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Nikon 135mm f 2 DC User's Manual

Summary

Master the art of portraiture with the Nikon 135mm f/2 DC lens, renowned for its exceptional sharpness and industry-leading bokeh control. This guide details how the unique Defocus Image Control system allows photographers to precisely adjust background softness—turning complex backdrops into smooth washes of color without compromising subject clarity. Ideal for professional portraitists, nature photographers, and anyone seeking ultra-refined image separation and unparalleled optical performance.

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Seite 1 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC

Nikon 135mm f/2 DC The King of Bokeh (1990-) © 2009 Ken Rockwell.com. All rights reserved. Intro Specs Performance Recommendations

Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2 D (72mm filters, 28.9oz/818g, about $1,300). enlarge. I'd get it new or used at at Adorama or B&H Photo Video, new at Amazon, or used at e Bay. The 135 DC is a limited-production lens, and therefore hard to find in stock; you have to order it and wait. It helps me keep adding this site when you get yours from these links, thanks! Ken.

December 2009 More Nikon Reviews

Introduction top Intro Specs Performance Recommendations The Nikon AF 135mm f/2 DC is Nikon's, and arguably the world's, greatest portrait lens. It has a very similar smaller brother, the 105mm f/2 DC. The 135mm DC is also Nikon's sharpest 135mm lens, and an extraordinarily great lens for nature and landscape photography. It is worlds sharper and freer from spherical aberration than any of the the old manual focus 135mm f/2 lenses.

The hood is the best built-in hood I've ever used. It is metal, and it locks into position so it doesn't shrivel down like most other built-in hoods.

You have to move a ring to get to manual focus mode, and once

you do, manual focus is fantastic. Search Amazon:

04.01.2010http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/135mm-f2-dc.htm

Page Summary Contents For Nikon 135mm f 2 DC User's Manual

Page 1 Seite 1 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Nikon 135mm f/2 DC The King of Bokeh (1990-) © 2009 Ken Rockwell.com. All rights reserved. Intro Specs Performance Recommendations Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2 D (72mm...
Page 2 Seite 2 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Defocus Control DC stands for Defocus Control. A lot got lost in the translation on the way from Japan. The key word is control, not defocus. This is not a soft-focus ...
Page 3 Seite 3 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC This lens is so unique that Nikon will probably discontinue it just around the time people start figuring out what it does, and then the used price will skyrocket to $...
Page 4 Seite 4 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Nikon 135/2 DC. bigger. Compatibility back to intro back to top This 135 DC lens works incredibly well on FX, film and DX Nikons like the D700, D3X, D300s and F6. It w...
Page 5 Seite 5 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Name Nikon calls this the Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2 D. The earlier non-D version (1990-1995) skipped the D, and was called the Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2. Focal L...
Page 6 Seite 6 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Diaphragm Nikon 135/2 DC at f/4. bigger. 9 curved blades. Stops down to f/16. The diaphragm is an "outie," meaning the tail ends of each blade go in front of...
Page 7 Seite 7 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Does not rotate. Close Focus 3.6 feet (1.1 m). Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:7.1. Focus Distance Scale Yes. Depth-of Field Scale Almost; marked only at f/16. Infra-Red ...
Page 8 Seite 8 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Nikon 135/2 DC with hood extended and locked. Built-in telescoping, locking metal hood. When you pull it out, rotate it to lock it into position. Nikon Product Number ...
Page 9 Seite 9 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Distortion The 135 DC has no distortion. Falloff (dark corners) For real pictures, it's got just a tiny bit of falloff at full aperture. It's gone by f/2.8. I wouldn't...
Page 10 Seite 10 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Use with Filters The metal 72mm filter thread doesn't rotate. Use all the filters you want; you're not going to get any vignetting. Lateral Color Fringes None, on a D...
Page 11 Seite 11 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC Mount: Chromed brass. Internals: Metal. Markings: Paint. Serial Number: Laser-engraved on bottom of aperture ring. USA Models: Designated by US prefix in serial numbe...
Page 12 Seite 12 von 12Nikon 135mm f/2 DC I support my growing family through this website, as crazy as it might seem. If you find this as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may hav...

Manual Details

Brand Nikon
Pages 12
File Size 718.60 KB
Published June 01, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I optimize bokeh using the Defocus Image Control (DIC) ring?

Set the DIC ring to the same aperture you are shooting at, and move it by pressing the unlock button on the left. Setting it to 'R' softens the background.

Is the 135mm f/2 DC a soft-focus lens?

No, it is not a soft-focus lens; only the unfocused parts of the image are made softer. The in-focus part remains ultra sharp.

What is important when using defocus control?

Always focus after setting the Defocus Image Control (DIC). Also, be careful with having out-of-focus objects directly in front of your subject or in the foreground.

Can I set the DIC manually?

Yes, you can adjust the lens to move between auto and manual focus by pressing the unlocking button on the left.