I want a brand new 135mm :-)

FrenchRivieraFrenchRiviera Posts: 59Member
edited December 2014 in Nikon DSLR cameras
Who will be the 1st to pop out an insane portrait lense like a 135mm f/1,8 ?

Sigma could with a 135 ART according to the famous 35mm and 50mm ART ... or Nikon completing the very good "1,8" line ?
«134

Comments

  • donaldejosedonaldejose Posts: 3,675Member
    135mm f1.8 might be a big and expensive lens. How about a 135mm f2?
  • FrenchRivieraFrenchRiviera Posts: 59Member
    edited December 2014
    Right

    I was thinking about the famous Zeiss for Sony

    http://www.photozone.de/sonyalphaff/500-zeiss_135_18ff

    But as a former Canon user , I accept easily f2.0 as well ;-)

    Most important point for me is an excellent performance wide open , would it be 1.8 or 2.0
    Post edited by FrenchRiviera on
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    The current 135 is in my bag and I regard it as a superior portrait lens to my 85 1.4G. The optics are not as up to date (but are still superb), but the longer focal length takes it over the top.

    I would buy this lens even if you know you will buy whatever Nikon replaces it with. The replacement will not have refocus (bokeh) control and I would expect this lens to appreciate in value along the lines of the classic 28 and 58. There could be a profit potential here. If I was a speculator I would have a closet full of these in original packaging.
  • Golf007sdGolf007sd Posts: 2,840Moderator
    @FrenchRiviera: If you find yourself seeking a prime lens above the 85mm focal length, have a look at the 105 2.8 Micro. It does a fantastic job as portrait lens and then some.

    Thom Hogran review.

    D4 & D7000 | Nikon Holy Trinity Set + 105 2.8 Mico + 200 F2 VR II | 300 2.8G VR II, 10.5 Fish-eye, 24 & 50 1.4G, 35 & 85 1.8G, 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR I SB-400 & 700 | TC 1.4E III, 1.7 & 2.0E III, 1.7 | Sigma 35 & 50 1.4 DG HSM | RRS Ballhead & Tripods Gear | Gitzo Monopod | Lowepro Gear | HDR via Promote Control System |
  • FrenchRivieraFrenchRiviera Posts: 59Member
    @FrenchRiviera: If you find yourself seeking a prime lens above the 85mm focal length, have a look at the 105 2.8 Micro. It does a fantastic job as portrait lens and then some.

    Thom Hogran review.

    I had it , a very good lense , but I prefer longer range .

    Currently , I use for portraits a 180mm 2.8 OS macro SIGMA and a 300mm 2.8VRII Nikon , both tremendous lenses but too heavy for travel and all day ride ;-)

    I used to have the famous Canon 135L , I appreciated very much this lense , if I could get a modern version for Nikon ...
  • Golf007sdGolf007sd Posts: 2,840Moderator
    edited December 2014
    I, too, would welcome a 135mm G lens from Nikon. It sure would be lighter than our 300 2.8 VR II. Should this lens never show up, you can always consider the 200 f/2...but you know that totally defeats the entire weight argument. Yet, it SURE makes up for it in its results. :P
    Post edited by Golf007sd on
    D4 & D7000 | Nikon Holy Trinity Set + 105 2.8 Mico + 200 F2 VR II | 300 2.8G VR II, 10.5 Fish-eye, 24 & 50 1.4G, 35 & 85 1.8G, 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR I SB-400 & 700 | TC 1.4E III, 1.7 & 2.0E III, 1.7 | Sigma 35 & 50 1.4 DG HSM | RRS Ballhead & Tripods Gear | Gitzo Monopod | Lowepro Gear | HDR via Promote Control System |
  • FrenchRivieraFrenchRiviera Posts: 59Member


    but the longer focal length takes it over the top.

    Full approval

  • jjb930jjb930 Posts: 80Member
    Today on PhotoRumors:
    http://photorumors.com/2014/12/22/rokinonsamyang-teasing-with-a-new-135mm-lens/

    Obviously a third party brand and most likely manual focus, but it will probably be relatively cheap compared to the gold ring
    Nikon D800 | Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8G | Nikon 85mm f/1.8G | Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR Macro | Tamron 150-600mm f/ 5-6.3 | Nikon SB700 | Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set | Cactus V6 Transceiver Set | SDMV Speedbox 60 Diffuser | FotoPro T83-C CF Tripod | FotoPro NGC-75 CF Monopod
  • MikeGunterMikeGunter Posts: 543Member
    Hi all,

    The 105mm Micro with VR is an upgrade that I'm looking to do soon. I have a older 105mm micro that is terrific, but I do envy and want VR.

    Years ago (when TV was still broadcast in Black and White) I had an older 135mm slower f3.5 which was sharp and useful. The focal length is great.

    It's tempting to root for the manufacture for that lens. There are some real problems. Getting below the current crop of zoom/micro lenses's f2.8 aperture would be necessary to make it worthwhile, and that would mean it would be on expensive and big sonofabitch. And to really, really make it worthwhile, it would have to be f1.8, making it more expensive and big, and yikes, more and more.

    It would be a narrow market for sure.

    My best,

    Mike
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    Nikon only sells about 1,000 of the current 135s per year. But it is 20 years old....
  • haroldpharoldp Posts: 984Member
    The Nikon 105/2 DC is also an outstanding portrait lens.

    ... H
    D810, D3x, 14-24/2.8, 50/1.4D, 24-70/2.8, 24-120/4 VR, 70-200/2.8 VR1, 80-400 G, 200-400/4 VR1, 400/2.8 ED VR G, 105/2 DC, 17-55/2.8.
    Nikon N90s, F100, F, lots of Leica M digital and film stuff.

  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2014
    Hi all,

    The 105mm Micro with VR is an upgrade that I'm looking to do soon. I have a older 105mm micro that is terrific, but I do envy and want VR.

    ...
    Consider the sigma 150 F2.8 macro .. I have the old one without OS and that is lovely for portraits.. ( a bit too sharp sometimes !) I have seen the new one .. and its got OS and some say its even better.
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    How can a lens be too sharp?
  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    Hi all,

    The 105mm Micro with VR is an upgrade that I'm looking to do soon. I have a older 105mm micro that is terrific, but I do envy and want VR.
    The VR is nice, just keep in mind that most reviews show that the old Micro 105mm F2.8D is actually sharper. Didn't stop me from getting the G version though. :)
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • FrenchRivieraFrenchRiviera Posts: 59Member
    edited December 2014
    How can a lens be too sharp?
    I guess MikeGunter means too sharp for portraits of certain people , delivering too many unsightly skin details .

    But this effect can be fought by software ( low contrast , low clarity , high key ) or choosing a good soft light .

    That's why I also appreciate , even for portrait , very sharp lenses , but in that case , skin must be perfect
    http://christophe-nober.photodeck.com/-/galleries/portraits/-/medias/e4adff12-3433-11e3-b1d7-4b73ac584590-la-couleur-des-yeux-de-margaux
    Post edited by FrenchRiviera on
  • henrik1963henrik1963 Posts: 567Member
    What is wrong with Nikon 135 F2.0 DC?

    I know it is an older design. But is it to soft for D8xx work?
  • studio460studio460 Posts: 205Member
    Personally, I think 105mm is too short for head-and-shoulders portraits on an FX body (however, it's a great portrait length for DX bodies). Most subjects will photograph in a more flattering way at longer focal lengths (e.g., 135mm-200mm). My current portrait lens of choice is the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 OS macro. It's tack-sharp, and lighter and shorter than my 70-200mm Nikkor VR, plus it balances well on an full-sized body (whereas the 70-200mm is just too unwieldy for handheld shooting for any length of time in my view).
  • studio460studio460 Posts: 205Member
    The DC-Nikkors are tricky lenses. At certain settings, they're a little soft and lack contrast. At the "right" setting, it can be very sharp. I have the DC 105mm (purchased when I was a DX-only shooter), but for money shots, I just don't trust it. The Sigma 150mm always seems to nail its focus dead-on, and is capable of producing razor-sharp images even wide-open. It's now my go-to portrait lens, and it never fails to deliver.
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    edited December 2014
    Here is the 135mm f/2.0 Nikkor wide open
    Original:

    Nikkor 135mm f/2 Wide_Open_TEST

    Cropped:

    Nikkor 135mm f/2 Wide_Open_TEST

    Wide open:

    Nikkor 135mm f/2 Wide_Open_TEST

    Cropped:

    Nikkor 135mm f/2 Wide_Open_TEST
    Post edited by Msmoto on
    Msmoto, mod
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    The DC-Nikkors are tricky lenses. At certain settings, they're a little soft and lack contrast. At the "right" setting, it can be very sharp. I have the DC 105mm (purchased when I was a DX-only shooter), but for money shots, I just don't trust it. The Sigma 150mm always seems to nail its focus dead-on, and is capable of producing razor-sharp images even wide-open. It's now my go-to portrait lens, and it never fails to deliver.
    Not sure I have had that experience with my 135. However, if the defocus control is set to something other than zero, then it needs to match the aperture that your lens is set at or it will be soft.
  • KnockKnockKnockKnock Posts: 398Member
    edited December 2014
    I just discovered the existence of these f/2 DC lenses, the 105 and 135. Fascinated. Mostly shoot food (at least get gigs as such) and love to blow out the background. Tempted vs the 105mm f/2.8 Micro VR. A little concerned about their age. Imagine what they could do today. Might have to rent.
    Post edited by KnockKnock on
    D7100, D60, 35mm f/1.8 DX, 50mm f/1.4, 18-105mm DX, 18-55mm VR II, Sony RX-100 ii
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    I would not be concerned with the age. I bought mine brand new last year and it is my favorite lens (of 9). They are superior to the 105 2.8 for portraits and blurring the background.
  • henrik1963henrik1963 Posts: 567Member
    I am still tempted by the 135 2.0 DC. Judging from Msmotos shots it is plenty sharp for most things.
  • jimmyboyjimmyboy Posts: 505Member
    I own both 135 f/2.0 D.C & 105 f/2.0 D.C. The king of Bokeh lenses. Also own Nikon 300 f/2.8 & the 105 f/2.8 macro vr. The 105 macro would be good but it hunt's to much for focus to get a quick shot. Theirs a learning curve using the 135 D.C. & 105 D.C. Nikon 300 f/2.8 good for studio work tri-pod mono-pod good for head shot's. Over-all Imho I would use the 135 f/2.0 D.C
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