Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2 D Autofocus Lens {72}

Nikon's 135mm f/2 DC lens with user-controlled bokeh rendering

The AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2 D is one of the few lenses ever built with a dedicated Defocus Image Control ring, letting you dial in the character of out-of-focus areas in front of or behind your subject independently of aperture. That ring adjusts spherical aberration in a way that softens the rendering on whichever side you choose, foreground or background, giving portrait and editorial photographers a tool that no amount of post-processing can replicate. At f/2, light gathering is strong enough for dim venues and late-afternoon work without flash.

The D-type designation means the lens transmits subject distance data to the camera body, which tightens 3D matrix metering and improves TTL flash accuracy on compatible Nikon bodies. A 72mm filter thread accommodates standard circular polarizers and ND filters. It mounts natively on any Nikon F-mount body, covering full-frame FX sensors without vignetting and giving a 202mm equivalent field of view on DX crop bodies.

Thirty years in circulation have made this one of the most studied portrait lenses in the Nikon ecosystem. Photographers who know what the DC ring does and how to use it get results that are genuinely difficult to achieve any other way. That specificity is exactly where the value sits.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers working in controlled or semi-controlled light will find the DC ring useful in a way that goes beyond a standard fast prime, the ability to intentionally shape background rendering at a given aperture is a distinct creative control. Wedding photographers shooting receptions or candid formals benefit from the f/2 aperture in mixed and low-light environments. Headshot and editorial shooters on full-frame Nikon bodies get 135mm reach with D-type metering integration. Film photographers using F-mount bodies also work with this lens natively, since the F-mount connection has remained consistent across decades of Nikon hardware.

Key Features

• Defocus Image Control ring for independent foreground and background bokeh rendering
• Fixed 135mm f/2 prime with strong light-gathering for available-light portraiture
• D-type autofocus with subject distance transmission to body
• 72mm filter thread for circular polarizers and ND filters
• Native Nikon F-mount compatibility with full-frame and crop-sensor bodies
• Spherical aberration adjustment for bokeh character beyond aperture control

FAQ

What does the DC ring actually do?

It adjusts spherical aberration to soften bokeh on either the foreground or background independently of your aperture setting. Dial it toward the subject to smooth out-of-focus areas in front, away to smooth areas behind - a tool post-processing cannot replicate.

Will this lens autofocus on my Nikon body?

Yes, on any Nikon F-mount body made after 1995. The autofocus is reliable and fast enough for portrait work, though manual focus is often preferred when using the DC ring for critical bokeh placement.

Does the D-type designation matter for my camera?

D-type lenses transmit subject distance to the body, which improves 3D matrix metering accuracy and TTL flash performance on compatible Nikon DSLRs and film cameras. On bodies without D-type support, the lens still functions fully in manual exposure modes.

What field of view should I expect on a DX crop body?

Approximately 202mm equivalent, which pushes the lens into longer telephoto territory and exaggerates compression effects - useful if you want that look, limiting if you need standard portrait framing.

How does f/2 perform in low light compared to newer 135mm lenses?

At one stop faster than most modern 135mm f/2.8 options, this lens gathers enough light for available-light portraiture in dim venues and evening sessions without flash. You're trading the wider aperture for a heavier, manual-focus-friendly design.

Are the bokeh characteristics consistent across the focal range?

This is a fixed 135mm prime, so bokeh character is consistent throughout. The DC ring's effect depends on how much out-of-focus area you're rendering and how you dial it, not on focal length shifts.

What kind of filters does the 72mm thread accept?

Standard 72mm circular polarizers, neutral density filters, and other screw-in optics. Many portrait photographers skip filters entirely to avoid degrading the lens's rendering, especially when the DC ring is dialed in.