Have you ever looked at a photo and thought, “Wow, how did they get that amazing background blur?” That’s the magic of a prime lens, and the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S is a real showstopper. But when you have a lens like this, knowing how to use it best can feel a bit overwhelming. You want to capture those stunning portraits and beautiful, creamy backgrounds, but figuring out the perfect settings can be tricky.
Many photographers find themselves wondering: what aperture should I use for portraits? How do I get sharp focus every time? What about the best ISO for different lighting conditions? It’s easy to get lost in all the numbers and options. This can stop you from taking the incredible shots you know this lens is capable of.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly how to unlock the full potential of your Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S. We’ll break down the key settings and explain why they work, so you can confidently create breathtaking images. Get ready to take your photography to the next level!
Our Top 5 Setting For Nikon Z 135 1.8 Mm Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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VILTROX 135mm f/1.8 Z | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 Z Full Frame Lens for Nikon Z | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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VILTROX 135mm F1.8 LAB Z Lens for Nikon Z Mount Full-Frame Cameras | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Setting For Nikon Z 135 1.8 Mm Detailed Reviews
1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to capture stunning photos and videos with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens. This telephoto lens is designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras and is perfect for adding a professional touch to your shots.
What We Like:
- Creates beautiful, round bokeh that makes your subjects stand out.
- Autofocus is super fast, precise, and almost silent, so you won’t disturb your subject.
- Special coatings help reduce glare and improve image clarity, even in tricky lighting.
- The customizable Fn button is easy to reach, whether you’re shooting horizontally or vertically.
- You can adjust the manual focus ring and the clickless control ring for a personalized shooting experience.
- Captures point lights, like city lights or stars, with amazing clarity and detail.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price point might be high for some hobbyist photographers.
- While the AF is fast, in very fast-paced action, some photographers might desire even quicker tracking.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens is an exceptional tool for photographers who want to elevate their creative vision. Its ability to produce gorgeous bokeh and sharp details makes it a standout choice for portraits and more.
2. VILTROX 135mm f/1.8 Z
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to capture stunning portraits and beautiful details with the VILTROX AF 135mm F1.8 LAB Z lens. This full-frame lens is built for Nikon Z mount cameras like the Z6III, Z6II, Z7II, Z5, and Zf. It’s a medium telephoto lens that brings your subjects closer with amazing clarity.
What We Like:
- It has a super advanced optical design with special glass elements. This helps make your pictures sharp and clear with fewer color blurs.
- The autofocus is really fast thanks to its special HyperVCM motor. It’s 150% faster than older motors, so you can capture moving subjects easily.
- You can take amazing close-up shots because of its special dual floating focus system. This also helps reduce color issues when you focus up close.
- The lens creates a beautiful, blurry background (bokeh). This makes your main subject really stand out.
- It’s great for close-ups, with a minimum focus distance of just 0.72m. You can get really detailed shots.
- You have great control with a helpful LCD screen, two customizable buttons, a focus range limiter, and a clicky aperture ring.
- It’s made from strong but light metal (magnesium-aluminum alloy). It’s also protected from dust and splashes, so you can use it almost anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers excellent features, the advanced technology might come at a higher price point.
This VILTROX 135mm lens is a fantastic tool for photographers who want top-notch image quality and versatile performance. It helps you create professional-looking photos with ease.
3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
Rating: 8.7/10
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens is a powerful tool for video creators using Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This lens makes it easy to change your shot from wide to close-up instantly. Its smooth zoom and sharp focus are ideal for professional video work.
What We Like:
- The one-touch zoom control is super fast. You can switch shots in a snap.
- It has 11 speed options for zooming, so you can get the exact zoom speed you want.
- The constant f/4 aperture lets you take great shots even in dimmer light. It also creates nice blurry backgrounds for close-ups.
- The lens stays the same size when you zoom. This makes it perfect for gimbals and drones because it keeps your camera balanced.
- Autofocus is fast and accurate thanks to the STM motor.
- The focus and zoom rings are easy to grip. They work with follow-focus accessories, which are helpful for precise control.
- The constant aperture is a big plus for consistent exposure.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lens only works with certain cameras like the Z9, Z8, and Z6III for its full zoom control features.
- The minimum focus distance of 0.34m is only achieved between 28mm and 50mm.
This Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens offers excellent performance for video shooters. It’s a versatile lens that helps you capture professional-looking footage with ease.
4. Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 Z Full Frame Lens for Nikon Z
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to capture stunning portraits and beautiful close-up shots with the Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 LAB Z lens for Nikon Z cameras. This telephoto prime lens is built for amazing image quality and smooth performance, making it a fantastic addition to your photography gear.
What We Like:
- It has a special design with 14 optical parts, including special ED and HR elements, for super clear pictures.
- The fast HyperVCM motor makes focusing quick and smooth, which is great for both photos and videos.
- The big F1.8 aperture creates a beautiful blurry background (bokeh) to make your subject stand out.
- It focuses really well up close, even at 0.72m, and still takes sharp photos.
- You can change some settings on the lens screen using the Viltrox app, like adding your own startup animation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the focus is fast, some users might find it a little noisy in very quiet environments.
- The customization through the app is cool, but it requires an extra step for users who prefer a plug-and-play experience.
Overall, the Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 LAB Z lens offers impressive features for its price. It’s a powerful tool for photographers looking to elevate their portrait and detail work.
5. VILTROX 135mm F1.8 LAB Z Lens for Nikon Z Mount Full-Frame Cameras
Rating: 9.5/10
Unlock your creative potential with the VILTROX 135mm F1.8 LAB Z Lens for Nikon Z Mount. This lens is a true portrait powerhouse, perfect for capturing stunning half-body shots and close-ups. Its classic 135mm focal length naturally compresses your subject, making them pop against a beautifully blurred background. Whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or dim evening light, the wide F1.8 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm create gorgeous, creamy bokeh that will make your photos stand out.
What We Like:
- The 135mm focal length is ideal for flattering portraits and creating beautiful background blur.
- The large F1.8 aperture lets in plenty of light, perfect for low-light shooting and achieving a shallow depth of field.
- The VCM motor provides fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus, making it great for both photos and videos.
- Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements help reduce color fringing, leading to sharper images.
- Internal focusing keeps the lens size stable, and features like Fn buttons and a focus range limiter add professional control.
- It’s fully compatible with a wide range of Nikon Z-mount full-frame cameras.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the VCM motor is fast, some users might prefer even faster autofocus for very fast action.
- The lens build is durable, but professionals shooting in extremely harsh conditions might want to see even more weather sealing.
This VILTROX lens is a fantastic option for Nikon Z users looking to elevate their portrait photography. It offers professional-level performance at a competitive price point.
Your Guide to the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Lens
Are you thinking about buying the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S lens? This lens is a fantastic choice for many photographers. It’s great for portraits, close-ups, and even some landscape shots. Let’s explore what makes this lens special and what you should consider before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S, keep these important features in mind:
- Super Sharpness: This lens is known for taking incredibly sharp pictures. You’ll see amazing detail in your photos.
- Beautiful Bokeh: The f/1.8 aperture lets in a lot of light. This means you can get pictures with a nicely blurred background, making your subject stand out. This blur is called “bokeh.”
- Fast and Quiet Autofocus: The lens focuses very quickly and quietly. This is great for capturing moving subjects without disturbing them.
- Weather Sealing: This lens is built to handle different weather conditions. You can shoot in light rain or dusty environments without worry.
- Nano Crystal Coat: This special coating on the lens helps reduce glare and ghosting. This leads to clearer, more vibrant images.
Important Materials
The quality of materials used in a lens affects how it performs and how long it lasts.
- Metal Construction: The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S has a sturdy metal body. This makes it feel solid and durable in your hands.
- High-Quality Glass Elements: Inside the lens are special glass elements. These help to correct distortions and ensure the best possible image quality. The use of advanced optical designs is key.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make this lens perform even better or slightly less well.
- Optical Design: The way the glass elements are arranged inside the lens is very important. Nikon’s S-line lenses have advanced designs that give you sharp images with minimal flaws. This is a big plus.
- Build Quality: A well-built lens will last longer and feel better to use. The metal construction and tight tolerances of this lens contribute to its high quality.
- Autofocus Motor: The type of motor used for autofocus affects speed and noise. The stepping motor in this lens is fast and silent, which is excellent for video and wildlife.
- Aperture Control: The smooth aperture control is beneficial for video recording. It allows for seamless changes in brightness.
User Experience and Use Cases
This lens offers a great experience for many types of photography.
- Portrait Photography: The 135mm focal length is perfect for portraits. It allows you to stand back from your subject and capture flattering images with a beautiful blurred background.
- Event Photography: Its fast aperture and excellent low-light performance make it ideal for shooting events indoors or at night. You can get great shots even when the light is not perfect.
- Product Photography: For close-up shots of products, this lens can capture fine details with impressive clarity.
- Street Photography: While a bit longer for some street styles, it can be used for candid shots from a distance, isolating subjects in busy scenes.
- Videography: The quiet autofocus and smooth aperture control make this lens a strong contender for video creators.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: Is the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S lens good for beginners?
A: While it’s a professional-grade lens, beginners who are serious about improving their portrait photography can certainly learn with it. It’s a rewarding lens to grow with.
Q: What makes the f/1.8 aperture so special?
A: The f/1.8 aperture lets in a lot of light, which helps you take clear photos in dim lighting. It also creates a shallow depth of field, meaning your subject will be sharp while the background is nicely blurred (bokeh).
Q: Can I use this lens on older Nikon DSLR cameras?
A: No, this lens is designed specifically for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. It will not fit Nikon DSLR cameras.
Q: How heavy is the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S lens?
A: It weighs around 950 grams (about 2.1 pounds). It’s a solid lens, but not overly heavy for its size and features.
Q: Is the lens weather-sealed?
A: Yes, the lens is weather-sealed, which means it can handle light rain and dust.
Q: What is the minimum focusing distance for this lens?
A: The minimum focusing distance is about 0.82 meters (2.69 feet). This allows for good close-up shots.
Q: Does the lens have image stabilization?
A: No, this lens does not have built-in Vibration Reduction (VR). However, Nikon Z cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) that works with this lens.
Q: What is the advantage of the S-line designation?
A: S-line lenses are Nikon’s premium lenses. They offer the highest level of optical performance, build quality, and advanced features.
Q: Is this lens worth the price?
A: For photographers who prioritize sharpness, bokeh, and build quality for portraits and similar subjects, many find it to be an excellent investment.
Q: How does this lens compare to other 135mm lenses?
A: The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S is highly regarded for its sharpness and bokeh, especially when used with Nikon Z cameras. Its autofocus is also very advanced.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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