Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena vs Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S
Nikon Z
Two fast S-Line portrait lenses for Nikon Z. The Z 85 f/1.2 S (February 2023) is a classic portrait lens with a very wide aperture, while the Z 135 f/1.8 S Plena (September 2023) is designed by Nikon for especially smooth, round bokeh and offers 135 mm focal length. Both have 11 rounded aperture blades, stepping-motor autofocus, dust and drip resistant design and no stabilizer of their own.
At 1,160 g the 85 is actually about 165 g heavier than the 995 g 135. So you choose between f/1.2 at 85 mm and f/1.8 at 135 mm.
Which one suits whom?
- Z 85 f/1.2: You need the widest aperture for low light and work at a normal distance from the person.
- Z 135 Plena: You have room to work and want portraits at a longer focal length with more distance from the subject.
Key differences
- Focal length: 135 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena, 85 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S is faster: f/1.2 instead of f/1.8, about 1.3 stops more light.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena is 165 g lighter (995 g vs 1,160 g).
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena focuses closer: from 82 cm instead of 85 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena | Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 135 mm | 85 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Weight | 995 g | 1,160 g |
| Filter diameter | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 82 cm | 85 cm |
| Length | 140 mm | 142 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | no |
Size comparison
- Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena: 140 × 98 mm
- Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S: 142 × 103 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).