almost perfect circles. (Though I wish Nikon had shared some images at f/2 or f/2.8 so we could see the smoothness of the 11-bladed aperture diaphragm.) There is very minimal color fringing – AKA longitudinal chromatic aberration – but not quite zero. Finally, the bokeh is nice and smooth, although it occasionally takes on some mild texture and defined edges in photos with dramatic specular highlights.
Also, sharpness appears extremely high. The following is a 100% crop from one of Nikon’s official sample photos from the 45-megapixel Z8. While it’s hard to know what kind of sharpening was applied, this looks great for an f/1.8 image no matter how you slice it. Click to see the full-size version:
To me, this is a really impressive showing that stands above most other lenses both in bokeh and sharpness. I think lots of event and portrait photographers will have their eye on this lens, especially if price isn’t an object.
Pre-Order and Shipping Information
The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena will ship in mid-October 2023. Because of the high price and complex design, it will likely be a low-production lens. It may face some backorder issues as a result, although likely not as badly as an exotic supertelephoto prime. You can pre-order the lens for $2496.95 from B&H here:
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Press Release
THE SPLENDOR OF FULL RADIANCE: NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 135mm F/1.8 S PLENA
With an Emphasis on Extreme Peripheral Illumination, the Plena is a New Visual Experience with Dreamy Bokeh, Fast Aperture and Beautiful Compression
MELVILLE, NY (September 27, 2023) Today Nikon Inc. announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, an impressively unique lens for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This new mid-telephoto prime lens bestows astonishingly high resolution, edge-to-edge brightness, incredible sharpness and spectacularly dramatic bokeh, all while elevating the threshold of what’s possible with optical technology.
The name “Plena” is derived from the Latin term plenum, which denotes the state of a space being completely full. This name was chosen to reflect the lens’ ability to fulfill the user’s creative vision with superior light gathering capability, beautiful, well-rounded bokeh and outstanding sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Following in the footsteps of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, this distinctively brilliant portrait prime is only the second Nikon lens to be granted a dedicated name, with the hope that it will be highly regarded by users for many years to come.
“The Plena is a beautiful lens in every way. From the premium metal exterior to the brightness and image rendering that’s nothing short of breathtaking, this is a lens that needs to be experienced,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “This is exactly the kind of incredible optical innovation that our engineers promised was in our future, which could only be developed with the wider diameter and shorter flange distance of the next generation Z mount.”
This truly special optic is engineered with a focus on superior peripheral illumination, which is the ability to deliver the maximum amount of light to the far edges of the frame. The result is abundant brightness from edge-to-edge, with clear, bright subject distinction throughout. The combination of brightness, bokeh quality and extreme sharpness makes for vibrant images with a mystical pop of three-dimensionality. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is part of the S-Line1 and takes advantage of the Z mount system’s large-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design, as well as the potential for light gathering.
In addition to enhanced brightness, the optical formula and larger rear element helps to realize beautiful, well-rounded bokeh throughout the entire frame, even from maximum aperture. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena also affords users outstanding sharpness and clarity, regardless of the shooting distance with a close minimum focusing distance of only 0.82 m/2.69 ft. This enables a fantastic dreamlike expression that combines delicate textures and beautiful bokeh in portraits, landscapes and more.
The lens’ luxurious exterior design is intended to match its superior optical performance. Along with the adoption of metal components, the lens features an engraved “Plena” logo similar to the cursive font and yellow color of the Noct logo. Additional features include a fully weather sealed body for durability and the addition of two L-Fn buttons for customization.
Primary Features of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
- Beautiful, well-rounded bokeh is achieved throughout the entire frame, while supporting a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture.
- Eleven-blade diaphragm and larger rear element contribute to exceptionally circular bokeh for dreamlike expression that accentuates the three-dimensionality of the subject with smooth gradation.
- The large amount of peripheral light at the f/1.8 maximum aperture ensures a consistently bright image all the way to the extreme corners of the frame for a sense of transparency and brilliance in images.
- The outstanding sharpness and clarity, characteristic of S-Line lenses, enables rendering of the finest textures in hair and skin tones, while excellent point-light reproduction capabilities achieve brilliant night and urban landscape imagery.
- A multi-focusing system uses stepping motors (STMs) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus drive for still images and video.
- In addition to Meso Amorphous Coat, the most effective anti-reflection coating in Nikon history that prevents reflections regardless of the direction from which light enters the lens, Nikon’s original ARNEO Coat is also used to effectively reduce instances of ghosting and flaring.
- Optical construction consists of 16 elements in 14 groups, with four ED elements, one aspherical element and one SR lens element.
- A design that takes video recording into consideration with quiet operation and stable exposure.
- The lens body features two lens Fn buttons, to which a wide variety of functions can be assigned. One is positioned on the top of the lens enabling smooth adjustment of settings even when shooting in vertical orientation.
- The versatile 82mm filter attachment size enables the use of various lens filters designed to satisfy users’ creative intent.
- Designed to achieve superior dust and drip-resistant performance2.
- Well balanced with a dimension of 3.9″x 5.5″, and a weight of 2.2 lbs /995 g.
Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena will be available in mid-October for a suggested retail price of $2499.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram,TikTok, Vimeo and Flickr.
# # #
Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
- The S-line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.
- Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
I have a question concerning the Plena. It is a 135mm lens in FX mode. In DX mode, it effectively becomes a 202.5mm optic. Is the resolution drop from FX mode to DX mode drastic? (I tried briefly to research information on the resolution figures for the FX/DX modes but was unable to find any.) This lens is certainly looking more and more intriguing to this user.
Yes, it’s pretty drastic — you lose a bit more than half of the megapixel count.
If you’re using one of Nikon’s 45 megapixel cameras, you’ll end up with about 21 megapixels. If you’re using one of their 24 megapixel full-frame cameras, it’s about 11 megapixels left.
FYI, using DX mode is no different from simply cropping your photo extensively, except that it happens in-camera. There is zero image quality benefit to using DX mode rather than just cropping later.
It’s always nice when Nikon release something designed to raise our awareness of aesthetic qualities possible in photography. I think this is intended to be a lens where the balance of all the individual features add up to be greater than the sum of its parts. Sharpness is only one aspect of lens design. Colour balance, bokeh, how the transition to out of focus areas and how distortions are handled are important.
I know lots of discussion will revolve around which comparable lenses are “better” but that is not what really counts for me any more.
What counts for me is how well a lens works as a package.
I know, for example, that my 85mm 1.8S is pretty sharp and has been reviewed favourably etc. and is nice and light. All that is far less important than the way it is able to let me look at images and portraits where I am getting consistently pleasing results. I have decided I like lenses which somehow manage to get out of the way and let me look at facial expressions, the smile, the eyes etc and concentrate on how the subject looks and how they respond to the results.
It did take me a while to realise that what I had bought was actually exactly what I had always wanted but didn’t expect to find in a studio lens. My thoughts of buying an updated 70-200 have become irrelevant. It is sharper and very impressive but I don’t actually need it.
I look forward to seeing if I feel the same about the Plena.
Looks an absolute delight.
Years ago I read a humorous piece on lens buying on a budget(!) where the writer ended up with a 35/f2 and a 135/f2 as ultimate lenses.
One can see the point (birds and the like apart).
I have the Sigma 135 f1.8 lens (Nikon F or with FTZ converter) which I find excellent. This looks sensational. If a review is due, I would be interested in a comparison with the Sigma lens if that is feasible.
I’ll definitely compare it against the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 for the review if at all possible.
This is definitely a lens I would like to try. The way it appears to work for the photographer and creates such a smooth transition to out of focus blur is particularly impressive. It is designed for those of us who have a particular style of photography in mind.
I understand that it does not appeal to those who struggle to see the point of it.
It always surprises me (but it shouldn’t) that people want to comment on things a lens doesn’t do rather than accept the things it is specifically designed for.
I like the fact that it offers such an interesting look for a relatively reasonable price compared to the Noct or the 50 F1.2.
Lensbaby is starting to make some Z mount lenses. Am I wrong or could you have the same amount of fun with more choices at a fraction of the cost, albeit without autofocus?
If there’s one thing I don’t like about fast lenses, it’s blue color fringes on white flowers or bright flowers in strong backlighting. Green color fringes in the out-of-focus background are also common with lesser lenses. That’s why the new Nikon 135mm f/1.8 should be superior to most already good lenses, especially with its SR lens, because it doesn’t allow color aberrations to appear at all, or only so minimally that they’re not noticeable.
Hello Spencer and all. If you used this Plena for landscape photography, would it blur foreground and background? So, is it advisable to try this for sharp landscape photography? Also, the derivation of the name Plena is incorrect in this article. The real meaning comes from plena of money.
It won’t blur the foreground or background any more (or less) than any other 135mm lens, at least at a given aperture. I expect it to be a very sharp lens for landscape photography, maybe one of Nikon’s sharpest if their marketing is to be believed.
That said, this would be a lot of money to spend on a fixed 135mm lens if your primary goal is landscapes. Lenses like the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 or Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 are already so sharp at common landscape apertures, and they have more versatile focal lengths. The 135mm f/1.8 is more of a portrait and event lens at heart.
I don’t know about that. My 85 1.2 is sharper than my 85 1.8 at similar apertures. I would look forward to your testing of that assumption.
It depends what apertures you’re talking about – definitely at f/4 through f/8, there are sharpness benefits. At f/11 and f/16, most modern lenses are pretty indistinguishable.
In any case, the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 in particular already has top 3 corner sharpness measurements among all lenses we’ve tested, including primes. Even if the 135mm beats it, we’re already at such a high level that I wouldn’t buy the 135mm solely for landscapes.
I would strongly consider a 135 2.5 for landscapes. I use all the other 1.8 primes for that use case. My Noct, 1.2 primes and soon the Plena I reserve for portraiture or any situation where weight is not important.
This Plena’s sharpness holds up right to the edges, with only the last 2 or 3 mm falling off but still sharp. Combined with the lack of vignetting and lack of cats eye bokeh, well – I can see that Nikon set out to deliver the world’s best portrait lens.
Even with these specs, I don’t think this will beat the Fuji GF110mm.
The Fujifilm GFX system crop factor is 0.790 therefore GF 110mm F2 full‑frame equivalent would be 87 mm f/1.6.
“One downside with the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is the lack of teleconverter support.”
Thanks for this information. I wasn’t expecting this and I really need to think again about the sense and nonsense of this lens for me
Why would you want to use a teleconverter on this? How is a 190/2.5 any more useful than just using a 70-200/2.8 (considering that TCs reduce sharpness and often also degrade the bokeh)? The whole point of this lens is top-class optics, and a TC ruins all of that appeal.
For me, the large round white bubbles are a distracting element. I guess they could work in some situations, but for portraiture, based on the examples Nikon showed, don’t add anything.
You can always stop the lens down and the bubbles will get smaller.
I agree, not a fan, but the bubbles are there because of the subject matter, not because of the lens. Avoid white background highlights and things should be a lot smoother.
I would have greatly preferred compatibility with the S-line TC’s. But then I also would have preferred a 135mm f/1.2 optic with TC compatibility to yield a 189mm f/1.7 medium tele.
Admittedly, a lens like that would be groundbreaking, but you’d have to be willing to deal with a massive size and price penalty. Look at the Canon 200mm f/1.8 from 1988 for a comparable sized lens – there’s no other way to get such a wide aperture at such a long focal length.
Oh, I have no problem paying the price/size penalties. The largest fast tele I ever owned was the old Zuiko 180mm f/2. The only real negative was that it was not a true APO lens. That lens was 67.02 oz but balanced very well with the tiny Zuiko camera bodies ( which are approximately the same size as the Nikon mirrorless bodies).
I would even love a Z 135mm f1.4 optic with TC compatibility, yielfing a 189mm f/2 hybrid optic.
Teleconverters (TCs) work reasonably well simply because they are not “fast aperture” diverging lenses: they are designed to work best with lenses no faster than f/2.8.
The maximum physical diameter restriction of the extruding front portion of TCs determines their “speed limit”.
Many fast lenses, including the Z 135 mm f/1.8, require rear lens elements positioned as far back as their mount flange (or even further towards the sensor), which makes them physically incompatible with TCs.
Let’s not forget that every true telephoto lens, by definition, already contains a (diverging) negative telephoto group, which is the essence of a teleconverter.
QUOTE Teleconverter, Wikipedia
A teleconverter works similarly to a telephoto group of a proper telephoto lens. It consists of a group of lenses which together act as a single diverging lens. The location of a teleconverter is such that the image produced by the lens is located behind the teleconverter in a distance smaller than its focal length. This image is a virtual object of the teleconverter, which is then focused further away and thus enlarged.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/…econverter