Nikon has thrown down the gauntlet in the world of portrait photography with its latest offering, the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens, which it boldly labels as “the perfect bokeh lens.” Designed exclusively for portrait photographers, this lens is a significant addition to Nikon’s mirrorless lineup, and it follows in the footsteps of the remarkable Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S ‘Noct’ lens, which left photography enthusiasts in awe.
The Noct lens, while undeniably impressive, was accompanied by an eye-watering price tag of $8,000 / £8,300 / AU$14,000, placing it firmly in the realm of luxury optics. The Plena, on the other hand, offers a breath of fresh air with a price tag that is only around one-third of its illustrious predecessor, retailing at $2,600 / £2,700 / AU$4,600, and is set to hit the market in mid-October.
Although the Plena is still pricier than Sony’s equivalent FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens and several other alternatives such as the Samyang 135mm f/1.8 and Sigma’s offerings, Nikon is confident that it has created something extraordinary. The lens promises flawless circular bokeh and zero lens distortion, effectively controlling sagittal coma, onion-ring artifacts, vignetting, and flare.
