Precision telephoto with superb optics and smooth operation.
Written: Oct 06 '03 (Updated Mar 21 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Built like a tank, smooth and precise manual focusing, accepts 52mm filters, large aperture range.
Cons: None found so far.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended for its optical quality, ruggedness, and precision.
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| jvandegr's Full Review: Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 AIS Lens |
For reference, I am currently using this lens on a Nikon FM3A manual focus body. It was purchased for use as my primary telephoto lens for its aperture range, size (portability), and solid construction. These are considerations for me because I do a lot of nature photography in often remote locations.
Features
This relatively heavy, well-constructed lens has a built in metal lens hood (no expensive lens hoods to buy!). The lens mount is also made entirely of metal. Most of the body is made of metal. As expected from a manual focus only lens, the focusing ring is large (about 3/4 of an inch in width) and has a rubberized grip. The aperture ring is considerably smaller with a plastic grip. Stops and distances are clearly marked on the lens with relatively large and bright numbers. A smaller set of aperture markings on the side of the aperture ring nearest the camera allows the currently selected f-stop to be seen in the viewfinder of most manual focus Nikons. The included plastic lens cap is of common Nikon design and usually stays put, even with a few light bumps in my camera bag. A plastic rear lens cap is also included.
The 135mm 2.8 AIS accepts common 52mm threaded (screw-in) filters, which keeps the cost of this already reasonably-priced lens reasonable. With a UV filter attached, it is just under 3.5 inches in length, making it a nicely compact telephoto. The front element is non-rotating, which gives you more filter options. It is compatible with Nikon TC-201 and TC-301 teleconverters, which increase the length of the telephoto by 2X and 3X, respectively.
Performance
This lens is compact, yet very durable. It has by far the smoothest focusing ring I have ever used. This large, rubberized ring is easy to grip and turn. Dampening is perfect - I haven't detected any play whatsoever. All this makes for extremely precise focusing. Thanks to the heavy weight of the lens, which helps stabilize the camera and minimize shake, focusing (and framing) is made even easier. Although it is smaller and more difficult to grip than the focusing ring, the aperture ring stops at each number with an easily detectable click. The built-in lens hood moves in and out with minimal effort and snaps into place with ease. When retracted, it stays in place and does not fall forward.
Optically, this lens is superb. In all of my slides, there is no noticeable vignetting, even with a B&W UV spezial filter attached. Corners are sharp, color is excellent, and I haven't noticed any significant distortion. With a small minimum aperture of f32, everything is in focus. At f2.8, background blur is very good and I can shoot ISO 100 film in lower light conditions. As with most lenses, this one is sharpest in the middle apertures (f4 through f22), but certainly is no slacker at its extremes. Compared to my Canon 28-105 USM II, this is a noticeably sharper lens. Nikon really has a winning telephoto here.
Manufacturer's Specifications
- Lens Construction: 4 elements in 5 groups
- Picture Angle: 18°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 4.5 ft.
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio (Macro Setting): 1:7.5
- Attachment/ Filter Size: 52mm
- Dimensions (diameter x length - in.): 2.5 x 3.3
- Weight (oz.): 15.3
- Case(s): CL-32S
Recommended:
Yes
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