Nikon 135mm f/2.8 NIKKOR AI Manual Focus Lens Review

The Nikon 135mm f/2.8 NIKKOR AI is a legacy manual focus telephoto lens from Nikon's pre-autofocus era. Designed for classic Nikon F-mount film and digital bodies, it offers a moderate telephoto field of view well-suited to portraiture, product work, and selective framing. At f/2.8, it provides a reasonably fast maximum aperture for its focal length, stopping down to f/22 for greater depth of field. The AI designation means it integrates meter coupling with Nikon bodies from the late 1970s onward, though full compatibility depends on your camera body.

This particular unit is a bargain-grade used example sourced from KEH, priced at $82 with front and rear caps included. As a manual focus lens, it requires deliberate technique and practice, especially on modern DSLRs and mirrorless bodies without optimized focusing aids. It's a solid entry point for shooters exploring vintage glass or seeking an affordable, compact 135mm option without the weight or cost of modern autofocus designs.