Telephoto for portraits and compression effects. <a href="#">[Buy on Amazon]</a>
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S is a classic short telephoto lens with a loyal following among portrait photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate strong compression and background separation. Compact, fast, and beautifully built, it’s one of the most accessible ways to explore the unique look of longer focal lengths in manual focus photography.
At 135mm, this lens delivers strong compression — a visual effect that brings background elements closer and creates a cinematic depth to your images. Combined with the moderately fast f/2.8 aperture, you get pleasing subject isolation and smooth bokeh, making it an ideal tool for environmental portraits, candid moments, and detail shots where you want the background to melt away.
Wide open at f/2.8, the lens is sharp in the center with gentle softness in the corners — great for drawing the eye to your subject without distractions. Stop down to f/4 or f/5.6, and you’ll achieve excellent sharpness across the frame, suitable for landscapes, architecture, or any situation where clarity is key. The color rendering is neutral and natural, and contrast holds up well even in challenging light.
One of the best aspects of this lens is its compact design. At just under 500g, it’s easy to carry and balances nicely on both vintage SLRs and modern mirrorless cameras. The all-metal build feels solid and precise, with a long, smooth focusing throw that gives you full control — especially helpful when working with shallow depth of field or distant subjects.
The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-S is also a fantastic lens for creative experimentation. From tight urban compositions to compressed natural vistas, it allows you to rethink space and visual relationships. It’s a quiet performer — not flashy, but consistently excellent, and capable of producing images with a classic, almost analog feel.
Tip: For standout portraits, use this lens around f/2.8–f/4 and step back from your subject. The compression will flatter facial features and deliver stunning separation, especially with simple backgrounds and natural light.