Conclusion

The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is undeniably an outstanding prime lens which creates breath-takingly beautiful bokeh whilst also being tack-sharp across the frame at every available aperture.

Considering the high asking price of the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, you have to really, really want/need that stunning bokeh to be willing to make the substantial outlay, but boy is it worth it if you do.

Sharpness is also fantastic, while vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberrations are kept to an absolute minimum, as you’d probably expect from such a premium lens. Build quality is top-drawer, with the extra bonus of having the two function buttons and control ring to enhance the usability.

All that said, it’s not just the sky-high price that needs to be considered when thinking about purchasing this lens. It's very large and heavy, almost on par with the 85mm f/1.2, meaning it takes up more space in your kit bag and is certainly less viable as a walk-around type lens.

If you’re a professional photographer who typically shoots subjects which would benefit from a wide aperture 135mm lens, it’s a fantastic option to have. For the average enthusiast, the high price means that probably only those who regularly shoot a lot of similar types of subjects - such as portraits - would get the best value for money from it.

For most people who crave a fast lens for portraiture, the excellent and much more affordable 85mm f/1.8 S prime will likely suffice for most scenarios. However, if you want the sharpest results and most beautiful bokeh, then the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens is simply superb.

If you’re still on the fence after reading this review, you might want to consider renting the 135mm f/1.8 Plena alongside the 85mm f/1., and maybe even the 85mm f/1.8 S, to find out which one suits your particular needs.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	5
Value for money	4.5