The lens produces stunning images when manually focused. The AF system however is very finicky and the sample I got front-focused horrendously. Even +20 compensation did not resolve the problem.

Nice Bokeh

Blurry Focus; Slow Focus

The build quality of the lens is excellent thanks to combination of metal and plastic parts with a Nikon "pro style" crinkle finish. The length of the lens remains constant regardless of the focus setting and the front element does not rotate due to an RF (Rear Focusing) design.

DC function is noticeable, 135/2 is good for full portrait or half body pictures.

I was not expecting this lens to be as sharp as it is. It immediately threw out any reservations I had about DOF and focus accuracy, This is a purpose built portrait lens. It does have good contrast however Nikon designed it in a way to enhance skin tones at the expense of reds and oranges.

My main portrait lens. Everything look great with this, razor sharp at f2, smooth bokeh, fast, built like a tank. For me the choice between the 135 and 70-200 was the size and weight : I don't want to carry all day long the zoom beast for street portrait photography.

compact; sharp; incredible bokeh

purple fringes; no VR

I own a series of Nikkor AF-D lenses that span the 50-180mm spectrum and allow me to capture excellent portraits in a variety of scenarios (50/1.4, 60/2.8, 85/1.4, 105/2, 135/2, and 180/2.8). Among these, the 105 and 135 DC-Nikkors are my favorite.

This is one of my best lenses. I purchased the lense for indoor, available light photography. Mostly musical performances and dance events. My copy is the non D version and is sharp wide open.

Solid build; relatively quick; hunt resistant focus in dim light; f/2; sharp wide open; defocus function; easily handheld; price for good used reasonable

Not obvious to me

I couldn't wait for this lens to arrive and I was not disappointed. I have been enduring the 18-135 kit lens i got with my D80. I was either using one end or the other of the zoom so decided to get two prime lenses instead.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

This has to be my favourite lens and without doubt the best I have ever purchased. Of all my Nikon glass, this one is the sharpest wide open - so much so that I only use it wide open. The bokeh is beautiful and the defocus ring adds a subtle softness to the bokeh.

This is one of my most prized possessions -- the lens is very sharp even at f/2 and produces fantastic images. It is right along the 85mm 1.4 legend, except little less reviewed. On DX the angle is very hard to work with but on FX and film the lens is simply stunning.

wow - bokeh; sharpness; saturation

None; Nada