* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 NIKKOR AI Manual Focus Lens {52}
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 AI NIKKOR: a proven portrait telephoto workhorse.
The 135mm focal length has a long history in portrait and event photography, and this AI-indexed NIKKOR puts that working distance in your hands with a manual focus ring and Nikon F mount compatibility. The AI coupling means it communicates with AI-capable Nikon bodies, letting you work with the metering systems those cameras support. With a 52mm filter thread, it takes common, affordable filters without hunting for specialty sizes.
Manual focus at 135mm rewards photographers who prefer deliberate, considered shooting over spray-and-pray autofocus. At f/3.5, you have enough speed to separate a subject from its background and enough depth of field to stay precise without an AF system second-guessing your intent. This is a lens that rewards knowing your subject and your distance before you ever raise the camera.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers working with film or digital Nikon AI-compatible bodies will find the 135mm focal length gives a flattering working distance without demanding anything from an autofocus motor. Film shooters building a manual kit on Nikon F mount get reliable AI coupling for meter integration on period-correct bodies. Street and documentary photographers who pre-focus and zone shoot will appreciate the tactile manual ring. Travel photographers shooting on Nikon film bodies who want a compact, capable telephoto without autofocus bulk also have a real use case here.
Key Features
- 135mm fixed focal length for portrait and event work
- f/3.5 maximum aperture for subject separation and shallow depth of field
- Manual focus ring for precise, deliberate focus control
- AI coupling enables metering communication with compatible Nikon bodies
- 52mm filter thread for common, affordable filter compatibility
- Nikon F mount for use across the Nikon film and digital SLR lineup
FAQ
- What bodies will this lens work with?
- Any Nikon F-mount camera body. The AI coupling lets it communicate metering information with AI-capable bodies, but it mounts on all F-mount cameras.
- Is this lens autofocus?
- No, it's manual focus only. You focus by turning the ring on the barrel.
- What filter size does it take?
- 52mm. That's a standard size with plenty of affordable options available.
- Why choose 135mm for portraiture?
- At 135mm, you get working distance from your subject without distortion. The focal length keeps you far enough back for natural facial proportions while the f/3.5 aperture still separates the subject from the background.
- What does AI coupling mean?
- The AI ridge on the lens communicates with compatible Nikon bodies to enable metering functions those cameras support. Non-AI bodies can still use the lens mechanically, but without that metering communication.
- How does manual focus perform at this focal length?
- 135mm magnifies both focus precision and any camera shake, so you need a steady hand and good technique. The trade-off is deliberate composition-you're not relying on autofocus hunting, so you commit to your distance before shooting.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Nikon F (AI) |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount Ai |
| Lens Type | Short Tele / Portrait |
| Max Focal Length | 135mm |
| Min Focal Length | 135mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
