Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50-135mm f/3.5
The Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5 is a 50–135mm f/3.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $79.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50-135mm f/3.5
Used Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
Key Features — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
50–135mm Zoom Range: Covers standard to short telephoto in a single lens, useful for portraits, events, and everyday shooting without changing glass.
Constant f/3.5 Aperture: Maximum aperture stays fixed at f/3.5 across the entire zoom range, so exposure and depth of field remain consistent regardless of focal length.
AI-S Manual Focus: Built to Nikon's AI-S specification, the lens integrates with Nikon's manual focus metering system on compatible bodies.
Nikon F Mount: Fits the full range of Nikon F-mount bodies, from classic film SLRs to modern Nikon DSLRs, with broad compatibility across decades of cameras.
Full Frame Coverage: Designed to cover the full 35mm frame with no vignetting on full frame Nikon bodies.
52mm Filter Thread: A widely used filter diameter that makes it straightforward to share filters with other Nikon lenses from the same era.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Travel |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 50–135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50-135mm f/3.5 is a manual focus zoom lens built for the Nikon F mount, designed to cover full frame sensors. The focal length range spans 50mm to 135mm, giving photographers a versatile working range from standard perspectives out to a short telephoto reach. One of the lens's standout attributes is its constant f/3.5 maximum aperture, which holds steady throughout the entire zoom range — meaning your exposure and depth of field behavior stay predictable no matter where you are in the zoom.
With a 52mm filter thread, adapting your existing filter collection to this lens is straightforward. The lens weighs 860g, reflecting the robust build quality associated with Nikon's AI-S series. Focus is fully manual, making this lens well suited to photographers who prefer precise, deliberate focus control and enjoy working with classic optics on Nikon F-mount bodies.
Pros — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
- ✓Constant f/3.5 maximum aperture throughout the 50–135mm zoom range ensures consistent exposure across all focal lengths
- ✓Full frame coverage means the lens is compatible with Nikon F-mount full frame bodies
- ✓50mm to 135mm focal length range covers a versatile spread from standard to short telephoto
Cons — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, which may slow down shooting in fast-moving or action scenarios
- ✗No image stabilization, so camera shake at longer focal lengths must be managed through technique or shutter speed
- ✗At 860g, the lens carries notable weight that may be tiring during extended handheld shooting sessions
Videos — Nikon 50-135mm f/3.5
Manual Focus Nikkor Primes — Steve O'Nions