Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar ZF.2 T* AIS Manual Focus Lens for Nikon F-Mount Review

The Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar ZF.2 is a premium manual-focus portrait and event lens built for Nikon F-mount cameras. It combines a fast f/2 maximum aperture with apochromatic optics and Zeiss's signature T* coating to deliver sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration and flare. The all-metal construction feels substantial, and the 268-degree focus throw provides the kind of tactile precision that manual-focus shooters prize. With a nine-blade rounded diaphragm, it produces the creamy bokeh Zeiss lenses are known for, making it a natural choice for portraiture and shallow depth-of-field work.

This lens includes electronic CPU contacts, so it communicates aperture and lens data to modern Nikon bodies for metering and EXIF compatibility. The floating element design maintains performance across the focus range, and geometric distortion is nearly nonexistent. At over $900 new, it sits in the high-end manual-focus tier, appealing to shooters who value build quality and optical character over autofocus convenience. Used copies in excellent condition represent a more accessible entry point into the Zeiss lineup.