I've fallen for manual focus lenses and I blame all of you!

[David H. Hartman]

Performance looks decent as I interpret these results.  Similar to other Nikon 135's, like my 135/3.5 Ai, 135/2.8 Ais, and 135/2 Ais.  Don't ask why I have all of these!  I still want the older 135/2.8 K/Ai, just because it looks so cool.

I own a 135/2.8 AIS NIKKOR- with the latest Super IC coatings and consider it an exelent lens. I also own a 135/3.5 AI and it turns in a fine performance at f/5.6. I also own a 135/3.5 Nikkor-Q with single coating primarily for nostalgic reasons. I can recommend all if these, the Nikkor-Q would be for a vintage performance.

Dave who is being paged by a cockatoo

[Fons Baerken]

135mm /2.8 very nice lens for some inexplicable reason i have not mounted it for some time now, the images are encouraging to pick it up once again

[Roland Vink]

Was able to get out and use the Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 Q today.

Be aware there are two optical versions of this lens. The original began life as the rangefinder version, the same optics were ported over to the F-mount lens. Early samples have 9 aperture blades, later reducing to 6 blades. Serial nos from 720101 to at least 847365.

In 1969 the optics were updated, although it remains a 4 element sonnar design. This one has a scalloped aperture ring and 7 aperture blades which are curved (not fully rounded though), so background highlights have a pleasant organic shape. Serial nos from 865101 to 981870. Multicoated version from no 111111 and late pre-AI version with modern barrely style from 158101. I've used this version a little, rendition is similar to the 105/2.5, with good sharpness and nicely rounded bokeh.

[rolubich]

Be aware there are two optical versions of this lens. The original began life as the rangefinder version, the same optics were ported over to the F-mount lens. Early samples have 9 aperture blades, later reducing to 6 blades. Serial nos from 720101 to at least 847365.

In 1969 the optics were updated, although it remains a 4 element sonnar design. This one has a scalloped aperture ring and 7 aperture blades which are curved (not fully rounded though), so background highlights have a pleasant organic shape. Serial nos from 865101 to 981870. Multicoated version from no 111111 and late pre-AI version with modern barrely style from 158101. I've used this version a little, rendition is similar to the 105/2.5, with good sharpness and nicely rounded bokeh.

I have both (13.5cm f/3.5 Q 9 blades and 135mm f/3.5 QC) and unless there aren't bright areas in the frame they behave about the same (in a very good way) in my opinion.

Here

https://www.nikonclub.it/forum/uploads/ori/201612/8b3cd2eeca561c6d4b0c20ae39c759d7.jpg

the 13.5cm on Sony A7RII @ f/5.6 or f/8, full resolution (just cropped a little), sharpness is up to 42MP.

[gryphon1911]

I have both (13.5cm f/3.5 Q 9 blades and 135mm f/3.5 QC) and unless there aren't bright areas in the frame they behave about the same (in a very good way) in my opinion.

Here

https://www.nikonclub.it/forum/uploads/ori/201612/8b3cd2eeca561c6d4b0c20ae39c759d7.jpg

the 13.5cm on Sony A7RII @ f/5.6 or f/8, full resolution (just cropped a little), sharpness is up to 42MP.

Cute pup! 

[gryphon1911]

Got the 200mm f/4 QC out today on the Df:

[gryphon1911]

Then I swapped it out for the 300mm f/4.5 AI:

[armando_m]

Got the 200mm f/4 QC out today on the Df:

wow, the look you got from the woman carrying the mac

[gryphon1911]

wow, the look you got from the woman carrying the mac

I know...lol

[John Geerts]

wow, the look you got from the woman carrying the mac

Yes, great !!


That 200 Q C is a real gem.

[CS]

wow, the look you got from the woman carrying the mac

Yes, and a striking resemblance to the character in the last image!   

[David H. Hartman]

A few thoughts on the 135/2.8 AI & AIS. They are opticaly the same. They're not frozen smoke like some modern AF lenses but they aren't too heavy. The f/2.8 aperture extends their usefulness a little earlier and later in the day. Bokeh is nice and smooth at large aperture. They make a great tight head shoot portrait lens. The focus throw on the AIS is a reasonable 180* while the AI is quite long at 270* which makes the lens more difficult to focus on a fast moving subject but more precise for other subjects. They both have a built-in hood. If the one on the AI is as bad as the AIS I'd consider it useless and use a Nikon HS-14 hood instead. The built-ins are very wobbly.

All in all my picks for AI & AIS short to medium telephotos are 105/2.5, 180/2.8 ED and 135/2.8. I have a lube contaminated 85/1.4 AIS and don't know where to place it. It was to me a fabulous lens but I prefer the 105mm and 180mm focal lengths.

Given the performance and price of the 135/2.8 AI & AIS I can't think of a reason not to own one.

Dave Hartman

[David H. Hartman]

Yes, and a striking resemblance to the character in the last image!

I had to look again: it's true!

Dave

[Roland Vink]

The AIS 135/2.8 was one of the first lenses I bought. At the time I figured it offered a bit more bang for buck than the 105/2.5, being the same price, with more reach and only marginally bigger. It was my "poor mans 80-200/2.8", with a focal length mid-way of the zoom I could cover pretty much the same as the zoom with a bit of foot work, it has the same aperture, focuses closer, much smaller and much cheaper, and probably sharper too.

A modern version with better correction of colours for digital imaging would be welcome ...

[gryphon1911]

Be aware there are two optical versions of this lens. The original began life as the rangefinder version, the same optics were ported over to the F-mount lens. Early samples have 9 aperture blades, later reducing to 6 blades. Serial nos from 720101 to at least 847365.

In 1969 the optics were updated, although it remains a 4 element sonnar design. This one has a scalloped aperture ring and 7 aperture blades which are curved (not fully rounded though), so background highlights have a pleasant organic shape. Serial nos from 865101 to 981870. Multicoated version from no 111111 and late pre-AI version with modern barrely style from 158101. I've used this version a little, rendition is similar to the 105/2.5, with good sharpness and nicely rounded bokeh.

Good info, thanks for that.