Totally agree. I dropped Canon for Nikon in 2008. I still like how Canon's handle. But the reasons I went to Nikon was image quality and performance for landscapes and astro in low light. But also they also always seemed tougher built (but heavier) and more reliable. Native ISO64 is magic. The AF never bothered me, got loads of sharp images of wildlife (landscapes easy). But like you say the last 12 to 18 months have been brilliant. I just picked up a Z8 and I'm absolutely blown away. So much so that I feel the need to up MY game to be a better photographer to take advantage of it.
I would say the Nikon faithful received a fine gift in the form of this lens. I hope to add it to my kit at some point next year. At the same time it’s a unique tool which in some sample images (not so much here though) the bokeh “balls” become so magnified and sharp edged they compete with the subject for visual attention, though with creative planning these attributes will make for unique standout photos. And once again I will ask that Nikon add 16-bit color as an option on one of their camera bodies. The lenses are up to the task of rendering the subtitles, now we need a tool which will allow for capturing them.
Sharp-edged bokeh circles only appear when the light source for them is very small, such as very distant lights. Light sources with more area will yield softer-edged bokeh circles. Short of adding an apodization filter, lens optics cannot alter this. Various degrees of under- or over-corrected SA can alter the brightness of the bokeh circle perimeter (relative to the center, for example), but will still not soften the edges.
Really enjoyed the format of this video. Refreshing change of pace and your photos are what still make me gravitate to watching. Cheers Matt! Keep making some of the best content on RU-vid.
Matt, this is a stunning video! The stills are incredible and I can’t wait to shoot with this lens when it arrives. It’s a long time coming since the last 135mm f/2 DC was released, to have a 135mm f/1.8 S premium lens is a huge kudos to Nikon! Worth the wait in these exciting times as a Nikon user!
Well Matt you hit it out of the park as they said when I was young, wonderful production regarding wonderful product for many folks. Excellent job, thanks and take care. - Jeff
Outstanding all around! I did listen with headphones and the audio really draws me right into these moments, amazing. Also re-thinking some lens choices lately, considering some changes to my lineup - this 135 1.8 is a front-runner on the addition side. Beautiful vid Matt!
I brought the Z8 2 months back but then decided to wait and use adapted lenses for the time being. I think that decision is now paying off. Can’t wait to experience my first Z mount lens!!
Nice work Matt -- I cannot wait for my order. Lots of question about this lens and how it really works in practice. I suspect like you it is a fantastic lens for reportage/portraits and weddings AND of course video.
A fantastic video, all the content, Matt, really superb. I hope Audio payed you handsomely, Nikon should pay you too , it's far better than their promotional videos for the lens...
Matt, you shot a beautiful video. This lens renders exceptionally beautifully. Wow. The images and their perspective and framing, the colours, the editing. Perfect. I would have liked a bit more text detail like camera, ISO, and exposure settings as used in these shots. Image stabilisation looks like Z 9 or Z 8. hence my point. A.o. As to Nikon, this is what I hoped for when they released the "S" lenses. I am happy that the two biggest problems got solved with Z "S" glass and no, I'm not bitter. But a manufacturer on a (cultural) island needs to understand their users and their expectations too. Especially the manufacturers that are as communicative as the Sphinx in old Egypt. As to what I would have liked to see from you, Matt, with this lens and some specified Z camera, is more portrait work in lower light with less contrast than you show in one portrait here. The skippies don't seem to have been shot with eye-AF. My pet peeve is eye-AF in lower light and where different Nikon Z cameras stop eye-AF and I need to switch to a form of manual AF. Nikon specify for the Z f that AF works down to LV -10 or so, way below where you can shoot an image. Well, if I cannot shoot an image at a light level, then what's the point of AF -oh, very long exposure times. But I still don't know what to expect from eye-AF (the AI behind that). Because they don;t specify it, so my expectation is LV -10. LV = EV at ISO 100
Matt Thank You Sir!! Fantastic Video!! We Nikon Shooters have been feasting for many many years in FMount & now to See ZMount Mature within 5-6 years is simply Remarkable! I Like Yourself have Celebrated the Sensational Quality of Nikon Products!!! Keep the Wins Coming Sir!!!
I'm really excited about this! I can't seem to get enough of the Plena coverage since the announcement. As always, you’re the best Matt! :) I've already pre-ordered this lens, and I've got this idea of it replacing my 70-200. I've relied on the 'holy trinity' of lenses for over a decade now, and while it's been convenient, I'm thinking about something different.
Hi Matt! Superb lens in the right hands ... yours. Great music and the right choice for these clips and photos. As you know, I've never owned a 135mm prime. The Plena is tempting me to change that.
The amount of high quality images that we can make for relatively small amounts of money these days is wonderful. Just think back 25 years ago. You would need film and a camera the size of a small car. This is really Hollywood level in a back pack.
My last Nikon was a D300. Made the switch to mirrorless next and gave up on Nikon producing anything of substance. Yet I still dreamed but after the Df I knew all was lost. Now finally with the Zf and all these new lenses I'm finally back home. Damn it feels good. This is the best stuff I have ever seen as product goes.🥰
Matt, nice editing, beautiful lense and great complimentary audiio in the background. Though I am lucky enough to have 85mm f1.2, I am not sure if I needed this lens. I ordered it though…just couldn't resist everyone bragging about it :) I do mostly wedding photography. What do you think? Worth it if you already have 85mm 1.2 in your bag already?
Nice job Matt looks great. That AF is snappy as hell super fast. Would love to see some video clips of a slow focus rack with this lens. I don’t have one in hand anymore
The quality is remarkable. The shots of the bees and the splashing water are outstanding. Nikon are doing a great job with these exotic lenses. What's next?
Damn! The production value on your videos has been another level lately. Glad to see how you've grown as a photographer and RU-vidr. Great cinematic review of the new legendary Plena 135mm 1.8 lens. Can't wait to get my hands on one. Cheers from the USA!
what a wonderful piece of gear and nice showcase of the creamy bokeh and sharpness matt, wow. Reminds me of my good old days with my Zeiss Apo Sonnar ZF.2 135/2 - Just simply put, way better, since it also has AF and looks even a bit better in every regard. I will bring this thing into my personal kit ASAP.
I was literally about to type a question -- 85 1.2 or the Plena? -- when your voice over said you'd be testing comparing the two lenses at some point :) One advantage of the budgeting uncertainty of STILL waiting for the 600 TC is I haven't bought the 85 yet, and voila this lens appears.... Looks a beauty! PS -- I ADORE the still shot of the conductor; brilliant candid street shot. Cheers!
Matt I love your videos but this is an especially great video It really highlights this great lens without you having to say anything! Nikon should put you on the payroll because it makes me want to run out and buy this lens! Thanks for sharing!
Incredible footage Matt 😊. Definitely will be checking out *Audiio* for my creative projects! The Plena is indeed a marvel and next level imho. Audiio sounds absolutely fabulous through my B&O HX Beoplay headphone set. Looks like I need to finish purchasing the 180-600mm followed by Zf acquisition. I primarily shoot just for myself nowadays after 20+ years of event photography. I love street-photography and the Zf will be great addition to my Z50 (underrated lil’ camera) 😊 and my Fuji Xpro3 which I use as my EDC.
Amazing pictures and video, Matt. Yes, I'd love to see a side by side comparison of images of the 85mm 1.2 and the 135mm 1.8 Plena for portrait and street/travel photo.
Nice work Matt....must have this lens but must also wait for it to be in stock....I don't do the pre-order dance anymore...hopefully it won't be a long wait
Great video, Matt. You've shown the capabilities of this lens extremely well. Is there a chance you can test the corner optical quality for astrophotography? 135mm is a VERY popular focal length for deep sky astrophotographers and THE most popular lens is the Rokinon 135 F2. Many would be interested if the Plena can surpass the Rokinon in terms of vignetting and aberration-free performance in the corners. Love to see some results. Point sources in the sky is the toughest test of a lens. If you don't have a sky tracker, put a high res camera (Z9) on a tripod and point to the southern celestial pole (approximately) and shoot some short (1-2 second) exposures. Using high ISO would allow more stars to be detected. Thanks.
Can you do the 135 Plena against the F-mount 105 f1.4 F-mount? The 105 1.4 is quite a lot cheaper than the Plena, while not being that far apart in on-paper specs
@@MattIrwinPhotography and even chuck in a 135 or 105 DC to see how the colour renditions compare, particularly of delicate tones where the DCs excel I feel, although I fully get that they’re far behind the Plenar in so many respects. Thank you for all your videos.
Such a great lens; but I picked up a really nice 135mm (I have two now) Pentax lenses; found out they just don't fit in the way I shoot. Such a bummer! It's priced in a bracket that I can't afford to get one "just to have around" so I guess I better get a lottery ticket... :)
I’d love to see comparison of 85 1.2. 200mm 2.0 against the plans particularly for portraits. Great work as always! How did you get a group of kangaroos to stare at you like that?
What interests me, is the looks of the 135/1.8 on full-frame vs. the 85/1.2 on an APS-C. In theory, both should be very similar in this (except for resolution). I LOVE the 85/1.2, was a bit health-handicapped since June, so could not fully enjoy it (e.g. was not able to test it with APS-C). But I'm looking forward to the 135 availability and to see, what it's looks bring to my photography. I care less about cams than about the rendering of a nice glass. E.g. the Z 85/1.2 caused my switch from F to Z-bodies.
Hi Matt. What are the chances that the big N will do the impossible and replace the 200 f4 micro with an exotic Z named version….my order first please !
I don’t know, think this lens is a huge reach for me. But looking at what you shot and got I sure want to at least try it someday. But I can’t wait to get home next week and play this through my tv and stereo system thanks - tim
Would you try this with an extension tube for macro photography? Some said it is possible old 135mm DC lens + extension tube for macro photography. I wonder this could be also possible with 135mm Plena.
I have 85 1.2 and I don't think Plena is better lens. From images I see from Plena is good but doesn't have wow factor like 85 1.2 does. I'm waiting for Z 200 f2 from Nikon and this will be amazing lens which I will order immediately.
Matt, I would absolutely love to see a comparison between this and the F-mount 105mm f/1.4E. I love the 105 and have used it on both my Z7 and now my Z8, but I've been wanting a 135 like this for years so I'm not sure if I'd be willing to give up my 105 for it.
Same here, although in our case it is the _Sigma_ 105mm f/1.4 FTZ'd to a Z7 that is the 'moneymaker' in our photography/video business. Might be replaced by Plena..tempted;-)
It interesting to see the quality of some of the lenses coming out from the big three. Nikon, Sony and Canon are all producing some stunning lenses. In the future how will the makers improve these lenses to make us upgrade, other than reducing size and weight, something only Sony seems bothered about. Maybe many years down the line, Nikon come out with a smaller lighter version of this lens or one the same size and weight but f1.4. The trouble with making something perfect, the buyer never feels the need to buy a newer model. Great for us but not for the makers.
The Plena is a good lens but I can get the same results with my Nikkor Z f-85 1.2 lens, and save a few dollars for the economic collapse that is coming.
Great work Matt, congratulations and thank you. I godda be honest though, I've been more impressed by the content you have shot and shared using the 85 1.2 - it has a certain "wow" factor that I'm not feeling with this lens. Don't get me wrong - everything you shot looks great but somewhat lacking in the magic that the 85 1.2 has. I was holding off buying the 85 until I saw what the 135 was capable of so your work has helped me greatly in reaching my decision. Thank you again :)
