135mm

This photographic optic is a manual focus lens produced by Nikon, characterized by its 135mm focal length, a maximum aperture of f/2.8, and adherence to the AI (Aperture Indexing) standard. It is designed for use with Nikon SLR cameras that support the AI system, allowing for proper metering with compatible bodies. As a telephoto prime lens, it offers a relatively narrow field of view and facilitates subject isolation due to its shallow depth of field at wider apertures.

Its significance lies in its combination of affordability, sharpness, and fast aperture for the time of its production. It provided photographers with a useful tool for portraiture, sports, and general telephoto work, offering a balance between image quality and cost. Its AI designation is also noteworthy, as it indicates compatibility with the metering systems of many Nikon film cameras from the late 1970s onwards, ensuring proper exposure control. The 135mm focal length is particularly favored for its flattering compression effect in portrait photography.

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This refers to a specific photographic lens manufactured by Nikon. It is a manual focus lens characterized by its 135mm focal length and a very fast f/2.0 aperture. The “AIS” designation indicates that it is part of Nikon’s Advanced Integrated System, a feature that allows for compatibility with a wider range of Nikon cameras, particularly those with automatic exposure modes.

The significance of this lies in its optical qualities and build. The fast aperture enables photographers to capture images in low-light conditions and to create a shallow depth of field, resulting in appealing background blur (bokeh). Its manual focus design demands precision and skill from the user, contributing to a more deliberate and controlled photographic process. Historically, such lenses were highly valued for portraiture, photojournalism, and general purpose photography due to their ability to isolate subjects and render them with clarity.

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