I took your advice after pondering the DC. I found a mint 135 2.8 for less than 175 delivered. It exceeds my expectations especially when I kept a grand in my wallet. I never have had manual focus issues in the last 40 years and nothing has changed. Thanks Ken.
I immediately knew what accent your were doing! I love the movie Sling Blade! This made me like your videos even more! I'm watching Sling Blade again tonight because of this video.
I appreciate the info on the lens, but man dude, I felt like someone was digging their fingernails into a chalkboard in the intro with your attempted humor.
I have never been a big fan of the 135mm focal length lens on a full-frame camera. I prefer to use 105mm and 180mm. However, when lens prices dropped to ridiculously low priced, I bought 135mm f/2 Nikkor, 135mm f/3.5 Nikkor, and a 135mm f/2 Zeiss manual focus lenses. I had not planned on keeping all three lenses, but to my surprise, all three were worthy of keeping. The f/2 Nikkor was a great portrait lens. The Zeiss was a great documentary lens that I used with my APS-C digital mirrorless camera. The f/3.5 Nikkor was a good disposable backup lens.
I actually found the 135 f2 DC lens on eBay in great condition. For $500. The only issue was filter ring was bent but I don’t use filters so no problem for me.
i dont "like" the 105mm F2,........ "recommended" is a tough word, between the TWO , its both subjective and personal!! The 135mm focal offers much more spectrum of use ive found and find UNLESS there is a 105 that is DIRT cheap, i wouldnt touch one again whatsoever. between 85 and 135, the 105 falls into the ass crack of BLAAAAH, to myself subjectively in terms of use as per portraiture. that being said, the Tokina 100mm F2.8 Macro/Portrait lens is THE best choice, and its only $380 new. but that is very SUBJECTIVE to say on my part, however ive found MOST others who have used both also take my side on that !
I did know the manual 135mm is sharper than the 135mm DC AF version. When you were live online I sent you a question on this lens. Now I really don't know what to buy, because I have the 135mm manual for portraits. Now I am looking at the Nikon 105mm f/2 DC or the Tokina 100mm f/2.8
Hi Ken, didn't you speak very highly (sex and sugar level) of the 105 f2 DC and 135 f2 DC in your Best Portrait lenses for Nikon DSLR video? I am confused. Do you think 135 f2 DC is an unmatched lens (within Autofocus options) or not? How about when compared to offerings from second party? Thank you as always for your informative videos! :)
what do you think i want to keep one portrait lens , i have nikon 85 1.8 and nikon 135 f2 dc , and im considering the 105 dc , what lens you think is the best for portraits
I spent some time reseaching these. A new 135 DC lens can be purchased all day long for between £700-£800, an old 135mm F2 Ais will cost you between £350-£450 for a decent one, even for a good Q verion it is not that much cheaper. For an extra £300 you can get a new and better lens than the 30 year old manual focus that could potentially infect your gear with camera herpes. It's obviously more initial out lay but the DC will still retain a high resale value later on.
Followed your advice on how to get these prime lenses for best price. Today coming in: old nikon camera with 135mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.8 ai Nikon lenses including filters and small camera bag, all for under $100! BTW. Already have the 50mm 1.8 e series and love it (also bought an your recommendation) and 135mm 2.8 converted. Keep uploading that good stuff!
Hey man, First of all, thanks a lot for your videos, i've learned a lot from them ;) I want to ask you if you could give me your opinion about the Nikon Nikkor 180mm ED AI-s please? Thanks a lot!!!
but which one has the more micro-contrast ??? i own the 135mm f3.5 and use it everytime in my studio not even sure the 135mm f2dc is a worthy upgrade so i bought another 135mm f3.5 Ai mint for 150 and saved the money for additional lighting gear ;)
Hello Sir, I'm very close to getting the 135mm F/3.5 AI lens, I'd love the F/2.8 but the prices have really rocked of late. How do the two compare in good light? If both are set to F3.5 is the difference still noticeable in image sharpness and quality of bokeh? Sorry for all the questions, but I don't know if I should wait, save and get the 2.8 or take the plunge and enjoy the 3.5 as the difference is small Steve (UK) P.S Thanks for replying so fast last time
there isnt a hair of diff. in bokeh (well a wee bit) between 2.8 and 3.5. the 3.5 is MORE compact and better for pocket carry, also it has 1 less glass element. got several of both, ill grab either one without even thinking about it. hugs! happy easter!
I just scored a 105 f2 DC in perfect cosmetic condition for 397USD. It was in storage for a bit so has a 1mm spot of dead fungus on the second element. No issues to images at all :) picked it up so no shipping costs either. Great deal. Is there any optical difference between 105 and 135? I have noticed there is a bit of CA on this lens and read about it too.
I just got a 135 for $615 on eBay, great condition. The only thing is that it isn’t the D version, it’s the earlier AF version. Is there a big difference between the two?
I looked for a review of the 105mm f2 dc, but I only found this review of the 135mm f2 dc. I haven't found that you mention this lens still I chose this to go with my old D2x with a crop sensor. This gives equivalently almost a 160mm and thus suits my need to stay a good distance from my objects. I'm very satisfied with this 105mm but wondered why you somehow have overlooked it in your videos. Apart from that I do appreciate you videos. You do a great job! Regards William
I want buy this lenses but have little scratched in front lenses. Price $400. I want ask scratched lenses still worthy buying or not? Answer please. Thank you.
Thanks Ken,Just picked up the 135mm F2 AF DC Nikkor.WOW It's SOOOOO!!!!!! Great on my D810.Best part BOTH Free.No shit.HA HA Camera and Lens.The accident did hurt like hell though.
Theoria Apophasis does ir render Colors better? Better microcontrast? Or is everything the same but you prefer the focal point of view (105mm over 135mm in this case)? Thank You.
Hi Ken Missed your last live, Only due to 14 hours time difference. I got the 180 mm f 2.8D ($700) from Nikon. Tried it, No good. Very sharp But Needs VR. Guys at Nikon offered me the 135 f2 DC for 25% off ($$$ 950) in a refund/exchange. should I take the swap? Thanks
I know that the 135 2.8 is ultra sharp. But it makes my grandchildren's faces look weird. Some might call it giving the faces a flat appearance. Does anyone have any advice?
I'm proud owner of 135mm 2.8 E series. Photos are super delicious... Sharpness and bokeh are absolutely great! Wondering about difference between AI and E series... What exactly...?!
i cannot say it any easier than ole' rockwell himself does, and hes correct: Up through the 1970s Nikon only made very expensive professional lenses. Normal people had to buy discount brands lenses if they wanted something they could afford. Buying an off-brand lens was, and still is, the worst of all worlds: spending a lot on a camera, and then getting a dinky lens. The lens is the only part that affects the picture quality, so you are far better of with a crummy camera and good lenses. To capture more of the amateur market Nikon decided to make a series of lenses called "Series E" which had great optical quality. They were built with well thought out, simple to manufacture optics and cheaper mechanics that were more than good enough for amateur use. These cheaper mechanics are often better than what Nikon makes today in some of their cheaper plastic AF lenses.
Picked up the 135mm 2.8 AI for 200, and I picked up the 60mm 2.8D for 145, all on eBay thanks to you!! I use a D7200. Can't wait for these lens's to come in!!!
dude I need to ask you..someone offered me a vivitar 135mm 2.8 to change with my nikon 18-70 which i don't use very often..what do u think about the vivitar it is sharp or any good?
Hi Theoria, I have been using this 135 F2 DC for sometime now. I am not sure if it is bad lens or maybe something wrong with my technique. Under certain lighting i get some amazing pictures but same subject from a certain angle can really ruin the shots sometimes, however if i use my sigma 35/1.4 it produces pretty nice results under same lighting. Another issue is with autofocus (although i tend to use manual now) again under certain lighting it is sharp and very sharp (mostly i shot F2.8 - F4) but sometimes the focus is not tack sharp or perhaps the lens is not sharp bcz just two days ago in keukenhof/holland i could take amazing pictures outside while inside this lens was not that sharp (used at F4 all the time), and switching to sigma 35/1.4 i could produce some very sharp images. this we can notice at 100% crop (using D610) but images are anyway all usable but i just wonder if there is something wrong with my technique?
Rizwan Ul Haq did this CHANGE, or did you use it on a diff. body where you need to change the focus point (likely) for this 135mm DC lens. what body, and what changed? did you buy it used? it could have an ASKEW element which causes BAD SHOTS at more open apertures, and ive seen that MORE than a few times.
Theoria Apophasis I bought it new and have not had enough time to practice so much with it, but noticing it after some use now recently. I assume F2.8+ should be just about fine right? in day light under clouds it produces very nice results, under certain lighting inside i have to be careful with light direction otherwise it can ruin the shot, so i was wondering is this my copy of lens or its just normal because my other lens is more or less fine with the lighting under same conditions
Theoria Apophasis Im a pretty immature with all this stuff and didn't check that thoroughly there but mostly im fine with this lens. Once i get home i will email you the sample tonight. Thank you
you are the fucking truth brother!!! (period) Keep it up. You have saved me quite a bit of money & have supplied me with a lot more knowledge, Very thankful.
I was definitely wondering about the 35mm f/2; I am glad you made this video. Based on your recommendation, I did end up getting the 135mm f/2.8 AI-S. I got a near-mint condition lens from Japan for $150 all in. I have had it now for almost two weeks...and I LOVE it. I am sorry to say it is honestly the first manual focus lens I have purchased since owing my OLD Nikon 4004 back in the early 90s. I like your idea of using the money I saved buying the 2.8 over the 2 and going out to buy another backup body!! Thanks again for the videos man; they are awesome. GSM
I have a 55 to 200 mm range dx telephoto, but no prime telephoto, so I know little on the subject, my question is, if it's a 135 mm what would be the starting mm range and ending mm range?
I love my 135 ai f2 9 bladed aperture and use the 135 2.8 as a backup.. Awesome lenses.. Get off your ass and manual focus!!! Buy the 135 ai it's awesome!!
Today i must agree the Nikon AiS 135mm f/2 is sharper than my 135mm f/2 DC. The AiS is still a 72mm Tank. It's so great i dont need my 135mn f/2 DC lens and have the beautiful AiS lens insteed. Thanks for bringing up the AiS lenses. Yes the AiS 135mn f2.8 is a great lens but the f/2 is a gem almost the best portrait lens created. 135mm autofucus is not so important than MF on the distant from the model.
Johan den Hertog The DC is a house cat, the other lens is the one you take out and get messy with. id mention the F2 135mm AIS, but its more a rare bird to locate. Ohhhhhh, MORE of these people NEED to manual focus for a while, and its more INVOLVING. they need to slow the hell down and compose and THINK.
+Theoria Apophasis cool. thnx for the input. I'm currently using a d5200 and don't give a crap to afs vs afd lenses on cheap crop cameras. m used to focusing manually. my question is which is the BEST portrait for my situation? the 85mm 1.4d or the 105mm f2 dc? would the 105 be too long? how does the 85 1.4d compare to the 105 dc? ps. I don't plan to upgrade to full frame lest my shutter breaks apart.
Hi Ken, I like what you doing here - after few videos I bought Nikon 200mm f/4 AI for a $60 & Nikon 300mm f/4.5 non-AI converted to AI by John White for $89!!! - I can’t watch your reviews when my children are around me though… I understand that sometimes you have to use a strong words to express yourself but I really like your other approach e.g. Afghan refugee girl lens review or when you’re having a conversation with Chuck Jines… just saying… I think you shouldn’t compare new lens price vs the old one. Used excellent 135mm DIC cost $850 on eBay - I bought for myself 105mm version because is much smaller and I need AF, I paid little over $500… since you recommending purchase of the used lenses anyway… - Also I’m looking at Ken Rockwell site and other aspect what Ken Rockwell might be right is that the price might increase after Nikon discontinue this one - the same happen to 28mm f1.4D - right?
if youre in the USA, no more fees, ....Japan and Germany and the UK are the only countries i trust i can order from and not be worried about lost, / scams / etc etc. Japan has FAST shipping to the USA, and all peeps i know that order lenses from Japan dont have any issues at all!! winks
Theoria Apophasis thanx man, im so worried buying outside us...now theres a lot of lenses from japan that you are recommending and i"d like to buy those :-)....time to shop !!!
ohhhh, im HARDCORE against buying outside USA, but Japan has incredible flawless shipping times and success its not like buying the BLACK HOLE of China!!! Ohh i know, japan has hoarded ALL this great glass now for the past 40 years!!!!!! and unlike the pissy americans, the Japanese take GREAT care of their lenses and gear!!!
Theoria Apophasis and they raise their prices because of your reviews!!! Fuck! lol! i can't find prices like you've said. ;-( ... oh well.....need to look for all of them :-))...thax for all the reviews very helpful esp for beginners like me...i learned a lot from you....
Thank you sir, I thought I saw or heard that this was a great lens and I came across one in Japan for $777.oo,lucky huh, almost pulled the trigger for my birthday its in the us now. 35.oo shipping but it came from outside the us. So I said I better see what ken says about this critter cuz I can’t trust my memory since I got sick, thank you and now I’ll watch part 2 and get it all wrong,LOL anyhow I think ill find a different birthday present, I think I might be missing 1 tamron out of the lineup. That lens just isn’t something id use much. Fun to get and play with but turns into a paper weight. The inks buddy.
I have this lens for so many years and never have I for once use the DC function, except accidentally. It is bought for the speed at this focal length, and the pleasing out of focus areas (nothing to do with the DC).
nope. Nope and triple nope. I live off the philosophy that flash is HALF of photography and the rest is a monopod or tripod if a speedlight cannot reach it. if i have to crank my ISO a wee bit, no probs either
That will do nothing to your DOF though. I can pump light into my shots all day long to keep a strict 100 ISO regiment. But flexibility in DOF is only achieved with more aperture options.
i know it has nothing to do with DOF do you know what the DOF is between F2 and F2.8 ???? ehhehehehehehehehheehehhe !! I can also shift DOF in photoshop (not that i prefer same)
Ur fkn crazy man, as in crazy fun smart, the only thing u need is more of the old artistic side of photography, uve turned me.into a gear freeak ; thanks ?
Oh I was going to ask this on another post but this is similar so i'll ask here. What are your feelings on the Sakar 135mm 2.8 for a 30$ lens? I'm trying to find cheap prime lenses just for shits and giggles but if I can find one that's a gem that I can use for professional use I'd be even more happy. Cheers! Love the videos. Keep it weird.
Lol You been crazy assed sat talkin to those lenes for way tooo boy...you been gettin way to much sun down at that there beach with those lens he he he. You should do all the videos with that there accent...Boy.
"his recommendations are accurate but he's weird" continues to be a prophetically true statement
I took your advice after pondering the DC. I found a mint 135 2.8 for less than 175 delivered. It exceeds my expectations especially when I kept a grand in my wallet. I never have had manual focus issues in the last 40 years and nothing has changed. Thanks Ken.
Ken, you should try sleeping every once in a while. It really does work!
photoboy2005 i know man, i have sleep and serious stress issues, major PTSD and other things far too worse to mention.
goddamn man!
whut?
Damn, didn’t expect Carl Childers to be giving this review. This is the best review you’ve done.
this is probably the funniest video of all time
LOL this video is amazing. It's still offering great value in the advice and humour departments. Awesome work, Ken!.
Man, what a difference a year makes. 135 2.8 AI are up to $300+...I wish the Japanese would stop watching your channel, Ken.
+Marckymarc71 i dont control supply
Theoria Apophasis
No...but you control MASS NIKKOR GEAR LUST! LOL
@@KenTheoriaApophasis No, that is true but your videos do seem to increase demand :)
Great video Ken !!!!
This is the most informative/entertaining/funny/money saving video on youtube EVER !!!!
What do you think about the 135 f2 ai lens? And thanks for all your help.
I immediately knew what accent your were doing! I love the movie Sling Blade!
This made me like your videos even more! I'm watching Sling Blade again tonight because of this video.
loved it so much 😂still pissing my pants Ken 👌
Hilarious! Scared me at first. I thought my crazy relative escaped from the jail and was wanting more money
I appreciate the info on the lens, but man dude, I felt like someone was digging their fingernails into a chalkboard in the intro with your attempted humor.
I have never been a big fan of the 135mm focal length lens on a full-frame camera. I prefer to use 105mm and 180mm.
However, when lens prices dropped to ridiculously low priced, I bought 135mm f/2 Nikkor, 135mm f/3.5 Nikkor, and a 135mm f/2 Zeiss manual focus lenses.
I had not planned on keeping all three lenses, but to my surprise, all three were worthy of keeping.
The f/2 Nikkor was a great portrait lens.
The Zeiss was a great documentary lens that I used with my APS-C digital mirrorless camera.
The f/3.5 Nikkor was a good disposable backup lens.
I actually found the 135 f2 DC lens on eBay in great condition. For $500. The only issue was filter ring was bent but I don’t use filters so no problem for me.
135mm F2 DC AF NIKKOR or AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D...which you recommended?
i dont "like" the 105mm F2,........ "recommended" is a tough word, between the TWO , its both subjective and personal!!
The 135mm focal offers much more spectrum of use ive found and find UNLESS there is a 105 that is DIRT cheap, i wouldnt touch one again whatsoever.
between 85 and 135, the 105 falls into the ass crack of BLAAAAH, to myself subjectively in terms of use as per portraiture.
that being said, the Tokina 100mm F2.8 Macro/Portrait lens is THE best choice, and its only $380 new.
but that is very SUBJECTIVE to say on my part, however ive found MOST others who have used both also take my side on that !
I did know the manual 135mm is sharper than the 135mm DC AF version. When you were live online I sent you a question on this lens. Now I really don't know what to buy, because I have the 135mm manual for portraits. Now I am looking at the Nikon 105mm f/2 DC or the Tokina 100mm f/2.8
Hi Ken, didn't you speak very highly (sex and sugar level) of the 105 f2 DC and 135 f2 DC in your Best Portrait lenses for Nikon DSLR video? I am confused. Do you think 135 f2 DC is an unmatched lens (within Autofocus options) or not? How about when compared to offerings from second party? Thank you as always for your informative videos! :)
Which one would you recommend between 135mm F2 AF DC NIKKOR Vs ZEISS 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar
what do you think i want to keep one portrait lens , i have nikon 85 1.8 and nikon 135 f2 dc , and im considering the 105 dc , what lens you think is the best for portraits
Ordered the Nikon 135mm f/2.8 ai for 200$ (cad)
Just picked up the 135mm 3.5 for 60 bucks! Haggled down (thanks for the haggle'n tips, btw!) from 100. This lens is built like a Cadillac.
Erik Stabile $60? you stole it ,,....you stinker :P
I spent some time reseaching these. A new 135 DC lens can be purchased all day long for between £700-£800, an old 135mm F2 Ais will cost you between £350-£450 for a decent one, even for a good Q verion it is not that much cheaper.
For an extra £300 you can get a new and better lens than the 30 year old manual focus that could potentially infect your gear with camera herpes. It's obviously more initial out lay but the DC will still retain a high resale value later on.
+PendleHill Billies infect your camera........Ehhhhh Noooo
135mm DC F2 nikkor new is NOT that cheap. I have one.
Followed your advice on how to get these prime lenses for best price. Today coming in: old nikon camera with 135mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.8 ai Nikon lenses including filters and small camera bag, all for under $100!
BTW. Already have the 50mm 1.8 e series and love it (also bought an your recommendation) and 135mm 2.8 converted.
Keep uploading that good stuff!
awesome !!!! you used the "secret method!" under 100$ !!!! ??? You STOLE THEM !!!
thank you for the warm words!!!
Hey man, First of all, thanks a lot for your videos, i've learned a lot from them ;) I want to ask you if you could give me your opinion about the Nikon Nikkor 180mm ED AI-s please?
Thanks a lot!!!
+Iván Alegría great lens, but considering its 80% of the cost of a AF-D 180mm, i wouldnt buy it unless you found one cheap
$1300 is a bit pricey. I got the EF 135 f/2 for nearly half that used. The damage to my wallet was like getting kicked in the Jimmy.
captainkanji1 damn expensive arent they :)
Money flying out of my arsehole....haha...funniest review I've seen in ages.
but which one has the more micro-contrast ??? i own the 135mm f3.5 and use it everytime in my studio not even sure the 135mm f2dc is a worthy upgrade so i bought another 135mm f3.5 Ai mint for 150 and saved the money for additional lighting gear ;)
Update 9yrs later I can get the 135 f2 DC for around $450.
Your videos are informative and hilarious, keep up the good work
Thanks Ken, you just saved me $1100.
Hello Sir,
I'm very close to getting the 135mm F/3.5 AI lens,
I'd love the F/2.8 but the prices have really rocked of late.
How do the two compare in good light?
If both are set to F3.5 is the difference still noticeable in image sharpness and quality of bokeh?
Sorry for all the questions, but I don't know if I should wait, save and get the 2.8 or take the plunge and enjoy the 3.5 as the difference is small
Steve (UK)
P.S
Thanks for replying so fast last time
there isnt a hair of diff. in bokeh (well a wee bit) between 2.8 and 3.5.
the 3.5 is MORE compact and better for pocket carry, also it has 1 less glass element.
got several of both, ill grab either one without even thinking about it.
hugs! happy easter!
I just scored a 105 f2 DC in perfect cosmetic condition for 397USD. It was in storage for a bit so has a 1mm spot of dead fungus on the second element. No issues to images at all :) picked it up so no shipping costs either. Great deal. Is there any optical difference between 105 and 135? I have noticed there is a bit of CA on this lens and read about it too.
Still got it?
@@cjmadridtv4289 yip, I do
Supposedly the 105 is a tiny bit shaper but idk. Fungus shouldn't affect the performance if it's just a spot.
I just got a 135 for $615 on eBay, great condition. The only thing is that it isn’t the D version, it’s the earlier AF version. Is there a big difference between the two?
Your Russian is awesome! :)
Love the “Sling Blade” voice!
I looked for a review of the 105mm f2 dc, but I only found this review of the 135mm f2 dc. I haven't found that you mention this lens still I chose this to go with my old D2x with a crop sensor. This gives equivalently almost a 160mm and thus suits my need to stay a good distance from my objects. I'm very satisfied with this 105mm but wondered why you somehow have overlooked it in your videos. Apart from that I do appreciate you videos. You do a great job! Regards William
I want buy this lenses but have little scratched in front lenses. Price $400. I want ask scratched lenses still worthy buying or not? Answer please. Thank you.
How about the DC as an investment? you think it will go uo in price?
Are the 135mm f2.8 Ai and Ai-s same image quality? Sorry if I missed it if you’ve already commented on this.
Thanks Ken,Just picked up the 135mm F2 AF DC Nikkor.WOW It's SOOOOO!!!!!! Great on my D810.Best part BOTH Free.No shit.HA HA Camera and Lens.The accident did hurt like hell though.
This had me in tears 😂😂😂
lol, I am rolling on the floor with this character voice!!!!
Ohhh i OUTDID myself on this video for CRAZY!!!!!!
The older 135 mm is incredibly sharp. But it makes my grandchildren's faces look different. It sort of ages their faces.
Will you sell the lens? Im interested thankyou
I have the 135 mm 3.5. It distorts people's faces. But for architecture it is excellent. Maybe I need some good advice.
love the commentating
Hello! Which one do you prefer: Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 105mm f/2D or the Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2D? Why?
got both, i prefer the 105 f2 DC.....its my fave :)
Theoria Apophasis does ir render Colors better? Better microcontrast? Or is everything the same but you prefer the focal point of view (105mm over 135mm in this case)? Thank You.
Ken, hows the 135mm 2.0 ais differ with the 135mm 2.8 ?
Is the f2.0 better?
Got the 135 F2 DC AF Nikkor today mint condition 561 dollars. Do you consent Ken?
Hi Ken
Missed your last live, Only due to 14 hours time difference. I got the 180 mm f 2.8D ($700) from Nikon. Tried it, No good. Very sharp But Needs VR. Guys at Nikon offered me the 135 f2 DC for 25% off ($$$ 950) in a refund/exchange. should I take the swap?
Thanks
whut? thats CHEAP, id buy it . !!
well NEITHER of those lenses has VR for very very good reason.
I know that the 135 2.8 is ultra sharp. But it makes my grandchildren's faces look weird. Some might call it giving the faces a flat appearance. Does anyone have any advice?
Funny guy , a bit bonkers but a good bonkers
Adrian O Sullivan more than a BIT
I just love you, just keep doing your thang
Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2D Lens or the 105 for Portraits
I would go with the 70-200mm 2.8. Or the 105mm 1.4 if already have the zoom.
Sharper than the average slingblade
😂😂😂 SOUND EFFECTS ON FLIPPING OF THAT GUY!!! 😂😂😂
I'm proud owner of 135mm 2.8 E series. Photos are super delicious... Sharpness and bokeh are absolutely great! Wondering about difference between AI and E series... What exactly...?!
i cannot say it any easier than ole' rockwell himself does, and hes correct:
Up through the 1970s Nikon only made very expensive professional lenses. Normal people had to buy discount brands lenses if they wanted something they could afford. Buying an off-brand lens was, and still is, the worst of all worlds: spending a lot on a camera, and then getting a dinky lens. The lens is the only part that affects the picture quality, so you are far better of with a crummy camera and good lenses.
To capture more of the amateur market Nikon decided to make a series of lenses called "Series E" which had great optical quality. They were built with well thought out, simple to manufacture optics and cheaper mechanics that were more than good enough for amateur use. These cheaper mechanics are often better than what Nikon makes today in some of their cheaper plastic AF lenses.
Picked up the 135mm 2.8 AI for 200, and I picked up the 60mm 2.8D for 145, all on eBay thanks to you!! I use a D7200. Can't wait for these lens's to come in!!!
+DJ Simone
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
EPIC WIN !!!!!
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
thank you!! Looking for a fisheye too...any new secrets?
fisheyes are never cheap, there is no secret
dude I need to ask you..someone offered me a vivitar 135mm 2.8 to change with my nikon 18-70 which i don't use very often..what do u think about the vivitar it is sharp or any good?
laurentiu dimache hehehehhe, i wouldnt take that deal, trading an Apple for a lemon.
yes true i got to test it and it wasnt't that sharp..returned it ..got to keep looking
heheheheh!! winks
Thank you, happy Easter x
Where can I find a motherboard for the 135mm F2 DC AF ????
Bill Hicks lives!
tatters, mmmhmmm
Keith O'Keeffe So I'm not the only one who is reminded of Hicks when watching his videos.
hahahah~~
6 minutes of my life I’ll never get back. Couldn’t make it through the rest.
fount one mint for 700euro does it worth it? what's your opinion?
Hi Theoria, I have been using this 135 F2 DC for sometime now. I am not sure if it is bad lens or maybe something wrong with my technique. Under certain lighting i get some amazing pictures but same subject from a certain angle can really ruin the shots sometimes, however if i use my sigma 35/1.4 it produces pretty nice results under same lighting. Another issue is with autofocus (although i tend to use manual now) again under certain lighting it is sharp and very sharp (mostly i shot F2.8 - F4) but sometimes the focus is not tack sharp or perhaps the lens is not sharp bcz just two days ago in keukenhof/holland i could take amazing pictures outside while inside this lens was not that sharp (used at F4 all the time), and switching to sigma 35/1.4 i could produce some very sharp images. this we can notice at 100% crop (using D610) but images are anyway all usable but i just wonder if there is something wrong with my technique?
Rizwan Ul Haq did this CHANGE, or did you use it on a diff. body where you need to change the focus point (likely) for this 135mm DC lens.
what body, and what changed?
did you buy it used? it could have an ASKEW element which causes BAD SHOTS at more open apertures, and ive seen that MORE than a few times.
Theoria Apophasis I bought it new and have not had enough time to practice so much with it, but noticing it after some use now recently. I assume F2.8+ should be just about fine right? in day light under clouds it produces very nice results, under certain lighting inside i have to be careful with light direction otherwise it can ruin the shot, so i was wondering is this my copy of lens or its just normal because my other lens is more or less fine with the lighting under same conditions
can you email me an example, and i can tell quick, email it to neoplatonist@icloud.com
bad copies DO EXIST
did you not fully check it when you got it?
Theoria Apophasis Im a pretty immature with all this stuff and didn't check that thoroughly there but mostly im fine with this lens. Once i get home i will email you the sample tonight. Thank you
just sent you email
you are the fucking truth brother!!! (period) Keep it up. You have saved me quite a bit of money & have supplied me with a lot more knowledge, Very thankful.
even Rock Kenwell likes this lens
Is this a good lens to adapt onto Fuji x?
I was definitely wondering about the 35mm f/2; I am glad you made this video. Based on your recommendation, I did end up getting the 135mm f/2.8 AI-S. I got a near-mint condition lens from Japan for $150 all in. I have had it now for almost two weeks...and I LOVE it. I am sorry to say it is honestly the first manual focus lens I have purchased since owing my OLD Nikon 4004 back in the early 90s. I like your idea of using the money I saved buying the 2.8 over the 2 and going out to buy another backup body!!
Thanks again for the videos man; they are awesome.
GSM
you mean the 135mm. AWESOME!!!! nothing sorry about, you gotta start SOMEWHERE with manual, and its no big deal using it!!
Absofrigginglutely !!!
SHIT, yeah man, typo...I meant 135mm f/2.
ehhhh i knew what U meant!!!!!
I have a 55 to 200 mm range dx telephoto, but no prime telephoto, so I know little on the subject, my question is, if it's a 135 mm what would be the starting mm range and ending mm range?
It starts at 135, and ends at 135. ;)
Okay, cool
I love my 135 ai f2 9 bladed aperture and use the 135 2.8 as a backup.. Awesome lenses.. Get off your ass and manual focus!!! Buy the 135 ai it's awesome!!
yes indeed, AUTOFOCUS IS FOR PUSSIES
Hehehehhe !
Maaaan!!!! Your russian is aaaaa!!!!! You rock!!!!! :D:D:D
Today i must agree the Nikon AiS 135mm f/2 is sharper than my 135mm f/2 DC. The AiS is still a 72mm Tank. It's so great i dont need my 135mn f/2 DC lens and have the beautiful AiS lens insteed. Thanks for bringing up the AiS lenses. Yes the AiS 135mn f2.8 is a great lens but the f/2 is a gem almost the best portrait lens created. 135mm autofucus is not so important than MF on the distant from the model.
Johan den Hertog The DC is a house cat, the other lens is the one you take out and get messy with.
id mention the F2 135mm AIS, but its more a rare bird to locate.
Ohhhhhh, MORE of these people NEED to manual focus for a while, and its more INVOLVING.
they need to slow the hell down and compose and THINK.
All I'm seeing is a green lawn mower ! :-)
Hey Ken, what do you think of the Zeiss 135 f/2 Sonnar?
+Christopher O'Grady i owned one, its not that impressive considering its price
i own 13 zeiss lenses, love em
+Theoria Apophasis 35 f2 still your favourite?
yes
how do you compare the f2 dc with the f2 ais? in terms of sharpness, bokeh, depth and color?
+masum khan khan no comparison , the F2 DC blows it away, i have both
+Theoria Apophasis cool. thnx for the input. I'm currently using a d5200 and don't give a crap to afs vs afd lenses on cheap crop cameras. m used to focusing manually. my question is which is the BEST portrait for my situation? the 85mm 1.4d or the 105mm f2 dc? would the 105 be too long? how does the 85 1.4d compare to the 105 dc?
ps. I don't plan to upgrade to full frame lest my shutter breaks apart.
with NO budget????? the 85, but NOT that 85,
the 85mm 1.4 Zeiss
THANK YOU MR. *NOT SO ANGRY* KEN..
not angry, PTSD from a life of pain and torture
:( (yeah really)
Sling Blade - Love that movie!
Literally trying to watch you're review mate you've definitely got tourette's 😂
Great Slingblade impression. LOL
mmhmm, fried taters hehehehe!!
im a pro photographer so I could justify the jump up from my 3.5 but I just picked up the 135mm dc f2 for $840 used. MINT
Hahah late to the party, I would love a rant about Töny..
lol u crack me up. But I was hoping u did a video on this lens.
Hi Ken, I like what you doing here - after few videos I bought Nikon 200mm f/4 AI for a $60 & Nikon 300mm f/4.5 non-AI converted to AI by John White for $89!!! - I can’t watch your reviews when my children are around me though… I understand that sometimes you have to use a strong words to express yourself but I really like your other approach e.g. Afghan refugee girl lens review or when you’re having a conversation with Chuck Jines… just saying… I think you shouldn’t compare new lens price vs the old one. Used excellent 135mm DIC cost $850 on eBay - I bought for myself 105mm version because is much smaller and I need AF, I paid little over $500… since you recommending purchase of the used lenses anyway… - Also I’m looking at Ken Rockwell site and other aspect what Ken Rockwell might be right is that the price might increase after Nikon discontinue this one - the same happen to 28mm f1.4D - right?
Pinka Wielo hey thank you man!!! Chuck Jines is a great down to earth guy :)
400 usd for 135 f2 d is it good?
i"d like to buy that on eBay but from japan....is it ok to buy from japan seller...if so do u know if theres additional fees? thanx
if youre in the USA, no more fees, ....Japan and Germany and the UK are the only countries i trust i can order from and not be worried about lost, / scams / etc etc.
Japan has FAST shipping to the USA, and all peeps i know that order lenses from Japan dont have any issues at all!!
winks
Theoria Apophasis thanx man, im so worried buying outside us...now theres a lot of lenses from japan that you are recommending and i"d like to buy those :-)....time to shop !!!
ohhhh, im HARDCORE against buying outside USA, but Japan has incredible flawless shipping times and success
its not like buying the BLACK HOLE of China!!!
Ohh i know, japan has hoarded ALL this great glass now for the past 40 years!!!!!!
and unlike the pissy americans, the Japanese take GREAT care of their lenses and gear!!!
Theoria Apophasis and they raise their prices because of your reviews!!! Fuck! lol! i can't find prices like you've said. ;-( ... oh well.....need to look for all of them :-))...thax for all the reviews very helpful esp for beginners like me...i learned a lot from you....
kind thanks!!!! Well, prices WILL calm down!
Thank you sir, I thought I saw or heard that this was a great lens and I came across one in Japan for $777.oo,lucky huh, almost pulled the trigger for my birthday its in the us now. 35.oo shipping but it came from outside the us. So I said I better see what ken says about this critter cuz I can’t trust my memory since I got sick, thank you and now I’ll watch part 2 and get it all wrong,LOL anyhow I think ill find a different birthday present, I think I might be missing 1 tamron out of the lineup. That lens just isn’t something id use much. Fun to get and play with but turns into a paper weight. The inks buddy.
hey guys dont quit watching this video so early .. it gets better and better and there will russian show on board hahah
Lens Clowns Show - My opinion a real review is posting images to compare...
Will nikor Ais mount on D800
135 f2 or 180 2.8?
How can Nikon still have a patent on a lens they introduced 25 years ago? Maybe it's just that no one considers it worth copying.
+jganun 25 years isnt that long. Others do want to copy it.
mmmm hmmmmm.. haha! Love it..."Tator"!
That 135mm 2.8 is a nice lens I reckon. Mhm. I think next video needs to contain some Sam Kinison.
i can do that too
I have this lens for so many years and never have I for once use the DC function, except accidentally. It is bought for the speed at this focal length, and the pleasing out of focus areas (nothing to do with the DC).
F2 vs F2.8....... thats hardly "speedier" !
yes the 9 bladed aperture ....... well, the REAR DC is the only part worth using 99% of the time.
Theoria Apophasis A whole stop isn't a significant speed boost for you?
nope. Nope and triple nope.
I live off the philosophy that flash is HALF of photography and the rest is a monopod or tripod if a speedlight cannot reach it.
if i have to crank my ISO a wee bit, no probs either
That will do nothing to your DOF though. I can pump light into my shots all day long to keep a strict 100 ISO regiment. But flexibility in DOF is only achieved with more aperture options.
i know it has nothing to do with DOF
do you know what the DOF is between F2 and F2.8 ????
ehhehehehehehehehheehehhe !!
I can also shift DOF in photoshop (not that i prefer same)
Ur fkn crazy man, as in crazy fun smart, the only thing u need is more of the old artistic side of photography, uve turned me.into a gear freeak ; thanks ?
Ken them there 135mm 2.8 taters are now going for $200!!
crazy
any thoughts on the samyang 135 f2? just asking :)
i dont review that stuff
Why? Is it crap? I've been looking for a good review on their prime lenses. Yay or nay on them? For budget lenses.
Oh I was going to ask this on another post but this is similar so i'll ask here. What are your feelings on the Sakar 135mm 2.8 for a 30$ lens? I'm trying to find cheap prime lenses just for shits and giggles but if I can find one that's a gem that I can use for professional use I'd be even more happy. Cheers! Love the videos. Keep it weird.
Lol You been crazy assed sat talkin to those lenes for way tooo boy...you been gettin way to much sun down at that there beach with those lens he he he. You should do all the videos with that there accent...Boy.
So, if i found one for 200 bucks it would be quite a nice deal....
Ep!c Photography did you??
While I admire your knowledge on lenses I don’t admire your filthy language. You don’t need to lower yourself to this level.