Members Martin Vronsky Posted September 27, 2023 Members Share Posted September 27, 2023 Press release: The splendor of full radiance: Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena With an Emphasis on Extreme Peripheral Illumination, the Plena is a New Visual Experience with Dreamy Bokeh, Fast Aperture and Beautiful Compression Melville, New York, September 27, 2023 - Today Nikon Inc. announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, an impressively unique lens for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This new mid-telephoto prime lens bestows astonishingly high resolution, edge-to-edge brightness, incredible sharpness and spectacularly dramatic bokeh, all while elevating the threshold of what’s possible with optical technology. The name "Plena" is derived from the Latin term plenum, which denotes the state of a space being completely full. This name was chosen to reflect the lens’ ability to fulfill the user’s creative vision with superior light gathering capability, beautiful, well-rounded bokeh and outstanding sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Following in the footsteps of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, this distinctively brilliant portrait prime is only the second Nikon lens to be granted a dedicated name, with the hope that it will be highly regarded by users for many years to come. "The Plena is a beautiful lens in every way. From the premium metal exterior to the brightness and image rendering that’s nothing short of breathtaking, this is a lens that needs to be experienced," said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. "This is exactly the kind of incredible optical innovation that our engineers promised was in our future, which could only be developed with the wider diameter and shorter flange distance of the next generation Z mount." This truly special optic is engineered with a focus on superior peripheral illumination, which is the ability to deliver the maximum amount of light to the far edges of the frame. The result is abundant brightness from edge-to-edge, with clear, bright subject distinction throughout. The combination of brightness, bokeh quality and extreme sharpness makes for vibrant images with a mystical pop of three-dimensionality. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is part of the S-Line[1] and takes advantage of the Z mount system’s large-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design, as well as the potential for light gathering. In addition to enhanced brightness, the optical formula and larger rear element helps to realize beautiful, well-rounded bokeh throughout the entire frame, even from maximum aperture. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena also affords users outstanding sharpness and clarity, regardless of the shooting distance with a close minimum focusing distance of only 0.82 m/2.69 ft. This enables a fantastic dreamlike expression that combines delicate textures and beautiful bokeh in portraits, landscapes and more. The lens’ luxurious exterior design is intended to match its superior optical performance. Along with the adoption of metal components, the lens features an engraved "Plena" logo similar to the cursive font and yellow color of the Noct logo. Additional features include a fully weather sealed body for durability and the addition of two L-Fn buttons for customization. Primary Features of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Beautiful, well-rounded bokeh is achieved throughout the entire frame, while supporting a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. Eleven-blade diaphragm and larger rear element contribute to exceptionally circular bokeh for dreamlike expression that accentuates the three-dimensionality of the subject with smooth gradation. The large amount of peripheral light at the f/1.8 maximum aperture ensures a consistently bright image all the way to the extreme corners of the frame for a sense of transparency and brilliance in images. The outstanding sharpness and clarity, characteristic of S-Line lenses, enables rendering of the finest textures in hair and skin tones, while excellent point-light reproduction capabilities achieve brilliant night and urban landscape imagery. A multi-focusing system uses stepping motors (STMs) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus drive for still images and video. In addition to Meso Amorphous Coat, the most effective anti-reflection coating in Nikon history that prevents reflections regardless of the direction from which light enters the lens, Nikon’s original ARNEO Coat is also used to effectively reduce instances of ghosting and flaring. Optical construction consists of 16 elements in 14 groups, with four ED elements, one aspherical element and one SR lens element. A design that takes video recording into consideration with quiet operation and stable exposure. The lens body features two lens Fn buttons, to which a wide variety of functions can be assigned. One is positioned on the top of the lens enabling smooth adjustment of settings even when shooting in vertical orientation. The versatile 82mm filter attachment size enables the use of various lens filters designed to satisfy users’ creative intent. Designed to achieve superior dust and drip-resistant performance[2]. Well balanced with a dimension of 3.9"x 5.5", and a weight of 2.2 lbs /995 g. Price and Availability The new NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena will be available in mid-October for a suggested retail price of $2499.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com. [1] The S-line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control. [2] Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions. *SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted September 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted September 27, 2023 Specs: Lens type - Prime lens Max Format size - 35mm FF Focal length - 135 mm Image stabilization - No Lens mount - Nikon Z Aperture Maximum aperture - F1.8 Minimum aperture - F16 Number of diaphragm blades - 11 Optics Elements - 16 Groups - 14 Special elements / coatings: four ED elements; one aspherical element and one SR lens element. Meso-amorphouse Coat, Arneo Coat Focus Minimum focus - 0.82 m (32.28″) Maximum magnification - 0.2× Autofocus - Yes Motor type - Stepper motor Full time manual - Yes Focus method - Internal Distance scale - No DoF scale - No Physical Weight - 995 g (2.19 lb) Diameter - 98 mm (3.86″) Length - 140 mm (5.51″) Sealing - Yes Colour - Black Filter thread - 82 mm Tripod collar - No Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted September 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted September 27, 2023 Quote Want to level up your portraiture? You'll need some off-camera lighting and for that, Westcott is PetaPixel's preferred lighting partner. Check out what we used in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - Sample Images 1:02 - Build and design 2:08 - Autofocus 3:05 - Vignetting 3:54 - Close-up performance 4:42 - Portraits 5:53 - Bokeh 7:06 - Conclusion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted September 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted September 27, 2023 Quote Adding another member to the Z family of 1.8 S lenses, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena goes above and beyond any 135mm or 1.8 lens we have seen before. 00:00 Intro 00:16 New Plena Lens 00:40 Nikon ‘EXOTICS’ are here with the 135mm f/1.8 S Plena fully leveraging the Z mount 01:25 Why is Plena lens next level? 01:35 Lets talk features 02:50 ’S’ Class lenses are fabulous, Plena is even better! 03:30 And what of Bokeh balls, Onion rings and vignetting? 04:45 Flare? 05:40 Fast at focusing? 06:00 Close look at the lens, front element 06:30 How does it look on the Z8? 07:00 Close look at the 11 blade aperture elements 07:12 Stabilisation 07:45 Specs 08:30 Rings and buttons and switches 09:20 Compared to a couple of other lenses 09:53 Stills from the 135mm f/1.8 S Plena 10:30 PRICE 11:51 Fireballs !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted September 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted September 27, 2023 Quote DPReview’s Shaminder Dulai gets his hands on the new Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S 'Plena', a mid-telephoto portrait prime for Nikon's Z-series cameras. It's meant to be a lens suited for portraits where quality of light, a smooth falloff, clean edge to edge brightness are at a premium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted September 27, 2023 Author Members Share Posted September 27, 2023 Quote Nikon just announced the Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S "Plena" lens! This highly anticipated lens will leave you with beautiful portraits with it's smooth fall-off, and we can't forget that stunning bokeh. 0:00 Intro 0:28 Features 1:36 The Plena for video 2:04 Design 2:28 Final thoughts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted October 2, 2023 Author Members Share Posted October 2, 2023 Quote I have now spent a week with the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, and it is something very special. Joe and I sit down to a chat about my experiences so far, and talk about potential lenses ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted October 9, 2023 Author Members Share Posted October 9, 2023 Quote Defying Explanation, Exceeding Expectations After one week with this extraordinary creation All music in this video is from audiio.com 00:00 Life In Plena 00:10 The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena 8k and 4K video and slow motion 02:45 Traveling wide 03:15 Extraordinary still renditions from Life In Plena 06:00 Plena Evokes 06:20 AUDIIO video sponsor 07:25 Traveling wide essential 07:45 Who is Plena 135 for? 08:30 The essential summary of NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena 09.30 Outro time to hear from you and outro 09:50 More outstanding images from Plena Life 10:25 Credits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted October 16, 2023 Author Members Share Posted October 16, 2023 Quote Nikon 135mm f/1.8 S Plena: A New Era of Bokeh The Nikon 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has cemented itself as one of the must have lenses for portrait and creative photography with it's ability to produce stunning near-circular bokeh that envelops the entire frame, even at its widest aperture of f/1.8. The Plena is also the first Nikon lens to feature Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings, which help to reduce chromatic aberration and flare, even in challenging backlight conditions. This makes it possible to capture sharp, high-contrast images with impeccable rendering of subtle skin textures and intricate hair details. In addition to its exceptional optical performance, the Plena is also a well-built and versatile lens. It features a robust weather-sealed design, making it ideal for use in a variety of shooting conditions. The lens is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time. In this video we hit the streets of Singapore, testing out the lens at nighttime and also how it renders for video, plus I compare it to the Canon RF 135mm 1.8 L IS USM, a fabulous lens in it's own right. Special thanks to Grand Bazaar Asia | Mehmet Gul and Bahri Pasa for their kindness and hospitality. if you are in Singapore check them out at 61 Bussorah Street Singapore 199477 Also Chevy's Bar 247 Beach Rd, Singapore 189756 Chapter markers 00:00 Intro 00:52 Photos from Haji Lane Singapore 01:33 Turkish Novelty Shop 02:33 4K Video Test with Plena 03:12 Indoor Portrait Session 04:22 Low light video and Photo Performance 05:27 Lightroom: Compare Canon RF 135mm to Nikon 135 Plena 09:55 Lightroom: Closer look at Plena Images 12:07 Conclusion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted October 18, 2023 Author Members Share Posted October 18, 2023 Quote The Nikon Plena, is something truly speacial which caught all of us by surprise, why is this sort of creation important to me, and why might it be important to you? 00:00 Intro to Plena 00:25 Zf ‘Secret Weapon’ 01:00 Is the Plena a ‘secret weapon’ too? 01:10 The 1.8 primes better than I thought! 01:30 Can things get better than the Z 1.2’s 02:20 Yes the Plena is a really big surprise 02:50 Will there be any other Plena’s? 03:50 The Plena is an amazing tool? Why? 04:00 I’m a nerd! 04:50 Why is the class leading Plena so important to me? 06:00 I get excited by the creative opportunity!!! 07:45 Is the Plena expensive? 09:00 The future - Plena? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted October 30, 2023 Author Members Share Posted October 30, 2023 Quote Hey everyone! Today I have a photo and video review of the new Nikon 135mm f1.8 Plena lens. WOW this lens is so beautiful and produces stunning images. I only have 2 minor things to keep in mind about it! Today I am sharing 100% crops of the SOOC portrait photos I am taking so you can see this lens in full detail. We take a look at autofocus performance, autofocus accuracy, image quality, sharpness, chromatic aberration, bokeh, lens flare and the build of this lens. I also test this lens out for video too! I used the Nikon Z8 for this entire video. Thank you to Nikon Australia for lending me this 135mm f1.8 lens and the Nikon Z8 body. This is NOT sponsored, Nikon don't review my video and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted November 6, 2023 Author Members Share Posted November 6, 2023 Quote One of the newest and most expensive portrait lenses around...so what (if anything) makes it stand out? All pictures taken by me (and my wife) on a Nikon Z7 camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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