The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stands out as a remarkable achievement in optical engineering, delivering truly exceptional image quality, particularly in areas of bokeh, sharpness, and chromatic aberration control. This lens isn’t just another long prime.

It’s designed to set a new standard for portraiture and selective focus work within the Nikon Z ecosystem, boasting an ultra-smooth, creamy background blur that truly lives up to its “Plena” moniker, derived from the Latin word for “full” or “complete,” signifying its ability to render every detail with profound clarity and exquisite out-of-focus areas.

If you’re a professional photographer or a serious enthusiast looking to achieve a distinct, painterly look with unparalleled subject isolation, the Plena is a must, albeit one that comes with a premium price tag and a substantial physical presence.

Its performance is optimized for the high-resolution sensors of Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, ensuring that every pixel counts and contributes to stunning, three-dimensional images that pop.

Product Name	Aperture Range	Filter Size	Weight	Key Feature
Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	f/1.8 – f/16	82mm	995g	Unrivaled bokeh and sharpness
Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S	f/1.2 – f/16	82mm	1160g	Extremely wide aperture for low light and subject isolation
Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S	f/2.8 – f/22	77mm	1360g	Versatile telephoto zoom with excellent image quality
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM	f/1.8 – f/22	82mm	950g	Known for exceptional sharpness and fast autofocus
Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM	f/1.8 – f/22	82mm	935g	Image stabilization and robust build for Canon RF users
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art for Nikon F	f/1.8 – f/16	82mm	1130g	Popular third-party option with strong optical performance
Nikon Z Camera Bodies	N/A	N/A	Varies	High-resolution mirrorless bodies optimized for Z lenses

Table of Contents

The “Plena” Promise: Unpacking the Bokeh Excellence

The standout feature of the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, without a doubt, is its “Plena” designation, which isn’t just marketing fluff.

Nikon has truly pushed the boundaries of optical design to achieve an extraordinary level of bokeh. This isn’t just about blur.

It’s about the quality, smoothness, and consistency of that blur.

Dreamy, Creamy Backgrounds: The Plena renders out-of-focus areas with an unparalleled smoothness. Gone are the harsh lines or distracting elements that can plague even good lenses. Instead, you get a buttery, almost painterly background that truly isolates your subject and makes them pop.
Absence of Onion Rings: One of the common issues with certain lens designs, particularly those with aspherical elements, is the appearance of “onion rings” in bokeh balls. The Plena meticulously avoids this, ensuring that light sources in the background are rendered as perfectly smooth, circular orbs.
Vignetting Control for Even Bokeh: Lenses often exhibit vignetting, which can lead to “cat’s eye” shaped bokeh balls towards the edges of the frame. The Plena is engineered to minimize vignetting, ensuring that bokeh circles maintain their shape and quality even at the extreme corners, contributing to a more uniform and pleasing background overall. This is crucial for wide-open portraits where the background is a significant compositional element.
11-Blade Rounded Diaphragm: The lens features an 11-blade rounded diaphragm. More blades, especially when rounded, help maintain a circular aperture opening even when stopped down a bit from f/1.8. This ensures that bokeh balls remain circular and pleasing, rather than becoming polygonal, as you adjust your aperture.

Uncompromised Sharpness: Edge-to-Edge Brilliance

While the bokeh gets all the headlines, it’s crucial to understand that the Plena doesn’t sacrifice sharpness one bit. Original Prusa Mk4 Review

This lens is incredibly sharp from corner to corner, even wide open at f/1.8.

Razor-Sharp Subject Rendition: Your subject will be rendered with astonishing detail and clarity, allowing for incredible resolution in portraits, product photography, or any scenario where precise detail is paramount. This sharpness is maintained across the entire frame, not just at the center, which is a hallmark of top-tier optical design.
Advanced Optical Formula: The Plena incorporates a sophisticated optical design with 16 elements in 14 groups, including three aspherical elements and one ED Extra-Low Dispersion element. These specialized glass types work in concert to correct aberrations and ensure maximum sharpness and contrast.
Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and Meso Amorphous Coat: These proprietary coatings are applied to lens elements to effectively suppress flare and ghosting, even in challenging backlit situations. This not only improves contrast and color fidelity but also ensures that sharpness isn’t degraded by stray light. The Meso Amorphous Coat, in particular, is a newer innovation from Nikon, offering even greater anti-reflection performance than traditional coatings.
Minimal Spherical Aberration: Spherical aberration is a common optical distortion that can reduce sharpness, especially at wider apertures. The Plena’s design effectively minimizes this, resulting in consistently sharp focus planes and excellent micro-contrast.

Ergonomics and Build Quality: A Premium Experience

Holding the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena instantly conveys its premium status.

This is a solidly built lens designed for professional use, with ergonomics that prioritize handling and control.

Robust Construction: The lens features a durable metal barrel, giving it a substantial and reassuring feel in hand. It’s built to withstand the rigors of professional photography, offering excellent longevity and reliability.
Weather Sealing: As expected from a top-tier S-line lens, the Plena is extensively weather-sealed, protecting it against dust and moisture. This allows photographers to confidently use the lens in various challenging environmental conditions without fear of damage.
Programmable Control Ring: Like other S-line lenses, the Plena includes a customizable control ring that can be assigned to various functions such as aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO. This provides quick and intuitive control over key settings without taking your eye from the viewfinder.
Dedicated L-Fn Button: A dedicated L-Fn Lens Function button is present on the barrel, which can also be customized for a wide range of functions, such as AF-ON, AF-L, or even playback. This adds another layer of ergonomic flexibility for photographers.
Smooth Manual Focus Ring: For those who prefer manual focusing, the broad focus ring offers a beautifully smooth, well-damped rotation, making precise adjustments effortless. This is especially important for critical focusing at f/1.8.
Weight and Balance: At 995g approximately 2.2 lbs, the Plena is a substantial lens, but it balances surprisingly well on larger Nikon Z bodies like the Z9 or Z8. While it’s not a lightweight setup, the balance feels natural for extended shooting sessions.
Front Element Protection: The large 82mm front element can be a concern for some, but a robust lens hood is included, which provides significant protection against accidental bumps and helps in controlling flare.
Fluorine Coating: The front element benefits from a fluorine coating, which repels dust, dirt, water, and grease, making it easier to clean and maintain the lens’s pristine optical performance.

Autofocus Performance: Fast, Quiet, and Precise

Autofocus performance is critical for any fast prime lens, especially one designed for portraiture where precise eye detection is paramount.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena delivers on this front with a system that is both swift and remarkably quiet.

Multi-Focus System with Stepping Motors STMs: The Plena employs a sophisticated multi-focus system that utilizes multiple stepping motors STMs. This design allows for rapid and precise focusing, moving lens elements with exceptional speed and accuracy. The use of STMs also contributes significantly to the near-silent operation of the autofocus.
Near-Silent Operation: The STMs ensure that autofocus operations are virtually silent, which is a massive advantage for videographers or photographers working in quiet environments like weddings, ceremonies, or theatrical performances where noise can be disruptive.
Excellent for Stills and Video: The quick and quiet autofocus makes the Plena highly suitable for both still photography and video recording. In video, the smooth focus transitions without distracting motor noise are particularly beneficial.
Reliable Eye/Face Detection: When paired with Nikon Z camera bodies that feature advanced subject detection like the Z9, Z8, or Z7 II, the Plena’s autofocus system works seamlessly with eye and face detection, consistently locking onto and tracking subjects’ eyes with impressive tenacity, even at f/1.8. This is crucial for achieving critically sharp portraits where the eyes are the focal point.
Internal Focusing Design: The lens utilizes an internal focusing design, meaning the physical length of the lens does not change during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. This maintains the balance of the lens and is beneficial when using polarizing filters or graduated ND filters.
Minimal Focus Breathing: For videographers, focus breathing—the slight change in angle of view when adjusting focus—can be a significant issue. Nikon has engineered the Plena to exhibit minimal focus breathing, ensuring smooth and consistent framing during focus pulls.

Chromatic Aberration Control: Virtually Non-Existent

Chromatic aberrations CAs, particularly longitudinal CAs bokeh fringing and lateral CAs, can be a major headache for photographers, especially with fast aperture lenses. The Plena effectively neutralizes these issues.

Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration LoCA Suppression: LoCA, also known as bokeh fringing, manifests as color fringes often magenta or green around out-of-focus elements, especially in high-contrast transitions. The Plena’s advanced optical design and specialized elements virtually eliminate LoCA, leading to clean, color-neutral bokeh and focused areas. This is a monumental achievement for a fast prime lens.
Lateral Chromatic Aberration Control: Lateral CAs appear as color fringing along high-contrast edges, typically towards the edges of the frame. While less prevalent than LoCA at wide apertures, the Plena also keeps lateral CAs to an absolute minimum, ensuring consistently clean edges across the entire image.
Sharpness and Color Fidelity: By effectively suppressing all forms of chromatic aberration, the Plena not only improves sharpness but also ensures superior color fidelity. Colors are rendered accurately and vibrantly, without any unwanted color shifts or fringing, contributing to the lens’s overall exceptional image quality.
A Testament to S-Line Design: The superb control over chromatic aberrations is a testament to Nikon’s rigorous S-line optical design standards, emphasizing clinical precision and clarity in every aspect of image rendition. This level of correction allows photographers to push the lens to its limits without having to worry about extensive post-processing corrections for color fringing.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, with its specific focal length and ultra-wide aperture, shines in several key photographic disciplines.

Understanding its ideal use cases helps justify the investment.

Portrait Photography: This is the Plena’s bread and butter. The 135mm focal length provides a comfortable working distance for headshots, head-and-shoulders, and even half-body portraits, allowing for natural subject interaction without distortion. The f/1.8 aperture, combined with the legendary “Plena” bokeh, creates stunning subject separation and a dreamy, three-dimensional look that makes subjects truly stand out.
- Studio Portraits: Excellent for controlled lighting environments where absolute sharpness and stunning background separation are desired.
- Environmental Portraits: Can blur busy backgrounds into a beautiful wash of color and light, drawing focus to the subject while still hinting at their surroundings.
- Outdoor Portraits: The longer focal length compresses perspective beautifully, and the f/1.8 aperture excels at isolating subjects from distracting natural backdrops.
Wedding and Event Photography: While not a walk-around zoom, the Plena excels in specific moments where you need to isolate subjects from a busy crowd, such as:
- Ceremony Details: Close-ups of rings, flowers, or hands with exquisite detail and blurred backgrounds.
- Candid Moments: Capturing intimate expressions from a distance without being intrusive, blending people into the background beautifully.
- Bridal Portraits: Delivering breathtaking individual portraits with incredible depth.
Fashion and Editorial Photography: The distinct look and sharpness make it ideal for high-end fashion shoots, where rendering fabric textures and model details with precision is crucial, alongside creating a compelling aesthetic.
Product Photography Selective Focus: For products that benefit from shallow depth of field to emphasize specific features or create an artistic effect, the Plena can produce striking results, making products pop off the page.
Concert and Performance Photography: In low-light conditions, the f/1.8 aperture allows for faster shutter speeds to freeze motion, and the ability to isolate performers from the stage background is invaluable. The silent autofocus is a huge bonus here.
Abstract and Creative Photography: The unique bokeh characteristics open up possibilities for creating abstract images, impressionistic compositions, and playing with light sources in the background.
Astrophotography Specialized Use: While not its primary design, a fast 135mm lens can be used for deep-sky wide-field imaging of nebulae or galaxies, especially when paired with a star tracker, given its wide aperture and excellent aberration control. However, it’s not a primary recommendation over dedicated astro lenses.

The Investment: Is the Plena Worth Its Price Tag?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a premium lens with a premium price tag.

For many, the first question will be, “Is it worth it?” The answer, as often is the case in high-end gear, depends entirely on your needs, your existing kit, and your photographic aspirations. Shure Mv7 Plus Review

For the Discerning Professional: If you’re a professional portrait, wedding, or fashion photographer who demands the absolute best in optical performance and needs to consistently deliver images with unparalleled subject isolation and dreamy bokeh, then the Plena is undoubtedly worth the investment. It’s a tool that can elevate your work and differentiate your artistic output. The time saved in post-production by not having to correct for aberrations or refine bokeh also adds value.
For the Serious Enthusiast: For a serious enthusiast looking to push their creative boundaries and achieve a signature look, the Plena represents a significant investment but also a transformative one. It offers a level of optical excellence that few other lenses can match, making it a truly inspirational piece of gear.
Not for Everyone: If your primary focus is on versatility, or if you rarely shoot at f/1.8 or require extreme subject separation, then a more versatile zoom lens like the Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or a more general-purpose prime like the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S might be a more practical and cost-effective choice. The Plena is a specialized tool, and its value is unlocked when its specific strengths are utilized.
Long-Term Investment: Lenses of this caliber tend to hold their value well over time. They are built to last and their optical performance remains relevant for many years, making them a solid long-term investment for a professional toolkit.
Consider Your Existing Gear: If you already own a fantastic 85mm f/1.2 or another fast telephoto, assess how much more the 135mm focal length and the “Plena” bokeh will truly add to your specific workflow and aesthetic. For some, the difference will be profound. for others, it might be incremental.

Alternatives and Comparisons: A Broader Perspective

While the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena sets a new benchmark in many ways, it’s essential to consider other excellent lenses on the market, both within and outside the Nikon Z system, to put its value proposition into context.

Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S: This is arguably the Plena’s closest sibling in the Nikon Z S-line. The 85mm f/1.2 offers an even shallower depth of field and is often considered a more traditional portrait focal length. While its bokeh is excellent, it may not possess the absolute unique “creaminess” of the Plena due to the different optical formula optimized for 135mm. It’s also heavier.
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM: A direct competitor for Sony E-mount users, this lens is renowned for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and beautiful bokeh. It’s a formidable lens, and discussions often revolve around which system’s 135mm f/1.8 delivers the “best” look – often a matter of personal preference and subtle rendering differences. The Plena aims to surpass even this high benchmark with its unique bokeh characteristics.
Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM: Canon’s answer for their RF mount, this lens also offers f/1.8 and includes optical image stabilization, a significant advantage for handheld shooting, especially in lower light. Its optical performance is also top-tier, making it a compelling choice for Canon users.
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art for Nikon F: For photographers still on the Nikon F-mount or adapting to Z-mount, the Sigma Art series 135mm f/1.8 is a highly respected third-party option. It offers incredible sharpness and beautiful bokeh at a significantly lower price point. However, it’s larger, heavier, and requires an FTZ adapter for Z-mount, which can affect balance and AF speed compared to native Z lenses.
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S: While a zoom, this lens can cover the 135mm focal length at f/2.8. It offers tremendous versatility and excellent image quality. However, its f/2.8 aperture cannot compete with the f/1.8 of the Plena in terms of light gathering or depth of field control. If absolute subject isolation and creamy bokeh are paramount, the zoom simply can’t match the prime.
Older F-Mount 135mm Primes: Nikon has produced excellent 135mm F-mount primes over the years, such as the Nikkor 135mm f/2 DC. While these lenses can offer good optical quality and unique rendering like the Defocus Control feature, they often lack modern amenities like fast, silent autofocus, weather sealing, and the cutting-edge aberration control seen in the Plena. Adapting them via the FTZ adapter also introduces potential compromises.

The Plena distinguishes itself by aiming for a level of optical perfection that goes beyond mere sharpness, focusing heavily on the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas.

It’s a lens designed to be a “benchmark” rather than just a “competitor,” pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in lens design for mirrorless systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena primarily designed for?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is primarily designed for portrait photography, wedding photography, fashion, and any genre where exceptional subject isolation, dreamy bokeh, and outstanding sharpness are paramount.

What does “Plena” mean in the lens name?

“Plena” is derived from the Latin word for “full” or “complete,” signifying the lens’s ability to render full, smooth, and consistent out-of-focus areas bokeh alongside profound sharpness.

Is the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena weather-sealed?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is extensively weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture, making it suitable for use in various challenging environmental conditions.

What is the aperture range of the Plena lens?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has an aperture range from f/1.8 to f/16.

How many diaphragm blades does the Plena have?

The Plena lens features an 11-blade rounded diaphragm, which helps to produce beautifully circular bokeh balls even when stopped down.

What is the filter size for the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena?

The filter size for the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is 82mm.

Is the Plena lens good for video?

Yes, the Plena lens is excellent for video due to its silent autofocus, minimal focus breathing, and the ability to create cinematic depth of field with its f/1.8 aperture and smooth bokeh. Roborock S8 Maxv Ultra Review

What is the weight of the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena weighs approximately 995 grams 2.2 lbs.

Does the Plena have a customizable control ring?

Yes, the Plena features a customizable control ring that can be assigned to adjust aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO, providing intuitive control.

What coatings does the Plena lens use?

The Plena lens utilizes Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and the newer Meso Amorphous Coat to effectively suppress flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast and color fidelity.

Does the Plena lens exhibit chromatic aberration?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is designed to exhibit virtually non-existent chromatic aberrations, including longitudinal and lateral CAs, ensuring clean, color-neutral images.

What is the minimum focusing distance of the Plena?

The minimum focusing distance for the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is typically around 0.82 meters 2.69 feet.

Is the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena an S-line lens?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is part of Nikon’s prestigious S-line, signifying its superior optical performance and build quality.

How does the Plena compare to the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S?

Both are premium S-line lenses, but the Plena offers a longer focal length 135mm vs 85mm and is specifically optimized for a unique, ultra-creamy bokeh that many consider even smoother than the 85mm f/1.2 S. The 85mm offers an even wider f/1.2 aperture.

Can I use the Plena lens on a Nikon F-mount DSLR?

No, the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a native Z-mount lens and can only be used on Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. It cannot be used on F-mount DSLRs.

Does the Plena lens have image stabilization?

No, the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena does not have in-lens optical image stabilization VR. It relies on the in-body image stabilization IBIS available in most Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

Is the autofocus of the Plena fast enough for moving subjects?

Yes, the multi-focus system with stepping motors STMs in the Plena provides fast, quiet, and precise autofocus, making it capable of tracking moving subjects effectively, especially with advanced Nikon Z bodies. Adp Run Review

What kind of photography is the Plena least suited for?

Does the Plena lens come with a lens hood?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena typically comes with a dedicated lens hood included in the box.

What is the purpose of the L-Fn button on the Plena lens?

The L-Fn Lens Function button on the Plena can be customized to perform various functions, such as AF-ON, AF-L, or even playback, offering quick access to commonly used settings.

Is the Plena a good choice for astrophotography?

While its f/1.8 aperture is fast, the 135mm focal length is somewhat long for general wide-field astrophotography without a star tracker.

Its excellent aberration control can be beneficial for specific deep-sky targets, but it’s not its primary design focus.

How does the Plena’s bokeh differ from other fast primes?

The Plena’s bokeh is distinguished by its exceptional smoothness, lack of onion rings, and consistent circular shape even at the edges of the frame due to superior vignetting control, creating a particularly creamy and undistracting background blur.

Is the Plena a heavy lens?

At 995g, it is a substantial lens, but it is well-balanced, especially on larger Nikon Z mirrorless bodies like the Z9 or Z8.

Does the Plena lens have an internal focusing mechanism?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena features an internal focusing design, meaning its physical length does not change when focusing.

What kind of elements are used in the Plena’s optical design?

The Plena’s optical design includes three aspherical elements and one ED Extra-Low Dispersion element to correct aberrations and ensure high image quality.

How does the Plena handle flare?

Thanks to Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and Meso Amorphous Coat, the Plena exhibits excellent resistance to flare and ghosting, maintaining contrast even in challenging backlit situations.

Can the Plena be used effectively for close-up macro photography?

While it has a decent minimum focusing distance, the Plena is not a macro lens. Windmill Fan Review

For true macro photography, a dedicated macro lens is recommended for higher magnification ratios.

What types of aberrations does the Plena specifically minimize?

The Plena specifically minimizes both longitudinal chromatic aberration bokeh fringing and lateral chromatic aberration, ensuring exceptionally clean and sharp images without color artifacts.

Is the Plena suitable for street photography?

While possible, the 135mm focal length and the size of the lens make it less ideal for discrete street photography where wider angles and smaller, less conspicuous setups are often preferred.

What makes the Plena different from its competitors in the 135mm f/1.8 segment?

The Plena aims to differentiate itself through its unparalleled bokeh quality, which is meticulously engineered to be incredibly smooth and consistently circular, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in background rendering compared to other high-performance 135mm f/1.8 lenses.

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