For years, I did not feel the need for a 135mm lens for my full-frame camera because I was using 105mm f/2.8 and 180mm f/2.8 prime lenses. However, when I finally decided to buy a 135mm f/2, I ordered a Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar ZF 2 and a Nikkor 135mm f/2 AIS with the intent of keeping the one I liked the most. However, I liked them both. The high image quality of the Zeiss was perfect for my photojournalism and documentary photography. The image quality of the Nikkor was perfect for my portraits.
This is an amazing lens. If you can fit it into your artistic workflow, you will be happy. Some very important points in my opinion: optically, this lens is an Otus. There is an interview Matt Granger had with a lens maker from Zeiss where he explains this. Secondly, the lens design was introduced around 2012, so that makes this a very affordable lens compared to what it used to be. It is not weather sealed, but to me that’s not a big deal. I would not use this lens in the rain anyway. I have only used this lens on very young subjects who don’t have a lot of wrinkles or character lines. I recommend the same for other portrait photographers. See the linked video at 31:30 ua-cam.com/video/9cnEnRADDLo/v-deo.html
Hi Freeman. Appreciate your comments. I have Nikon Z9 and am looking for a really good portrait lens so considering this one though I do have Otus Zeiss 55mm. Would you endorse this lens or should I consider say Sigma 135mm Art, or wait for Nikon 85mm f/1.2 for Z mount?
It's apochromatic, so no or negligible chromatic aberration. If it's 'too sharp' (it isn't), then put something like a Tiffen Black Satin 1 on the front. Like all Classic lenses, it has beautiful, timeless build quality, with very little that can ever go wrong.
I disagree with the 'too sharp' statement. For me you can never have a lens that is too sharp. Whilst I can see what you're getting at, you can always soften an image in post production or use a Zeiss Softar filter if using film. Sharpness that isn't there can't really be added later on
I got the newer version or the Milvus version of this lens. And the price has come down a bit now. I got my copy for $1599. I love this lens and yes it can be too sharp sometimes for portraiture as it easily expose any skin imperfections. It is definitely not for those who want a 135mm that need fast focus tracking like sports or for fast actions. But for colour, detail and contrast I can't find one matching it. I have adapted this lens to Sony and Fujifilm GFX.
Awesome street photography lens. I love it for street more than portraiture. Another great lens is the Nikkor Q Auto 135mm f2.8. Only on mirrorless with an adaptor though. Cost around $150 AUD.
If the image is too sharp, you can easily add a filter of some kind to help take some of that sharpness away. DP's use nets all the time when shooting films, particularly when working with actresses who may be a little older to help give them a softer look.
Manual focus? I would miss the shot if I worried about that as well. I think manual focus is like letter writing or dubbing tapes, or any other obsolete tech
I own this lens, I bought it because of the lack of chromatic aberation, not the sharpness or the bokeh. Just a tip for street photography, set up your background and pre-focus, then when something interesting walks through your zone of focus trip the shutter. Always compose the background and foreground, then wait for the subject to appear...
This may be the best lens every produced at 135mm. But as you pointed out being a MF somewhat limits your use for street photography. And because it is so, so sharp it shows skin imperfections so may be too sharp for portraiture However, where it shines for portraits is if is stopped down the f2.8 or f4 it becomes an incredible portrait lens. Where this lens really shines is in landscape photography where it can't be 'too' sharp. Even now in 2024 when used in its best niche it remains one of the best ever produced. Street use? - get an AF.
For years, I did not feel the need for a 135mm lens for my full-frame camera because I was using 105mm f/2.8 and 180mm f/2.8 prime lenses. However, when I finally decided to buy a 135mm f/2, I ordered a Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar ZF 2 and a Nikkor 135mm f/2 AIS with the intent of keeping the one I liked the most.
However, I liked them both. The high image quality of the Zeiss was perfect for my photojournalism and documentary photography. The image quality of the Nikkor was perfect for my portraits.
Wow those are actually some sick shots. Can’t believe you did so well with 135 2.0. Amazing stuff.
Great video Karl! I've just got a vintage 135mm... very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Ace 👊🏾 appreciate it.
@@KarloApostol anytime!
Aperture ring? Where, exactly?
1:30 It's not at all weather sealed my boy. 😂
Awesome video Karlo! Keep em coming
Cheers my brother 👊🏾
Thanks for the video mate... beautiful sample phoyos! I hope I can add this lens on my kit soon!
Cheers bud appreciate you stopping by.. oh and I'm right there w ya
This is an amazing lens. If you can fit it into your artistic workflow, you will be happy. Some very important points in my opinion: optically, this lens is an Otus. There is an interview Matt Granger had with a lens maker from Zeiss where he explains this. Secondly, the lens design was introduced around 2012, so that makes this a very affordable lens compared to what it used to be. It is not weather sealed, but to me that’s not a big deal. I would not use this lens in the rain anyway. I have only used this lens on very young subjects who don’t have a lot of wrinkles or character lines. I recommend the same for other portrait photographers. See the linked video at 31:30 ua-cam.com/video/9cnEnRADDLo/v-deo.html
Hi Freeman. Appreciate your comments. I have Nikon Z9 and am looking for a really good portrait lens so considering this one though I do have Otus Zeiss 55mm. Would you endorse this lens or should I consider say Sigma 135mm Art, or wait for Nikon 85mm f/1.2 for Z mount?
It's apochromatic, so no or negligible chromatic aberration. If it's 'too sharp' (it isn't), then put something like a Tiffen Black Satin 1 on the front. Like all Classic lenses, it has beautiful, timeless build quality, with very little that can ever go wrong.
I disagree with the 'too sharp' statement. For me you can never have a lens that is too sharp. Whilst I can see what you're getting at, you can always soften an image in post production or use a Zeiss Softar filter if using film. Sharpness that isn't there can't really be added later on
I got the newer version or the Milvus version of this lens. And the price has come down a bit now. I got my copy for $1599. I love this lens and yes it can be too sharp sometimes for portraiture as it easily expose any skin imperfections. It is definitely not for those who want a 135mm that need fast focus tracking like sports or for fast actions. But for colour, detail and contrast I can't find one matching it. I have adapted this lens to Sony and Fujifilm GFX.
how well do you find it performing on your gfx system?
Awesome street photography lens. I love it for street more than portraiture. Another great lens is the Nikkor Q Auto 135mm f2.8.
Only on mirrorless with an adaptor though. Cost around $150 AUD.
I have never tried a Nikkor 135 before.. but ill put it on the list. Cheers bud
perfect for deep sky
If the image is too sharp, you can easily add a filter of some kind to help take some of that sharpness away. DP's use nets all the time when shooting films, particularly when working with actresses who may be a little older to help give them a softer look.
That’s a great tip Michael. It’s amazing how much detail this lens can grab, I’ll let the guys know about using a filter
Manual focus? I would miss the shot if I worried about that as well. I think manual focus is like letter writing or dubbing tapes, or any other obsolete tech
I own this lens, I bought it because of the lack of chromatic aberation, not the sharpness or the bokeh. Just a tip for street photography, set up your background and pre-focus, then when something interesting walks through your zone of focus trip the shutter. Always compose the background and foreground, then wait for the subject to appear...
YAY!! Somebody who knows how to manually focus instead of complaining AF is not good enough.
What? It’s not weather-sealed.
Just got it to my D850 for woodland and Artphoto
This may be the best lens every produced at 135mm. But as you pointed out being a MF somewhat limits your use for street photography. And because it is so, so sharp it shows skin imperfections so may be too sharp for portraiture However, where it shines for portraits is if is stopped down the f2.8 or f4 it becomes an incredible portrait lens. Where this lens really shines is in landscape photography where it can't be 'too' sharp. Even now in 2024 when used in its best niche it remains one of the best ever produced. Street use? - get an AF.
sorry ... the bad boy is NOT weather sealed !
😳 really? I was misinformed. Lucky I didn’t test that lol
@@KarloApostol The Zeiss 135mm f/2 Milvus has seals that protect from dust and splashes
No ... but the Milvus version is weather sealed and has the same optical formula.