Description
Overview
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is Nikon’s flagship portrait telephoto lens for the Z-mount system. Released in October 2023, this lens is named “Plena” (Latin for “full” or “complete”) to signify Nikon’s commitment to achieving complete, uncompromised image quality — specifically perfectly round bokeh from edge to edge, something rarely achieved in fast telephoto lenses .
This lens features an f/1.8 maximum aperture, 11-blade rounded diaphragm, and advanced multi-focus system for fast, accurate autofocus. At 995g, it is remarkably lightweight for a 135mm f/1.8 lens, making it practical for extended portrait sessions and event work .
This unit is in 98% excellent condition – fully tested, light signs of use if any, works perfectly. Includes UV filter and cleaning kit.
Key Specifications
Focal Length: 135mm (medium telephoto)
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Lens Mount: Nikon Z (FX/Full-frame)
Optical Design: 14 groups, 16 elements
Special Elements: ED, SR (Shorter Wavelength Refractive), and aspherical elements
Coatings: ARNEO, Meso Amorphous, Nano Crystal
Aperture Blades: 11 rounded blades — produces perfectly circular bokeh across the frame
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.82m (2.69 ft)
Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
Filter Thread: 82mm
Autofocus: Multi-focus system with stepping motors
Control Ring: Customizable for aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation
Dimensions: 98mm x 139.5mm
Weight: 995g (approximately 2.19 lbs)
Weather Sealing: Dust- and water-resistant construction
What’s in the Box
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens
Front lens cap (LC-82B)
Rear lens cap (LF-N1)
Lens hood (HB-111)
Flexible lens pouch (CL-C3)
UV filter (installed)
Cleaning kit
Why This Lens
The 135mm focal length is exceptional for portraits, headshots, and events — it provides natural compression, separates subjects from backgrounds beautifully, and maintains a comfortable working distance from subjects. The f/1.8 aperture is among the fastest available at this focal length.
Edge-to-Edge Circular Bokeh (The Plena Signature)
The “Plena” name exists because of this lens’s defining characteristic: perfectly round bokeh balls from the center of the frame all the way to the extreme corners. Most fast telephoto lenses produce “cat’s eye” bokeh (elongated ovals) near the edges due to optical vignetting. The Plena minimizes this through advanced optical design, delivering consistent, pleasing bokeh across the entire image — a significant advantage for environmental portraits and full-body shots where subjects are placed off-center .
Exceptional Sharpness Wide Open
Nikon’s MTF charts for the Plena show exceptional contrast and resolution even at f/1.8. The combination of ED, SR, and aspherical elements effectively eliminates chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and distortion . The lens is sharp enough for demanding commercial portrait and fashion work.
Multi-Focus System
The multi-focus system uses two separate focusing groups driven by stepping motors, providing fast, quiet, and precise autofocus suitable for both stills and video . Focus breathing is well-controlled, making it usable for video work where maintaining framing during focus pulls is important.
Lightweight for a 135mm f/1.8
At 995g, the Plena is significantly lighter than comparable 135mm f/1.8 lenses from other manufacturers. This makes it practical for all-day portrait sessions, wedding photography, and event work without excessive fatigue .
Advanced Coatings
ARNEO coating and Meso Amorphous coating work together with Nano Crystal coating to virtually eliminate flare and ghosting, even in challenging backlit conditions . This is particularly valuable for outdoor portrait work where the sun may be behind the subject.
11-Blade Rounded Aperture
The 11-blade diaphragm produces exceptionally smooth, circular bokeh at all aperture settings, contributing to the lens’s signature “Plena” look.
Customizable Control Ring
The lens features a control ring that can be assigned to adjust aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation — customizable via camera menus. This allows quick, tactile adjustments without moving your eye from the viewfinder.
Weather-Sealed Construction
Dust- and water-resistant construction means you can shoot confidently in challenging outdoor conditions .
Honest Note
The Plena launched in October 2023 and remains Nikon’s flagship portrait telephoto in 2026. What you get: exceptional edge-to-edge optical performance, beautiful circular bokeh, lightweight design for its class, and professional build quality. What to consider: this is a specialized lens for portraiture and events — versatile within that niche but not a general-purpose zoom.
This 98% unit is priced for its condition — minimal cosmetic wear fully functional, clean glass, smooth focus ring, and operational autofocus.
Who Should Buy This
Portrait photographers wanting the best bokeh available in the Z system
Event and wedding shooters who need reach with subject separation
Fashion photographers requiring edge-to-edge sharpness and consistent bokeh
Nikon Z-mount owners (Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, Zf) wanting a specialized portrait prime
Videographers needing quiet autofocus and low focus breathing.
