I've searched on YouTube, Reddit, and most of the internet for a clearer and concise answer. I currently have the 85mm 1.2 and was possibly interested in getting the 135mm Plena. From my searches, I don't really see a reason to purchase the 135mm. I have the 105mm 1.4 in F mount but am actively getting rid of all my f mount and going 100% s mount glass. I think I just have serious GAS and need some perspective. Thanks
fabulas wrote:
I've searched on YouTube, Reddit, and most of the internet for a clearer and concise answer. I currently have the 85mm 1.2 and was possibly interested in getting the 135mm Plena. From my searches, I don't really see a reason to purchase the 135mm. I have the 105mm 1.4 in F mount but am actively getting rid of all my f mount and going 100% s mount glass. I think I just have serious GAS and need some perspective. Thanks
A long time ago I had a 135mm Canon L lens. It was the best back then, and the images it produced were effortless and beautiful. I used it maybe a dozen times over a decade because it required too much space I did not have and I felt disconnected from the subject. I consider it a specialized lens. If you know how you would use it - get it. Without a doubt it is a great lens. But your current lenses are fine too.
A 135/1.8 (or an f/2) is a nice thing to have. If you shoot fashion or performers, it's a no-brainer. Would your $$$$ be better spent on something else which you would actually use more?
I have both and love both. They are different focal lengths… so the compression/background and feel are different enough for my to justify owning both. Some people like to take the same shot with two different focal lengths and say they’re the same (the people that used to tell me I shouldn’t own my 200mm f2 because my 105mm 1.4 could get me the same shot). 🤦🏼♂️
I personally feel the 85mm has more character, while the 135mm is more clinically sharp. If you do more environmental, get the 85, if you love a typical headshot, 3/4 length, get the 135mm.
fabulas wrote:
I've searched on YouTube, Reddit, and most of the internet for a clearer and concise answer. I currently have the 85mm 1.2 and was possibly interested in getting the 135mm Plena. From my searches, I don't really see a reason to purchase the 135mm. I have the 105mm 1.4 in F mount but am actively getting rid of all my f mount and going 100% s mount glass. I think I just have serious GAS and need some perspective. Thanks
Go through your favorite shots and find what focal length they were shot with.
If you have a zoom that covers 135mm walk around with it set to that and take shots.
Look at the rental price, rent it and/or calculate how often you'd use it over a certain amount of time to see if it'd be worth it to buy or just occasionally rent when you have a specific idea/need.
I have the 85mm 1.2 S , 105mm 1.4 E , 200/2 (version 1), 70-200 E FL , and 180mm 2.8 (AF).
I can buy the Plena but when I walk around with my zoom at 135mm, and look at my favorite pictures and try to visualize pictures I can only make with it, I can't get excited for the purchase.
neoshazam wrote:
If you have a zoom that covers 135mm walk around with it set to that and take shots.
Agree. 135mm works for me, and I own several such primes: Leitz Tele-Elmar 135/4, Rokinon 135/2, Canon TS-E 135/4L. For convenience, I usually cover this FL with zooms (Nikkor AF-S 70-200G, E, and Canon nFD 80-200/4L). Nothing wrong with GAS, although the decision is easier if you intend to use that FL. The Plena is my kind of prime but a bit hard to justify at the asking price.
You already know the answer. That’s a great methodology.
neoshazam wrote:
Go through your favorite shots and find what focal length they were shot with.
If you have a zoom that covers 135mm walk around with it set to that and take shots.
Look at the rental price, rent it and/or calculate how often you'd use it over a certain amount of time to see if it'd be worth it to buy or just occasionally rent when you have a specific idea/need.
I have the 85mm 1.2 S , 105mm 1.4 E , 200/2 (version 1), 70-200 E FL , and 180mm 2.8 (AF).
I can buy the Plena but when I walk around with my zoom at 135mm, and look at my favorite pictures and try to visualize pictures I can only make with it, I can't get excited for the purchase.
If you do shoots, especially paid ones that are either in very low light or benefit from great background separation with a decent amount of reach, the 135 Plena is in an entirely different league than the otherwise stellar 70-200 2.8S. It's simply one of the top 5 best optics I have ever used in any format, it is easily a 100MP lens.
But you know if you need it or not. If you just want it, well that is a different story and you have to weigh that emotional choice a bit more.
I had the 104 1.4E and trulty loved it, a near perfect balance of fast, shallow and sharp but still very smooth. I was missing it so the 85 1.2 brings that back just enough for me to not be tempted to get another one. But the 135 1.8, holy cow is it unreal sharp, it's a mesmerizing lens in the right light and image.
I have both 85/1.2s and 135 Plena and I have to say that in the situation where both focal length can be used, I tend to pick Plena. However, I think 85mm is a more flexible focal length and there are more situation where I can I use 85 easier than 135. You can't go wrong with 85/1.2s either if that is your preferred focal length.
suteetat wrote:
I think 85mm is a more flexible focal length and there are more situation where I can I use 85 easier than 135.
I also prefer a shorter short tele, with my favs being CZ C/Y 100/2, 100/3.5, 100/4, and Sony FE 100 STF. These provide different levels of isolation. All are usable on Z mount with an adapter.
I'm in the same boat, I like the rendering of my 85mm f1.2S, but the Plena has to my eyes better colors and contrast, I'm thinking about selling my 85mm to get the 135mm, mainly because I think the 135mm has lovely colors and contrast, exactly like my 35mm f1.2S. The 85mm f1.2S has very similar colors to my 50mm f1.2S and very slightly worse contrast.
I'm the only one to see difference in contrast and colors between the 35mm/135mm and the 50mm/85mm ? Maybe because of the Meso Amorphous Coat.
Under demanding lighting conditions in this area, the Meso Amorphous Coat of the Z 35/1.2 S & Plena is definitely the most effective.
However, this should be relatively easy to determine with a shooting/lighting setup where anti-reflection, anti-flare/ghost coatings are not a factor.
The Plena is undoubtedly one of the absolute highlights in the Z lens lineup, however, its 135mm focal length is quite specialized.
If it's the right fit, then it's an absolutely exceptional lens.
Thank you for this thread. I'm in a slightly different boat, and trying to decide between the 135mm Plena and the 85mm 1.2. I have an F 85 1.4 (which was my favorite and most used when I was shooting more). Let us know how you like the Plena, and perhaps how it compares to the 85mm for you.
