Nikkor 135 f2 8 – Nikkor 135mm f/2.8, a name whispered with reverence in photographic circles, isn’t just a lens; it’s a legacy. Born from Nikon’s pursuit of optical excellence, this lens has been a staple for portrait photographers for decades, renowned for its ability to capture subjects with breathtaking clarity and depth.
Its history is intertwined with iconic images, its design a testament to meticulous engineering, and its performance a testament to the enduring power of a classic.
This lens, with its timeless design, boasts a fast aperture, allowing for shallow depth of field, which blurs backgrounds and draws attention to the subject. The 135mm focal length offers a flattering perspective for portraits, capturing natural expressions and subtle details.
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 is a master of its craft, a lens that transcends time and continues to inspire photographers with its ability to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary images.
Comparisons and Alternatives: Nikkor 135 F2 8
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 lens is a popular choice for portrait photographers, but it’s not the only option available. Several other lenses offer similar focal lengths and apertures, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This section compares the Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 to other similar lenses from Nikon and other brands, highlighting their pros and cons, and offering recommendations for alternative lenses based on budget, desired features, and intended use.
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 is a classic telephoto lens known for its sharpness and bokeh, often used for portraiture and sports photography. It’s a lens that emphasizes detail, capturing the essence of a moment with clarity. This focus on precision is reminiscent of the Leica R Summicron 35mm v1 leica r summicron 35mm v1 , a lens celebrated for its sharp rendering and ability to capture the subtle nuances of light.
While the Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 excels at capturing distant subjects, the Summicron 35mm v1 is ideal for capturing intimate moments, showcasing the range of lenses that photographers utilize to express their vision.
Comparison with Other Nikon Lenses
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 is a versatile lens, but it’s not the only 135mm lens offered by Nikon. Comparing it to other Nikon lenses in the same category can help you decide which one best suits your needs.
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 lens, known for its sharp rendering and creamy bokeh, often finds itself paired with full-frame cameras. However, for those seeking a more compact setup, the Ricoh GR Digital 2 , with its APS-C sensor and fixed 28mm lens, offers a compelling alternative.
While lacking the reach of the Nikkor 135mm, the GR Digital 2’s portability and fast aperture make it a versatile companion for capturing street scenes and intimate portraits.
- Nikkor 135mm f/2 DC:This lens offers a faster maximum aperture of f/2, providing better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. However, it is significantly more expensive than the f/2.8 version and heavier.
- Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 G ED:This lens is a more recent version of the f/2.8 lens, featuring improved optical performance, autofocus, and build quality. It’s a bit heavier and more expensive, but it offers superior image quality and performance.
Comparison with Lenses from Other Brands
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 competes with similar lenses from other brands, such as Canon, Sony, and Sigma.
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 is a classic telephoto lens known for its sharp images and beautiful bokeh. It’s a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of subjects, from portraits to wildlife. Understanding the dimensions of a 35mm photo, or half of it as described in this helpful resource dimensions of a 35mm photo hlaf of it , can help photographers determine the appropriate framing and composition for their shots with the Nikkor 135mm f/2.8.
This knowledge can be particularly useful when capturing portraits, ensuring that the subject’s features are well-balanced within the frame.
- Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM:This lens is known for its sharp image quality and fast autofocus. It’s a bit heavier than the Nikkor 135mm f/2.8, but it offers similar performance and features.
- Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM:This lens is a high-end option with a fast aperture and exceptional image quality. It’s significantly more expensive than the Nikkor 135mm f/2.8, but it offers superior performance and features.
- Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG DN Art:This lens is a more affordable option with a fast aperture and excellent image quality. It’s available for both Sony E-mount and L-mount cameras and offers a good balance of performance and price.
Recommendations for Alternative Lenses
Choosing the right lens depends on your budget, desired features, and intended use. Here are some recommendations for alternative lenses based on different needs:
- Budget-conscious photographers:The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 is a good value option, offering decent performance at a reasonable price. If you need a faster aperture, consider the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG DN Art.
- Professional photographers:The Nikkor 135mm f/2 DC or the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM offer exceptional image quality and performance, making them suitable for professional use.
- Photographers seeking the best image quality:The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM offers the highest image quality in this category, but it comes at a premium price.
Conclusion
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 lens, despite its age, continues to be a popular choice for photographers seeking a compact and affordable telephoto lens with a classic feel. Its sharp optics, fast aperture, and robust build make it a versatile tool for portraiture, wildlife, and sports photography.
Key Takeaways, Nikkor 135 f2 8
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 offers a compelling combination of features:
- Sharp image quality throughout the frame, even wide open.
- Fast f/2.8 aperture for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting.
- Classic manual focus design that provides a tactile and precise focusing experience.
- Durable and weather-sealed construction, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Relatively compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and use.
Performance and Use Cases
The lens’s performance is particularly notable in portraiture, where its sharp rendering and pleasing bokeh create flattering results. The fast aperture allows for creative control over depth of field, isolating subjects from the background and emphasizing their features. Its versatility extends to wildlife and sports photography, where its telephoto reach and sharp optics enable capturing distant subjects with detail and clarity.
Closure
The Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 is more than just a tool; it’s a statement. It’s a statement of artistry, a testament to the enduring power of a classic design, and a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are timeless.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, this lens has the potential to elevate your work and bring your vision to life. Its legacy continues to inspire, and its performance continues to impress, solidifying its place as a true icon in the world of photography.