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

Here is a quick specifications comparison of the Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens with the new Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens (order the new Viltrox 135 Z lens at Viltrox  | Pergear | Amazon | B&H | Koch | Erhardt):

General Specifications

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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