Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 (AI Version, 1977-1981)

Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/3.5
AI Version, 1977-1981

2017.06.10 - Published

2022.07.28 - Re-written and added new photos

Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 AI

Years in Production:

1950-1977 (Pre-AI 4el/3gr)

1977-1983 (AI 4el/4gr)

1982-1983 (AI-S 4el/4gr)

(The AI and AI-s version have the same optical formula.)

Focal Length - 135mm

Minimum Focusing - 1.3 meters

Focus Throw - 180 degrees

Filter Thread Ø - 52mm

Aperture Run - f/3.5 - f/32 (clicks on full stops)

Aperture Blades - 7

Optical Formula - 4 elements, 4 groups

Coating - Nikon Integrated Coating

With built-in retractable metal hood

Made in Japan

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Impressions

Nikon's Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 is a telephoto prime lens ideal for portraiture. It was one of its longest lenses in production, starting from 1950. There were several incarnations of this lens -- first as a rangefinder lens, then as a pre-AI version (a Zeiss Sonnar design in disguise), a late 1970s AI version (different optical formula, multicoated glass) and an early 1980s AI-S version (same as the AI, cosmetic difference).

The pre-AI version uses a 4/3 optical formula. The beauty of that version lies in its stylish design, chrome body, and scalloped focusing ring. The AI and AI-s version came out later with a different 4/4 optical formula. The mid-1970s and later lenses had the benefit of getting treated with Nikon's Integrated Coating.

Maybe the only difference with a modern kit lens is that this 135mm prime lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 meters, while an 18-135mm kit lens can focus as close as 50cm at 135mm. The advantage of this prime lens is its portability and lightweight character.

While the f/2.8 version is highly sought after, the Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 is rather an underrated and under appreciated lens. The aperture of f/3.5 is only 2/3 stop away from f/2.8, so you can still get wonderful portrait shots with beautiful blurry background.

This lens is already macro lens sharp wide open at f/3.5, and the colors and contrast are also strong. This lens is so sharp, it will show every detail on your skin even from 5 meters away. It scares me in a good way.

On APS-C sensor cameras, the focal length will be cropped to become 210mm, and is good for head and shoulders shots at 1.5 meters.

This Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 is hailed as one of the best Nikkor lenses ever and it is a budget alternative to its more expensive f/2 and f/2.8 siblings. Nikon made this lens from 1950 to 2005, says much about its popularity.