Why am I writing a review of Nikon’s newest lens, the Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens when I’m supposed to be writing about “bokeh?” Because the bokeh this lens creates is everything!

According to google, bokeh is defined as “the out of focus areas of a photographic image as rendered by a particular lens.”

I’ve used Nikon gear my entire career and I’ve used a variety of their camera bodies and lenses.

As a dog photographer, my 70-200mm f/2.8 is the lens that is on my camera the most. However if I sort my photos based on the focal length I use, I am at 135mm a lot.

A few years ago I bought the Sigma Art 135mm f/1.8 lens. I LOVED this lens. Until I didn’t.

When I first bought it, it hardly left my camera because the bokeh it creates is gorgeous but in the course of 2 years, I had to send it to Sigma three times for service. Because of this I lost trust in the lens and I quit using it.

Fast forward to 2023 and I am now shooting with the Nikon Z8, a mirrorless camera body. Nikon calls their mirrorless bodies and lenses “Z” and for the past year there have been rumors about a Z 135mm lens being released.

Early one morning when I was in Iceland during the Style Lab Retreat, I received an email from Nikon announcing the Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens. I placed the order for it without thinking twice. Then I attended a 7am yoga class hosted by Craig Turner-Bullock and had a hard time finding my “zen” because I was so excited.

I have waited for this lens. I wish I would’ve had it in Iceland. But I have it now and I’ve used it at these 3 sessions in the last week.

I’ve not really “tested” it to push it to it’s limits but what I can tell you so far is:

1. I love how sharp it is.

2. I love love love the round bokeh that it creates.

3. I love that it’s a fast lens and can be used for action photography.

This is what the Nikon website has to say about this lens:

• Beauty that reaches every corner

• Astonishing edge to edge clarity

• Dreamlike circular bokeh

If I’m photographing your dog, I can guarantee you this lens will be on my camera! I am in love with it.

For my photographer friends, what’s your favorite lens?