p.15 #1 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Thanks for the thorough explaination. I know Plena is a very special lens from what I see but I don't have any technical knowledge to describe it objectively. Recently I saw I think it was a review of Canon 24-105/2.8, may be a preview of it from one of the major review site and the guy was praising Canon for its innovation unlike its rival that was just making conventional lens with some update bokeh or something to that effect.
p.15 #2 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
hiepphotog wrote
Back in my days in the Alternative Gear room, we delved deep into this topic, and I've got a bit of info to share. When it comes to the outlining in bokeh balls, it's a sign of spherical aberration over-correction. It is known as the soap bubble effect, like the one seen in the coveted Trioplan 100. However, it can also lead to distracting double images in the bokeh. The Plena, however, doesn't follow the same script based on the photos I've seen. The Plena shows no evidence of distracting out-of-focus backgrounds so far and the outlining effect at certain distances is more reminiscent of the elusive soap bubble bokeh under specific shooting conditions.
Now, let's talk about the bokeh with an apodization element (Sony STF/Canon DS). It's the polar opposite of the soap bubble scenario. Instead of a bright, well-defined edge in the highlight bokeh, you get a darker and more diffused edge—think Gaussian blur.
The Plena apart is the exception from the norm. The brochure only mentions minimizing optical vignetting (less cat's eye bokeh), but the real-world effects surpass expectations, IMO. It's a milestone in optical design....Show more →
Could the outline effect in the image of the knife juggler be a result of over-sharpening? As I zoom in and study the image, one the man is extremely sharp, and two the outlining on the bubbles appear as a shadow over the one behind it, a trait not usually present or at least as obvious in its images. It seems such a unique lens, might it ultimately require different processing norms than we’re used to?
p.15 #3 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
gear-nut wrote:
Could the outline effect in the image of the knife juggler be a result of over-sharpening? As I zoom in and study the image, one the man is extremely sharp, and two the outlining on the bubbles appear as a shadow over the one behind it, a trait not usually present or at least as obvious in its images. It seems such a unique lens, might it ultimately require different processing norms than we’re used to?
I generally dont use any sharpening in portrait pictures and reduce texture and clarity a little bit even. If I do, usually I used sharpening unmask of around 40-60% but I dont think I used any sharpening at all here except for a line of monks picture
p.15 #4 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
I think I may have something worth sharing on bokeh, though not exceptional images and more examples. Playing with the Plena yesterday in glaring full sun winter light, I got these two captures of this Bird of Paradise within minutes of each other -- the first shows a rather busy bokeh from the multi-faceted overlapping high contrast background point sources while the second captured with a framing change to a more evenly lit contrast background seems significantly smoother. I did play with contrast, sharpening and clarity and found almost no significant change to the overall character of the bokeh, though they did alter the shape subtly if that makes sense.
The gnome is also in full sun and the white beard overtakes the entire exposure, but the camera held it back. Of special note in this image is again good bokeh but the almost total absence of vignetting from this lens wide open -- amazing, at least to me. There has to be some optical trickery here pushing light into the corners --yet evenly so-- to accomplish this; I suspect Nikon lens designers knew this lens would be shot wide open a lot. However, I wonder if the optical trickery accomplishing this lack of vignetting at the same time plays to the coarser bokeh with high-contrast backgrounds?
p.15 #5 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Finally gave my Plena, on the ZF, a workout last night. Tested were the sharpness, and Bokeh of the 135 The low light, high ISO, slow shutter speeds and handheld abilities of the ZF were also put to the test. Their performance was superb on Cathys, Holland, large Nativity set. One of the Wisemen. Cathy's Wiseman by Michael Spinelli, on Flickr
p.15 #6 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Loving this lens. Now I am a little bit struggling to take 50/1.2 out when choosing a kit as one special lens to take with me.(50mm range has a lot of overlap with other lens, which does not help.) 135 has no competitor in the focal length, although in theory, 70-200mm f2.8 AFS VR or 100-400mm S are also to be considered. The contrast, clarity, great bokeh on both front and rear, color, focus accuracy, focus speed, and also the sharpness, it is just something I have not been able to achieve with other lenses. Totally a special lens. It is possible, it is the best lens I have ever owned...
Luka
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/320s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/640s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1600s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1000s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1600s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1600s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1600s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1250s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/2.21/320s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/2500s100 ISO0.0 EV
p.15 #7 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
akul wrote:
Loving this lens. Now I am a little bit struggling to take 50/1.2 out when choosing a kit as one special lens to take with me. 135 has not competitor in the focal length, although in theory, 70-200mm f2.8 AFS VR or 100-400mm S are also to be considered. The contrast, clarity, great bokeh on both front and rear, color, focus accuracy, focus speed, and also the sharpness, it is just something I have not been able to achieve with other lenses. Totally a special lens. It is possible, it is the best lens I have ever owned...
Luka
And for sure you are making it sing!
I agree with your sentiments. It generates a look like no other, which makes it refreshing to use at the same time.
p.15 #9 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
akul wrote:
Thank you. And, yes, it doe generate a beautiful image, which is totally the lens doing. I am just pressing the button
Luka
No, the person pressing the button still has to compose something interesting!
(PS: And agree the 70-200 may be the more versatile and probably a more logical all-around choice for most folks given essentially the same money, but the Plena remains uniquely special.)
p.15 #10 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
A couple from recent walks. Wish I could make the photos of my kid public because I'm really pleased with those (and I've been mainly using the lens to photograph his 1st steps).
Finally I think I find a location that have a background that will take full advantage of the Plena.
Now I just have to find a better model and a bit more cooperation from the light for the location
Ironically, I think the scene could use a bit of vignette
p.15 #15 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Just for fun. Normally I would not take this capture at f1.8, but I figured what the heck it's the Plena, so why not? Note that Auto area bird detect did NOT pick up the egrets -- I had to goto single point (And yes, the birds are in perfect focus!) I cropped to 2:1 pano mode and added ⅔ stop of vignette, the rest pretty much as shot.
p.15 #16 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Foot of snow in the Lower Mainland = the city is slightly paralyzed. Happens once a year but I can't remember the last time schools were closed for two days straight.
(And yes, the birds are in perfect focus!) I cropped to 2:1 pano mode and added ⅔ stop of vignette, the rest pretty much as shot. 
