Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 vs Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2
Zeiss 135mm f/2 focuses 50 cm closer. Nikon 135mm f/2 is 263 g lighter.
The Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 is a 135mm f/2 prime, and the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 is a 135mm f/2 prime. On paper the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 
Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 better than the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2?
- Focuses 50 cm closer (0.8 m vs 1.3 m)
Why is the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 better than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2?
- 263 g lighter (860 g vs 1123 g)
- 35 mm shorter (80.5 mm vs 115 mm long)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 77 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 has the edge: it is 263 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 | Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 135mm | 135mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 1123 g (39.61 oz) | 860 g (30.34 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 89.7 x 115 mm | 93.5 x 80.5 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.80 m (31.50 inches) ◆ | 1.30 m (51.18 inches) |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 11 elements / 8 groups | 6 elements / 4 groups |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 72 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Released | 2016 | — |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Nikon
- 115 × 89.7 mm
- 80.5 × 93.5 mm
The Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 is 35 mm longer and 263 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 or the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2?
- The Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 weighs 860 g, 263 g less than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 (1123 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 or the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2?
- The Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 1.3 m for the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2.
- Do the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 and the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 135 mm f/2 or the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor MF 135 mm f/2 has the edge: it is 263 g lighter to carry.
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