Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S Series E Lens
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 is a 135mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S Series E Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
Key Features — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
135mm f/2.8 Telephoto Prime: A fixed focal length in the telephoto range, well-suited for portraits, events, and subject isolation without the bulk of a zoom.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with a wide range of Nikon F-mount film and digital camera bodies, including full frame and APS-C DSLRs.
Full Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full frame image circle, with no vignetting on Nikon's larger sensor bodies.
AI-S Manual Focus: Features Nikon's AI-S coupling for accurate exposure meter communication on compatible bodies, with a manual focus ring for direct control.
Series E Optical Design: Part of Nikon's budget-oriented Series E line, offering a compact and lightweight build without sacrificing core optical performance.
Lightweight Build: Notably compact for a telephoto prime, reducing fatigue during extended handheld use.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Street |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S Series E is a prime telephoto lens built on the Nikon F mount, with full frame coverage and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Operating at a fixed 135mm focal length, it falls squarely in the telephoto range and delivers a consistent angle of view across every shot. Focus is entirely manual, with no autofocus support, making it well suited to photographers who value deliberate, tactile control over their focus point.
There is no image stabilization, so a steady hand or physical support is recommended when shooting at this focal length. The lens accepts 52mm filters, a broadly compatible size across most filter systems. At 410 grams, it strikes a balance between build and portability for a lens of its class.
Whether used on a film body or a digital Nikon F-mount camera, this Series E prime offers straightforward, no-frills telephoto shooting driven by manual craft.
Pros — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides useful light gathering for a telephoto prime
- ✓135mm fixed focal length covers the telephoto range for subject isolation and reach
- ✓Full frame coverage means no vignetting concerns on larger sensor bodies
Cons — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
- ✗Manual focus only with no autofocus support, requiring more shooter skill and time
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be demanding to manage at 135mm without support
- ✗Single focal length with no zoom flexibility limits compositional adaptability on the fly
Videos — Nikon 135mm f/2.8
Manual Focus Nikkor Primes — Steve O'Nions