Nikon NIKKOR 135mm f/2.8 Nikkor AI-S 135mm
The all-metal, manual focus design with a constant f/2.8 aperture delivers precise control and a distinct rendering for portraiture. Its compact 612g build and classic optical formula offer a tactile shooting experience that modern lenses often lack. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Nikon F-mount who prioritize deliberate composition and vintage image character over autofocus speed.
Focal length 135mm
Aperture f/2.8
Mount Nikon F
Weight 612 g
af type manual focus only
lens type telephoto
19 Overall Score
Price $299
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong aperture (84th percentile) 84th
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile) 82nd
Cons
- Below average af (13th percentile)
- Below average macro (14th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)
- Below average build (17th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Owner sentiment has held steady over time
72/100Our AI sentiment read
Based on 8 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 135 |
| Focal Length Max | 135 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.3 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
vs Competition
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR 135mm f/2.8 Nikkor AI-S 135mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 135mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 12-60mm | 18-135mm | 27mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 612 | 590 | 290 | 320 | 326 | 560 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | linear motor | Linear motor | STM |
| Lens Type | telephoto | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR 135mm f/2.8 Nikkor AI-S 135mm | 13.3 | 82.1 | 17.3 | 14.2 | 20.2 | 84.2 | 16 | 33.6 | 50.5 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 78.2 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66.3 | 91.2 | 97.7 | 55 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.9 | 82.1 | 86.1 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 84.2 | 80.9 | 78.6 | 89.6 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98 | 87.3 | 84.4 | 52.5 | 91.1 | 84.2 | 44.7 | 93.3 | 68.1 | 82.4 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.7 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.6 | 44.7 | 95.8 | 89.6 | 82.4 |
| Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 Compare | 86.9 | 98.5 | 67.4 | 38.5 | 82.2 | 98.6 | 91.2 | 33.6 | 89.6 | 36.8 |
Price
Value & Pricing
From $299
Amazon 1 offer From $299
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
