Comparing the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens with the new Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z lens

10 hours ago
Categories: Nikon Lenses

Below is a detailed comparison of the technical specifications between the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena and the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z lenses for Nikon Z-mount, based on the latest available data as of March 19, 2025. Both are full-frame, fast-aperture telephoto prime lenses designed for portrait and low-light photography, tailored specifically for Nikon’s Z-mount system.

General Specifications

Specification	Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z
Focal Length	135mm	135mm
Maximum Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.8
Minimum Aperture	f/16	f/16
Lens Mount	Nikon Z	Nikon Z
Format Compatibility	Full-Frame	Full-Frame
Angle of View	18° 10′ (Full-Frame)	~18° (estimated, typical for 135mm primes)

Notes: Both lenses share identical focal lengths, aperture ranges, and mount compatibility, making them direct competitors for Nikon Z users. The Viltrox LAB Z is a Nikon Z-mount adaptation of the original Sony E-mount version, released today, March 19, 2025.

Optical Design

Specification	Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z
Lens Elements	16 elements in 14 groups	14 elements in 9 groups
Special Elements	4 ED, 1 Aspherical, 1 SR	2 ED, 2 Super ED
Coatings	Meso Amorphous, ARNEO, Nano Crystal	Multilayer Nano Coating
Diaphragm Blades	11 (rounded)	11 (rounded)

Nikon Plena: Features a more intricate optical design with additional elements, including Extra-Low Dispersion (ED), Aspherical, and Short-Wavelength Refractive (SR) glass for superior aberration correction and sharpness. Its advanced coatings (Meso Amorphous, ARNEO, Nano Crystal) are top-tier, minimizing flare and ghosting.
Viltrox LAB Z: Employs fewer elements but includes 2 ED and 2 Super ED elements for chromatic aberration control. It lacks aspherical elements, avoiding onion-ring bokeh but potentially sacrificing some edge sharpness. The multilayer nano coating is effective but less advanced than Nikon’s.

Focusing

Specification	Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z
Autofocus	Yes	Yes
Focus Motor	Dual Stepping Motors (STM)	Dual Hyper Voice-Coil Motors (VCM)
Minimum Focus Distance	0.82m (2.69 ft)	0.8m (2.62 ft)
Maximum Magnification	0.2x	0.2x (estimated, based on E-mount version)
Focus Type	Internal	Internal
Manual Focus Override	Yes (A/M switch)	Yes

Nikon Plena: Uses dual STMs for fast, quiet, and precise autofocus, optimized for stills and video on Nikon Z bodies. The minimum focus distance is slightly longer at 0.82m.
Viltrox LAB Z: Employs dual Hyper VCMs, an upgrade from Viltrox’s earlier STM designs, offering improved speed and thrust. The 0.8m minimum focus distance provides a slight edge for close-up shots. Early reports suggest AF is fast but may not match Nikon’s consistency.

Physical Characteristics

Specification	Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z
Weight	995g (2.19 lbs)	1235g (2.72 lbs)
Dimensions	98mm x 140mm (Diameter x Length)	94mm x 153mm (Diameter x Length)
Filter Size	82mm	82mm
Weather Sealing	Yes (dust and drip-resistant)	Yes (dust and moisture-proof)
Construction	Metal barrel	Metal barrel

Nikon Plena: Lighter by 240g and shorter, enhancing portability despite its premium metal build and weather sealing.
Viltrox LAB Z: Heavier and longer, reflecting a robust design that may feel cumbersome for handheld use. It matches the Plena’s weather sealing and metal construction but adds bulk.

Additional Features

Specification	Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z
Image Stabilization	No (relies on IBIS)	No (relies on IBIS)
Control Rings/Buttons	Multi-function ring, 2 L-Fn buttons, A/M switch	2 function buttons, OLED display, USB-C port
Firmware Updates	Via camera body	Via USB-C/Bluetooth with app
Unique Features	“Plena” branding for edge-to-edge brightness	Bluetooth connectivity, OLED display

Nikon Plena: Offers a professional control layout with two L-Fn buttons and a multi-function ring (default: aperture). It relies on Nikon Z bodies’ IBIS for stabilization.
Viltrox LAB Z: Includes modern extras like an OLED display for aperture/focus info and Bluetooth for app-based firmware updates. However, some E-mount users reported firmware glitches, which may persist in the Z-mount version.

Pricing

Specification	Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena	Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z
MSRP	$2,496.95	$899 / $854

Nikon Plena: A premium-priced lens reflecting its advanced optics and Nikon branding.
Viltrox LAB Z: Priced significantly lower, likely around $899 (mirroring the E-mount version), offering strong value. Exact Z-mount pricing may vary slightly upon release.

Summary

Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena:
- Strengths: Superior optical design with advanced coatings, lighter and more compact, exceptional bokeh and edge-to-edge brightness, reliable Nikon AF integration.
- Weaknesses: High cost, no built-in stabilization, fewer modern features.
Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z:
- Strengths: Affordable, innovative features (OLED, Bluetooth), strong optical performance with smooth bokeh, weather-sealed build.
- Weaknesses: Heavier and bulkier, less refined coatings, potential AF/firmware reliability concerns.

Conclusion

The Nikon Plena is the premium choice for Nikon Z users, delivering top-tier optical quality, a lighter build, and seamless integration with Nikon’s ecosystem—ideal for professionals who prioritize performance and are willing to pay for it. The Viltrox LAB Z, released today, offers remarkable value with modern features and solid optics, appealing to budget-conscious photographers or those intrigued by its tech-forward design. While the Plena edges out in refinement and reliability, the Viltrox LAB Z challenges it closely at a fraction of the cost, making it a compelling alternative for Nikon Z-mount shooters.

Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for Nikon Z-mount available for pre-order

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