Nikon launches Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens with 'dreamlike bokeh' and silent operation for portrait photography and tele video

As Nikon's collection of Z-mount bodies continues to grow, so does the variety of lenses available for the system. Nikon's latest premium lens to join the rest of the S-Line premium lenses is the Nikkor Z 135mm S Plena. The Plena lens is Nikon's second named lens for the Z mount after the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. This medium-telephoto prime lens promises to deliver excellent optical quality with consistent brightness across the image and virtually no colour fringing, even at the edges of the image.

Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena key specifications and features:

• 995 g (35.1 oz.) weight.
• f/1.8 to f/16 aperture range.
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm.
• 16 elements in fourteen groups, with one aspherical element, one ED (extra-low-dispersion) glass element, and one SR (short-wavelength refractive) glass element.
• Dual-stepper-motor AF control.
• Two customisable Fn buttons and a customisable control ring.
• Smooth manual focus ring with linear or non-linear control options.

Nikon is targeting high-end portrait photographers with the Plena lens, although there are a number of considerations baked in for videographers, as well. Primarily, Nikon says that the dual-stepper-motor AF control system in the Plena lens should help eliminate focus breathing. The electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism is supposed to make aperture changes smoother, quieter, and more accurate, which should also be a boon for videographers.

Adding to the long list of premium features is weather sealing, a full-metal barrel, ARNEO and Meso Amorphous coatings to reduce ghosting, flares, and reflections. As for how all this works out in the real world, early reviews from the likes of DPReview and PetaPixel corroborate many of Nikon's claims of sharp, evenly-lit images and creamy bokeh.

 The Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is available for pre-order on Amazon for an MSRP of US$2,499.95.