Hi All - I just picked up the 135/1.8 Plena and shot a volleyball game. Found it to be quite a battle with the Z9 on FW 5.31.
1. The initial focus acquisition isn't blazingly quick
2. The net threw off the AF a lot more than I expected
3. I had more slightly soft photos than anticipated
For comparison, I was shooting alongside the 85/1.2 S on a second body and that thing was INCREDIBLE. Rapid AF, tack sharp, focused right through the net. Absolutely loved it. Also used the 300/2.8G VR II (a 17 y/o lens) and also had 0 issues...fast, sharp, no net issues.
Additionally, rented the Canon 135/1.8L a week ago (used on an R5II) and found it to be faster than the Plena with acquisition, less inclined to grab the net, and nearly always tack sharp.
Looking into all this a bit more deeply, I learned the Nikon 135/1.8 Plena uses dual STM motors, the Canon 135/1.8 L uses the newer Nano USM, and the Sony 135/1.8 GM uses an insane FOUR linear motors.
Seems to me like Nikon prioritized AF smoothness + quietness ... Canon prioritized AF speed + IS for low light ... and Sony prioritized AF speed above all else (and probably wins easily based on what I learned from speaking to a Sony shooter last night, who said it was one of the fastest-focusing lenses he's ever used).
Have any of you had issues when using the Nikon 135/1.8 Plena for volleyball, basketball, or other fast-paced, erratic sports?
I'm surprised at how much better the Nikon 85/1.2 and Canon 135/1.8 performed in comparison.
Feb 19, 2026 at 11:17 PM
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