Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 Plena

The second Nikon Z lens with a name – Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena

After some teasers Nikon released the “Plena”, a 135mm f1.8 prime lens.

At US$2500 launch price and about 1kg this is not a light weight in any form or matter. Nikon choose to name this lens, and they don’t do that without a reason. ‘Full, filled, complete’ are the translations from Latin and this is likely aimed at the bokeh of this 135mm lens.

Not overly long (13.9cm) but definitely chunky (995g) – the Plena on the z8.

But what does it have to offer apart from the looks? Let’s take a look.Out of focus lights stay almost circular right to the edge of the image. This is something unique compared to the cat’s eye bokeh of other fast lenses. Nikon achieved this by designing the lens with an image circle larger than the 35mm frame. A first and hence the name is well deserved.

While having a beautiful, smooth out of focus rendering with beautiful transitions the lens is extremely sharp across the entire frame wide open. It’s a hefty lens, well made, and expensive, but that moment you look through the viewfinder for the first time – simply stunning.

Sharp across the field, combined with an incredible rendering of the background.

What is it good for?

While most regard the ‘Plena’ as the ultimate outdoor portrait lens, it can be used for a lot more if one doesn’t mind bringing it along. The excellent background separation allows for unique creations even in every day photography. Dreamy flowers, medium sized objects and detail, with wonderful background separation and transitions. Go and try it, there’s way more than just portraits to this lens!

To buy or not to buy?

I’m not much a fan of the big and heavy lenses. However, after trying the ‘Plena’ for a while and seeing a lot of images taken with it, I have to say this is one lens where I might make an exception. I always liked the 135mm view, and this ‘Plena’ view is definitely something exceptional. Here I am, seriously tempted to break my rule of buying just those lenses I absolutely need. That’s a first for the the Z system, and a first in a very, very long time.