Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Telephoto Lens Model 20123
Whether photo or film - this premium full-frame lens in the medium telephoto range delivers the ultimate, flawless bokeh. From fine art photography to portraits, high fashion, nature and much more, discerning photographers can create images of incredible depth and expressiveness. Plena stands for optical perfection in every respect. The large diameter of the Nikon Z bayonet has opened up the possibilities for lens design. Plena utilises this and delivers a truly circular bokeh - right to the very edge of the image section. In combination with the optical compression of the 135 mm focal length, it achieves an impressive separation of the subject from the foreground and background. Even at open aperture in front of complex backgrounds or at close range, the finest details are reproduced crystal clear in front of flowing bokeh. The Plena has the highest overall imaging performance of any lens in the S-series and a freedom from vignetting that surpasses any other lens in the S-series at f/1.8. In combination with the eleven rounded aperture blades and the complex optical design, aberrations are thoroughly counteracted: no stopping down to avoid vignetting. Even at open aperture, point light sources such as stars or city lights are sharp, round and clear. The bokeh with backlighting is free of sagittal coma and stray light. In addition, this artistic and high-quality fixed focal length lens from the S series is particularly easy to handle thanks to the fast and precise autofocus. Focus is achieved quickly at any distance setting, even at the widest aperture. With a weight of less than one kilo and customisable controls, the Plena is very handy both for freehand shots and in the camera rig.
Whether photo or film - this premium full-frame lens in the medium telephoto range delivers the ultimate, flawless bokeh. From fine art photography to portraits, high fashion, nature and much more, discerning photographers can create images of incredible depth and expressiveness. Plena stands for optical perfection in every respect. The large diameter of the Nikon Z bayonet has opened up the possibilities for lens design. Plena utilises this and delivers a truly circular bokeh - right to the very edge of the image section. In combination with the optical compression of the 135 mm focal length, it achieves an impressive separation of the subject from the foreground and background. Even at open aperture in front of complex backgrounds or at close range, the finest details are reproduced crystal clear in front of flowing bokeh. The Plena has the highest overall imaging performance of any lens in the S-series and a freedom from vignetting that surpasses any other lens in the S-series at f/1.8. In combination with the eleven rounded aperture blades and the complex optical design, aberrations are thoroughly counteracted: no stopping down to avoid vignetting. Even at open aperture, point light sources such as stars or city lights are sharp, round and clear. The bokeh with backlighting is free of sagittal coma and stray light. In addition, this artistic and high-quality fixed focal length lens from the S series is particularly easy to handle thanks to the fast and precise autofocus. Focus is achieved quickly at any distance setting, even at the widest aperture. With a weight of less than one kilo and customisable controls, the Plena is very handy both for freehand shots and in the camera rig.
Whether photo or film - this premium full-frame lens in the medium telephoto range delivers the ultimate, flawless bokeh. From fine art photography to portraits, high fashion, nature and much more, discerning photographers can create images of incredible depth and expressiveness. Plena stands for optical perfection in every respect. The large diameter of the Nikon Z bayonet has opened up the possibilities for lens design. Plena utilises this and delivers a truly circular bokeh - right to the very edge of the image section. In combination with the optical compression of the 135 mm focal length, it achieves an impressive separation of the subject from the foreground and background. Even at open aperture in front of complex backgrounds or at close range, the finest details are reproduced crystal clear in front of flowing bokeh. The Plena has the highest overall imaging performance of any lens in the S-series and a freedom from vignetting that surpasses any other lens in the S-series at f/1.8. In combination with the eleven rounded aperture blades and the complex optical design, aberrations are thoroughly counteracted: no stopping down to avoid vignetting. Even at open aperture, point light sources such as stars or city lights are sharp, round and clear. The bokeh with backlighting is free of sagittal coma and stray light. In addition, this artistic and high-quality fixed focal length lens from the S series is particularly easy to handle thanks to the fast and precise autofocus. Focus is achieved quickly at any distance setting, even at the widest aperture. With a weight of less than one kilo and customisable controls, the Plena is very handy both for freehand shots and in the camera rig.
Whether photo or film - this premium full-frame lens in the medium telephoto range delivers the ultimate, flawless bokeh. From fine art photography to portraits, high fashion, nature and much more, discerning photographers can create images of incredible depth and expressiveness. Plena stands for optical perfection in every respect. The large diameter of the Nikon Z bayonet has opened up the possibilities for lens design. Plena utilises this and delivers a truly circular bokeh - right to the very edge of the image section. In combination with the optical compression of the 135 mm focal length, it achieves an impressive separation of the subject from the foreground and background. Even at open aperture in front of complex backgrounds or at close range, the finest details are reproduced crystal clear in front of flowing bokeh. The Plena has the highest overall imaging performance of any lens in the S-series and a freedom from vignetting that surpasses any other lens in the S-series at f/1.8. In combination with the eleven rounded aperture blades and the complex optical design, aberrations are thoroughly counteracted: no stopping down to avoid vignetting. Even at open aperture, point light sources such as stars or city lights are sharp, round and clear. The bokeh with backlighting is free of sagittal coma and stray light. In addition, this artistic and high-quality fixed focal length lens from the S series is particularly easy to handle thanks to the fast and precise autofocus. Focus is achieved quickly at any distance setting, even at the widest aperture. With a weight of less than one kilo and customisable controls, the Plena is very handy both for freehand shots and in the camera rig.
in 5 offers
The lowest price for Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Telephoto Lens Model 20123 right now is $2,971.20 at Unique Photo, compared across 5 retailers.
The all-time low was $2,285.00 on 14 May 2026 — today's price is 30% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 29 June 2026.
Last updated at 29/06/2026 09:02:55
Used Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens - Excellent
Delivery $43.48
Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F/1.8 S Plena (nikon Z Mount) 117
Free delivery
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Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F/1.8 S Plena Lens (New)
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens
Delivery $15.90
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena - The Bokeh King
Delivery $95.26
originally posted on adorama.com
Fast 135mm - at f1.8 depth of field is extremely shallow and the bokeh superb. Colors are highly saturated with excellent contrast implying great control of internal reflections. Beautiful images.The only thing that contends it is the 135mm f2 DC lenses for the F mount cameras. The plena is easier to use and more intuitive. The DC lenses gave a shallower depth of field that f2 normally provides but had to be adjusted manually (which was a pain). The Plena is a 1.8 so it's naturally shallow. It's just a better lens.I really like the purchase.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I purchased this lens about 3 weeks ago on a trip to LA. While there, I didn't have access to a model, but did shoot at some botanical gardens and Griffith Park. Circumstances that represent a valid test of rendering, color and bokeh imho.I photographed a rose garden near UCLA, and while roses aren't normally my preference for flowers to shoot(dahlias), I did find the color variety and size/shape variety to be quite pleasing.Pros: beautiful high contrast images, buttery bokeh, fast focusing, light, delicate color rendition.Cons: possibly price.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I’ve been a working professional photographer for 37 years as the Director of Photography for the NYS Senate.Over the years I’ve shot thousands of portraits with a variety of your lenses including: 300 f/2.8 85/1.4 and of course the 70-200/2.8 as well as some others.The 135/1.8 Plena lens out preformed all the other afore mentioned lenses in speed of focus acquisition and micro contrast as well as producing some of the best bokeh I’ve ever seen.Attached are some portraits taken with the Plena at this years ISE, an international pro AV show in Barcelona Spain.Thank you to Nikon for producing such a beautiful lens!Bruce
Used Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens - Excellent
Delivery $43.48
Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F/1.8 S Plena (nikon Z Mount) 117
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F/1.8 S Plena Lens (New)
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens
Delivery $15.90
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena - The Bokeh King
Delivery $95.26
Fast 135mm - at f1.8 depth of field is extremely shallow and the bokeh superb. Colors are highly saturated with excellent contrast implying great control of internal reflections. Beautiful images.The only thing that contends it is the 135mm f2 DC lenses for the F mount cameras. The plena is easier to use and more intuitive. The DC lenses gave a shallower depth of field that f2 normally provides but had to be adjusted manually (which was a pain). The Plena is a 1.8 so it's naturally shallow. It's just a better lens.I really like the purchase.
I purchased this lens about 3 weeks ago on a trip to LA. While there, I didn't have access to a model, but did shoot at some botanical gardens and Griffith Park. Circumstances that represent a valid test of rendering, color and bokeh imho.I photographed a rose garden near UCLA, and while roses aren't normally my preference for flowers to shoot(dahlias), I did find the color variety and size/shape variety to be quite pleasing.Pros: beautiful high contrast images, buttery bokeh, fast focusing, light, delicate color rendition.Cons: possibly price.
I’ve been a working professional photographer for 37 years as the Director of Photography for the NYS Senate.Over the years I’ve shot thousands of portraits with a variety of your lenses including: 300 f/2.8 85/1.4 and of course the 70-200/2.8 as well as some others.The 135/1.8 Plena lens out preformed all the other afore mentioned lenses in speed of focus acquisition and micro contrast as well as producing some of the best bokeh I’ve ever seen.Attached are some portraits taken with the Plena at this years ISE, an international pro AV show in Barcelona Spain.Thank you to Nikon for producing such a beautiful lens!Bruce
I went into an old school photography shop and said I want the best portrait lens. Hands down this was the recommendation. I am not the most experienced photographer so my description will be in laymen's terms: Dreamy! Razor sharp! You want to make your portraits the best photo they have ever gotten? This is it. I shot portraits at night in a small beach side Central American city and the results were stunning. Highly recommended!!
Long portrait lens always was my favorite so when Nikon announced new 135 mm lens I jumped on it and submitted order almost right away.I was not disappointed when it came to my doorstep. First tests showed that lens fully deserved its name that suggests plenty. By the way it has been a long time since Nikon attached name to its lens.Lens is sharp, probably the sharpest (from edge to edge) from all my lenses, it has practically no color distortion, it has fantastic contrast, it is fast and fully usable at full opening. Shallow depth allows to incredible separation from background and lens has beautiful bokeh even when stopped down. Pictures with backlight are dreamy showing lens full potential.Lens weight is probably the only downside that I noticed, 1 kG lens ... MoreLong portrait lens always was my favorite so when Nikon announced new 135 mm lens I jumped on it and submitted order almost right away.I was not disappointed when it came to my doorstep. First tests showed that lens fully deserved its name that suggests plenty. By the way it has been a long time since Nikon attached name to its lens.Lens is sharp, probably the sharpest (from edge to edge) from all my lenses, it has practically no color distortion, it has fantastic contrast, it is fast and fully usable at full opening. Shallow depth allows to incredible separation from background and lens has beautiful bokeh even when stopped down. Pictures with backlight are dreamy showing lens full potential.Lens weight is probably the only downside that I noticed, 1 kG lens attached to Z9 makes your hands tired. I rarely use tripod and in this case also I haven't found any need for one.Lens price is irrelevant for that marvel but it is not a cheap lens.Plena is applicable in commercial, wedding, sports, portraits, artistic, landscape, almost any discipline of photography that I can think.
This lens is large, but it feels smaller in the hand than the 85mm f1.2. It is slightly lighter than the 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.2, 105mm f1.4 with ftz, It's not real fast focusing from near to infinity, but if it's already focused close to the subject distance the lens focuses very quickly and it is silent. I love the way the 135 pulls the background in while smoothing it to a buttery softness. It should be great for indoor events if you have the room to get back a little. The 85 and 50mm lenses are both more versatile because they will work in a smaller room, but the subjects seem pop slightly more with this 135mm than the less magnifying lenses mentioned above. Also, there is less background width included in the image when using this longer lens which helps to deal ... MoreThis lens is large, but it feels smaller in the hand than the 85mm f1.2. It is slightly lighter than the 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.2, 105mm f1.4 with ftz, It's not real fast focusing from near to infinity, but if it's already focused close to the subject distance the lens focuses very quickly and it is silent. I love the way the 135 pulls the background in while smoothing it to a buttery softness. It should be great for indoor events if you have the room to get back a little. The 85 and 50mm lenses are both more versatile because they will work in a smaller room, but the subjects seem pop slightly more with this 135mm than the less magnifying lenses mentioned above. Also, there is less background width included in the image when using this longer lens which helps to deal with busy backgrounds. I included 4 shots from our front porch, all shot at f1.8. Two were focused on the driveway light and two were focused further down the street to give an idea of how this lens renders a background.
Like all the reviews say, the Bokeh from this lens is fantastic. So smooth, such a nice transition from focus to blur. For me it's a niche focal length and I need to put a little effort into seeking out shots and a little footwork into composing instead of twisting a zoom ring. But the results are excellent, as expected. Software can do a lot of blur simulation now, but it will mess up along edges and in little gaps where you can see background through openings in foreground objects and probably in other ways. The lens gets it right, every time, everywhere.
Most photographers have a focal length. It is the focal length where when they shoot it - composition and quality just come easy. Some have numerous focal lengths that are just an extension of their brain. For me - 28mm and 135mm are those lengths. I have a Leica for the 28mm - but have just rented the SIgma F mount a few times while hoping that Nikon (or Sigma) would make a native Z mount version. When the Plena came out it went into my basket.I have now had this for a week and WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW.This is an epic home run for Nikon. This is what a portrait lens should be. While it is capable of beautiful bokeh for the YouTubers of the world - the more important bits are what make this lens shine. It has character. There is a three dimensional quality to the ... MoreMost photographers have a focal length. It is the focal length where when they shoot it - composition and quality just come easy. Some have numerous focal lengths that are just an extension of their brain. For me - 28mm and 135mm are those lengths. I have a Leica for the 28mm - but have just rented the SIgma F mount a few times while hoping that Nikon (or Sigma) would make a native Z mount version. When the Plena came out it went into my basket.I have now had this for a week and WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW.This is an epic home run for Nikon. This is what a portrait lens should be. While it is capable of beautiful bokeh for the YouTubers of the world - the more important bits are what make this lens shine. It has character. There is a three dimensional quality to the subjects that is very close to my old Zeiss 80mm on my Hasselblads. It is sharp, but it isn't harsh. I tried some shots with movement and it creates the most beautiful blur. Of the first 150 pics - the only ones that weren't keepers were those where the subject had their eyes closed.From a more pragmatic perspective there is a lot to like here. The lens is well built and feels like it is carved from one piece, but it isn't terribly heavy. For those who think it is - I'd suggest throwing the sigma and FtoZ or any Zeiss lens on the front of your camera. You'll rethink the weight very quickly. There are programmable control rings and buttons as well. Best part there is you can actually disable the control rings. This is wonderful for me as the rear ring closest to the camera is where I rest my thumb.This is an expensive lens that is worth every penny if you are a portrait photographer. After a week and hundreds of photos this has already earned a place in my lens HoF. I may have to buy another body just to ensure I always have this one mounted and at the ready. Simply incredible.
So when I bought this lens, I suppose I had some delusions that it would be the most amazing Nikon lens I have ever owned - secretly thinking that I would likely be let down and that one of my Holy Trinity lenses would need to take up the slack for my over-priced Plena. Wow, when I say this lens is the cleanest, clearest, tack sharp, bokeh-bomb that I have ever had the pleasure of mounting to my Z9, I truly mean it.The wonder of this prime lens is the focal length that allows you to not be intrusive in the shoot, allows you the luxury of creating soft, smooth backgrounds while keeping tack sharp photos with an f-stop of 1.8 that grabs light like it was a wizard!
This lens is 6 stars compared to everything else I've every used. I'm using it with a Z8. Sharpness across the entire frame - in the focus plane - is stunning. Smooth transitions to out-of-focus area and amazing bokeh. Perfectly round circles for out of focus lights across the frame. Perhaps the only down side is that some of those round circles do not end up with a fuzzy/blurred edge. If you use this focal length you'll love this lens. If you've never used this focal length before then buy this lens and thank me later. Hoping for more Plena lenses in the future!!
