Nikkor 135mm f2.8 NAI Pre Ai
Thoughts on my new lens for the Nikon D800, an old Nikkor 135mm f2.8 pre-ai lens
New Lens! Nikkor 135mm f2.8 Pre-ai
Here is a test shot with my latest lens for my Nikon D800, a 1970s Nikkor 135mm f2.8 pre Ai prime lens. This photo of my Arri light is shot at f2.8 with no sharpening applied, just watermarked.
Nikkor 135mm f2.8 Sample Photo
Another example, this time at f5.6 using an extension tube to let me get closer to my subject thereby creating a shallow DOF. (Macro is always a great way to test lens sharpness!)
Older Nikon NAI, AI, AI-s Lenses
I love the older Nikon NAI, AI, AI-s lenses. Proper metal and glass construction, nice and weighty and super sharp. My current favourites and probably my highest performing two lenses for my Nikon D800 DSLR are my Nikkor 50mm f1.2 Ai-S and my Nikkor 200mm f2 Ai-S. The Nikkor 135/2.8 completes the trio and replaced my Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 that I recently sold. The 80-200/2.8 was my only zoom lens and left from my Nikon D90 days. My current setup of manual Nikkor primes makes me look forward to using my D800, for both beauty/ fashion portraits and wedding photography. The 135/2.8 gives me that extra reach yet it is a 52mm filter size with built in hood and half the size of the common 70-200/2.8s. Half the size means I am more mobile and I can also get into the action easier at weddings without being seen quite as easily.
The eBay purchased lens arrived very dirty but to my relief underneath the skylight filter the glass was in great condition and it cleaned up nicely. Phew!
I will use the Nikkor 135/2.8 on my next portrait session and come back with the results soon.
Nikkor 135mm Portrait
Nikkor 135mm Wedding
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In my film days, it was one of my favorite lenses. Now with my D90, along with the 105mm f2.5, it produces super sharp images that stand out from the others I take with the Series G lenses. Mine are like new, mint condition. I will be using them much more since everyone can tell the difference between images made with them vs other lenses. Take care.
Thanks Carlos, Yes I had read the 105mm is also a great lens. I do love the older lenses and as you say they produce fantastic images yet at a fraction of the cost. Cheers
I have this lens and have used it on a couple shoots . I shot it along with the famous 105 f/2.5 and the also famous 180mm ff/2.8 . Shot these on my Nikon d850 and the Nikkor Q 135mm f/2.8 were the keepers .
I am revisiting this lens because I’m looking into getting the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art . It has a special character and rendering ( through the elements used in the lens) that the Sigma 105 doesn’t have . Almost an old Nikkor look . It’s super sharp across the field with a bokeh I like . Not as modern or mirrorless looking . But dang the Bokeh or this Nikkor Q 135 is sublime.