[frank]

I prefer the 135mm F2 to the 85mm F1.4 for portraits. I have read many good words about the Nikkor AF 135mm F2 DC (including the PZ test on D200), but many users have said that the DC effect is not pronounced or noticeable. Has anyone experience in using this lens or the Nikkor 105mm F2 DC? What about the DC function? Is it a function that is not very useful? I think the DC feature contributes a significant fraction to the lens price.



Thanks,

Frank

[frank]

Sorry, I intended to post it to the "Lenses" section but put it here by mistakes. Can someone move it to "Lenses"?



Thanks,

Frank

[Brightcolours]

The defocus control is only supposed to influence the character of the bokeh, so its effect should subtle. You can however get extreme effects, making photos look hazy, its soft focus look which I do not particularly like. It will not influence the price much.... What will influence the price is the low production numbers, the glass and the lens' weight. It is beautifully built in metal, and any replacement lens will not be built this nicely.



Price-wise it is only like 300$ more than the Canon EF 135mm f2 L USM, and that lens is built in much higher numbers.



Example of what the DC can do (smooth bokeh) at a sensible setting:

http://joshjonesphoto.blogspot.com/2010/...rrari.html



Examples of what the DC can cause at less sensible settings:

http://joshjonesphoto.blogspot.com/2010/...rrari.html



I think it is a nice lens, especially in its build quality and sharpness. Any replacement lens will be more expensive. So if you are after a portrait lens with a nice narrow field of view (I am supposing you have a FF camera?), I see no reason not to go for this really rather nice lens.

And I agree with you in the focal length choice, I do prefer to look of 135mm vs 85mm on FF (or 85mm vs 50/60mm on APS-C).

[Studor13]

I have the 105mm f2 DC. Beautiful lens.



The DC is a tricky business and I don't use it much since the bokeh at 0 is already as good as I've seen.



A lot of folks go on about the 105mm f/2.5. I have this lens also. It's a good lens but the DC is in a different league.



A friend of mine has the 135mm DC. Bokeh wise I think this is the better of the two.



I don't think you can go wrong with either.

[mst]

[quote name='Frank' timestamp='1332468564' post='16936']

Sorry, I intended to post it to the "Lenses" section but put it here by mistakes. Can someone move it to "Lenses"?

[/quote]



[x] Done



-- Someone <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[PuxaVida]

I have the same concerns about the DC functionality... Is it easy to use or does it worth to pay that much etc...



But there's one fact that Nikon has only one FX compatable AF 135mm lens in the actual line-up which is suitable for portraits, it's the 135mm F/2 DC. I think they believe that it's stellar and for a long time did not want to introduce an AF-S version for 135mm. Actually I think it makes sense. Even though the AF is not crazy fast and silent, you have everything in one package: Sharp, fast, OOF blur control, soft focus control and a beautiful color rendition. I personally believe that AF is more than "nice to have" for portraits. I will go for an AF lens in addition to the 85mm AF I own, but not sure about choosing a 135mm or longer.



Nevertheless, on the MF lens side there are various older alternatives (longer than 85mm), which are very affordable:



105mm F/1.8 AiS: Not stellar at wide open but the blur is pleasant. Actually I find it too much expensive compared to the F/2.5 version. But you know, F/1.8 on a 105mm is a gift...



135mm F/2.8 Series E: Does not shine on bokeh side but for that price (and esp. considering the compactness) it's worth to get one...



135mm CZJ Sonnar F/3.5: It is M42 but you can find an adapter easily. Very sharp, and the bokeh is creamy. Unfortunately you cannot use an automatic aperture and connot focus to infinity... But hey, who wants infinity for portrait shots <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />...



100mm Kaleinar F/2.8: I personally think, best of the above mentioned MF lenses. The bokeh is creamy, the level of contrast and especially the color rendering is very suitable for skin tones (some complain about pale/non-saturated tones but I really don't think do). It is a native F-mount lens (functions like an AiS) and quite compact.



I hope that you will be satisfied with your choice and also hope to see your samples from the 135mm DC <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />...



Serkan

[nandadevieast]

Majority of internet says DC feature is not useful.

I have a major interest in this focal length but, reportedly, both Sony CZ and Canon versions are better than this, owing to its old

design, which Nikon refuses to update for its modern cameras.

A patent for an AF-S 135 1.8 is reported few days back, but that may not take shape very soon, or not happen at all, you never know.

[frank]

[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1332491874' post='16938']

The defocus control is only supposed to influence the character of the bokeh, so its effect should subtle. You can however get extreme effects, making photos look hazy, its soft focus look which I do not particularly like. It will not influence the price much.... What will influence the price is the low production numbers, the glass and the lens' weight. It is beautifully built in metal, and any replacement lens will not be built this nicely.



Price-wise it is only like 300$ more than the Canon EF 135mm f2 L USM, and that lens is built in much higher numbers.



Example of what the DC can do (smooth bokeh) at a sensible setting:

http://joshjonesphoto.blogspot.com/2010/...rrari.html



Examples of what the DC can cause at less sensible settings:

http://joshjonesphoto.blogspot.com/2010/...rrari.html



I think it is a nice lens, especially in its build quality and sharpness. Any replacement lens will be more expensive. So if you are after a portrait lens with a nice narrow field of view (I am supposing you have a FF camera?), I see no reason not to go for this really rather nice lens.

And I agree with you in the focal length choice, I do prefer to look of 135mm vs 85mm on FF (or 85mm vs 50/60mm on APS-C).

[/quote]



Thank you for your detailed answers, BC. The links you provided help understanding the DC effect. I agree with you that if someday Nikon releases a replacement of this beautiful lens, the replacement will be more epensive (no matter it will be DC or not).



And yes, I have a FF camera, D700.



Best regards,

Frank

[frank]

[quote name='Studor13' timestamp='1332504579' post='16941']

I have the 105mm f2 DC. Beautiful lens.



The DC is a tricky business and I don't use it much since the bokeh at 0 is already as good as I've seen.



A lot of folks go on about the 105mm f/2.5. I have this lens also. It's a good lens but the DC is in a different league.



A friend of mine has the 135mm DC. Bokeh wise I think this is the better of the two.



I don't think you can go wrong with either.

[/quote]



Thank you for your inputs, Studor13. I like the 135mm better, because of the focal length.



Best regards,

Frank

[frank]

[quote name='mst' timestamp='1332508000' post='16942']

[x] Done



-- Someone <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[/quote]



Thank you, Markus.



Best wishes,

Frank