Classic Nikon 135mm telephoto prime, sharp and compact portrait lens at rock-bottom used prices for the F-mount system.
The Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 is a compact telephoto prime available in multiple versions across the Nikon F-mount history, from early non-AI through AI and AI-S versions. The 135mm focal length provides a classic portrait telephoto perspective with flattering compression and comfortable working distance.
Optically, the lens delivers sharp images with clean Nikon rendering, particularly effective from f/5.6 onwards. The simple four-element design produces images with excellent contrast and natural colour. The 135mm perspective compresses backgrounds effectively for portrait isolation and provides useful reach for candid and event photography.
Build quality is solid Nikon metal construction across all versions, with a smooth focusing helicoid and firm aperture click stops. The compact barrel is surprisingly lightweight for a 135mm telephoto, and the lens handles well on all Nikon F-mount bodies. The standard 52mm filter thread maintains system compatibility.
The Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 is one of the best bargains in vintage Nikon glass, offering quality telephoto capability at minimal used market prices. It serves as an excellent portrait lens for film cameras and adapts well to mirrorless digital cameras where the manual focus experience is enhanced by focus peaking.