Nikon 135mm f2 8 ais – Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS, a lens that embodies the spirit of classic optical design, has earned its place among photographers seeking exceptional image quality and a timeless aesthetic. Released in the 1970s, this lens represents a pivotal moment in Nikon’s lens development, showcasing a blend of precision engineering and optical excellence.
It boasts a robust build, a bright f/2.8 aperture, and a unique character that has captivated photographers for decades.
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS utilizes a sophisticated optical design with 6 elements in 4 groups, meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast. Its performance shines in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright daylight to soft, ambient light.
The lens’s distinctive bokeh, characterized by a pleasingly smooth and creamy out-of-focus rendition, further enhances its appeal for portraiture and other genres where subject isolation is paramount.
Comparisons and Alternatives: Nikon 135mm F2 8 Ais
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS, a classic lens renowned for its sharpness and versatility, holds its own against newer offerings in the 135mm range. It’s important to understand how it stacks up against its contemporaries, both in terms of performance and price, to determine if it’s the right choice for your photographic needs.
Comparison with Nikon 135mm f/2 DC, Nikon 135mm f2 8 ais
The Nikon 135mm f/2 DC, a more modern lens with autofocus, offers a faster aperture and more modern features. However, the AIS version holds its own in terms of image quality, particularly in the sharpness department.
- The 135mm f/2 DC offers a wider maximum aperture of f/2, allowing for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance compared to the f/2.8 AIS.
- The 135mm f/2 DC incorporates autofocus, making it a more convenient choice for photographers who prefer faster focusing capabilities, particularly for dynamic subjects.
- While the 135mm f/2 DC is a newer lens, it still maintains a relatively affordable price point, making it a popular choice for photographers seeking a balance between performance and budget.
- The 135mm f/2.8 AIS, despite its older design, offers exceptional sharpness, particularly at wider apertures, making it a preferred choice for photographers who prioritize image quality over autofocus or a wider maximum aperture.
Comparison with Zeiss Otus 135mm f/1.4
The Zeiss Otus 135mm f/1.4 is considered the gold standard in 135mm lenses, renowned for its exceptional image quality and sharpness. While the Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS is a classic lens, the Otus surpasses it in several aspects.
- The Zeiss Otus 135mm f/1.4 boasts a significantly wider maximum aperture of f/1.4, providing even shallower depth of field and better low-light performance than the Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS.
- The Otus 135mm f/1.4 exhibits exceptional sharpness across the entire image frame, even at wide apertures, surpassing the Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS in this regard.
- The Zeiss Otus 135mm f/1.4 is built with premium materials and boasts superior build quality, reflecting its higher price point.
- The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS, despite its lower price, remains a viable option for photographers seeking a classic lens with excellent sharpness, especially considering its more affordable price.
Alternatives
Depending on your specific needs and budget, several other alternatives can be considered:
- For photographers seeking a modern lens with autofocus and a wider aperture, the Nikon 135mm f/2 DC or the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art lens are excellent choices. These lenses offer exceptional performance and value for money.
- For photographers prioritizing image quality and a wider aperture, the Zeiss Otus 135mm f/1.4 remains the gold standard, although its price point may be prohibitive for some.
- For photographers seeking a more affordable option, the older Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AIS or the Tamron SP 135mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens offer excellent value and performance.
Concluding Remarks
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS remains a testament to the enduring appeal of classic lens design. Its combination of sharp image quality, smooth bokeh, and robust build makes it a compelling choice for photographers who value a timeless and characterful aesthetic.
Whether you’re capturing portraits, wildlife, or street scenes, this lens offers a unique perspective and a touch of vintage charm that sets it apart from its modern counterparts.
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS is a classic lens known for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh. Its manual focus design allows for a more deliberate approach to photography, emphasizing the connection between photographer and subject. When paired with a mirrorless camera, like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 or M10, a comparison of which reveals distinct advantages in autofocus and image stabilization , the 135mm f/2.8 AIS can achieve stunning results, especially for portraits and landscapes.
The lens’s ability to capture details and create depth is a testament to its enduring legacy in the world of photography.
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS, a celebrated lens known for its sharp rendering and creamy bokeh, offers a unique perspective on the world. While it’s a fantastic choice for capturing portraits and distant subjects, you might find yourself seeking a more versatile option for everyday photography.
For a Sony a6000, best lens for sony a6000 articles often recommend lenses like the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS, which provides a broader range of focal lengths, making it ideal for capturing a variety of scenes. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and photographic style, but the Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS remains a captivating lens with its distinct character.
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS, with its classic design and sharp optics, is a popular choice for portrait photographers. Its long focal length allows for beautiful compression and flattering subject isolation, a quality that translates well to capturing the sun’s movement across the sky.
While a lens like this is great for portraits, the best lens for sun timelapses depends on the desired effect and the specific conditions, as discussed in this guide on best lenses for sun timelapses. The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AIS can be used for sun timelapses, but it’s important to consider the size of the sun in the frame and the overall composition for optimal results.