Introduction
The Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f/3.5 is a vintage lens, originally designed in 1929. Renowned for its simple yet ingenious design and impressive sharpness, it’s also celebrated for its remarkably light weight. Historically, 135mm has been the classic focal length for portrait photography, and the most popular telephoto focal length for most photographers. Therefore almost all of the lens manufacturers had at least 2 of them, a f/2.8 and a f/3.5, many offered other speeds in between or even faster than 2.8. The Sonnar design, with its compact size, made it a popular choice for photographers on the move. While Carl Zeiss produced numerous Sonnar 135mm lenses, other manufacturers have also developed their own Sonnar-inspired lenses incorporating modern technology. Despite its historical significance, I found the Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f/3.5 price more reasonable than other coveted vintage lenses, prompting me to purchase one for testing. (I bought mine for €10 but prices normally start from €20)
I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z 7II (Sample images Nikon Z6 and Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample Images
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Angle of View | 18° |
| # of Aperture Blades | 6 (rounded) |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Min Focus Distance | 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| Filter Size | 49 mm |
| Lens Mount | M42, Exakta, Praktica, Contax RF |
| Weight | 430 g |
| Size (D x L) | 66 x 89 mm |
| Elements/Group | 4 / 3 |
Nikon Z | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | Lens constructionBuy new: B&H, Amazon.com for $ (Affiliate links)
Buy used: eBay
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 on a Nikon Z7iiVariations
Carl Zeiss has produced numerous variations of the Sonnar 135mm lens. Regarding the f/3.5 model, I’m aware of two main versions. The earlier one, which I am reviewing, from 1966, often referred to as the ‘zebra’ version due to its striped design, without multi-coating. In contrast, the later (1976) all-black version features a built-in retractable lens hood and multi-coating. While the lens construction and optics remain consistent across both versions, the multi-coated model is generally considered to offer improved flare resistance and contrast. The front lens inscription can vary; common examples include “Electric MC Sonnar Carl Zeiss Jena DDR”, “MC S Carl Zeiss Jena DDR”, or simply “aus Jena S 135mm f/3.5.” Even later (1980) they made another variant with Praktica B mount, it is smaller and lighter, but optically, it is the same lens. There is no writing on the front, but on the barrel, it is written CARL ZEISS JENA – PRAKTICAR 3.5/135 MC, it is also multi-coated.
From left, the zebra version, the all black version, and the Prakticar versionHandling
The Aus Jena 135/3.5 is a fully manual lens, completely built in metal and glass. On the front of the lens it reads ‘aus JENA’, indicating a Carl Zeiss Jena lens. The ‘1’ in a circle signifies a first-grade product (typically marked on lenses for export), and ‘S’ for Sonnar, with 1:3.5 f=135 specifying the maximum aperture and focal length.
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 on a Nikon ZfThe aperture ring is marked from 3.5 to 22 with click stops at full and half aperture values. A stop-down pin on the lens rear normally protrudes. On some cameras, this pin was depressed by the shutter release to close the aperture to the selected setting. Otherwise, the aperture remains wide open regardless of the chosen setting, allowing easier focusing due to a brighter viewfinder image.
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 Automatic aperture pinA lever on the barrel can be used to engage stopped-down aperture, enabling both automatic and manual aperture control. My adapters depress the pin, ensuring correct light metering and aperture priority mode operation.
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 stop down leverThe focusing ring offers a wide 310-degree rotation, but precise focusing remains challenging. The lens extends significantly at minimum focus distance, though the front element does not rotate.
Optical Features
Sharpness (Infinity)
For the infinity sharpness test, we look at three areas of the image, center, mid-frame, and corner, see highlighted areas in the image below!
Infinily Sharpness Points of Inspection
Sharpness chart Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | Nikon Z7iiThis lens is sharp in the centre right from wide open at f/3.5. Sharpness decreases towards the corner and there is also color fringing there. Stop down to f/5.6 and you will get very good sharpness in the centre. F/8 seems to be the aperture for peak sharpness in the centre, the corner is sharpest at f/11 though.
The sharpness decreases at f/16 due to diffraction, which is more obvious at f/22.
Sharpness (Portrait)
Let’s look at the points of interest for portraits at the portrait distance: the very center, the center’s inner periphery (1/3 rule intersection), and the center’s outer periphery (1/4th intersection).
Portrait Sharpness Points of InterestEven here the sharpness is good at all points, the contrast is a little low though. at f/4.5 we see clear improvements in sharpness and contrast everywhere. At f/5.6 you will not see much difference.
Sharpness (Close-up)
Very good sharpness at f/3.5, which becomes excellent at f/5.6, which seems to be the aperture for the peak sharpness. From f/8 the sharpness decreases a tad, becomes less sharp at smaller apertures.
Lens Distortion
This lens has some pincushion distortion, which can be beneficial for portraits but if you want, you can easily correct it in post (-5 in LR/PS to correct it)
Nikon Z | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5Vignetting
I was impressed by vignetting performance of another vintage lens I tested earlier, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz 50mm f/2.9. This Sonnar lens beats that lens hands down. Although it is easier to have good vignetting when the largest aperture is just f/3.5.
Vignetting | aus Jena S 135mm f3.5- F/3.5: 1.0 EV
- F/5.6: 0.6 EV
- F/8.0: 0.3 EV
- F/4.0: 0.2 EV
Focus Shift & Aberrations
There is a small longitudinal chromatic aberration, which gets better by stopping down, but it never disappears completely. It is not much though.
The lens suffers from some mild Lateral chromatic aberration, which is easily fixed in post.
Nikon Z | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5
Nikon Z | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5
Flare Resistance
It’s not surprising that a vintage lens of this age, without any multi-coating, is prone to flares. Fortunately, there’s less risk of the sun getting into the frame with a telephoto lens like a 135mm. However, if the sun does enter the frame or gets close to the frame edges, the picture will be completely ruined.
Coma
I doubt anybody would use a 135mm lens for astrophotography, especially one with largest aperture at f/3.5. Nevertheless, if you want to use it there, the coma is well controlled.
Focus Breathing
The lens suffers from huge focus breathing, something that can irritate videographers.
Nikon Z | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5Bokeh
The background blur is soft and pleasing even with the moderate f/3.5 aperture, and the 135mm telephoto compression further enhances the blur. Bokeh balls are round and evenly lit, with mild cats’s eye effect in the corner, they are nice to look at though. They get hexagon shapes as soon as you stop down, even with half a stop.
Let’s look at the bokeh at different distances in real life!
Close Distance
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/4.5No issues here as with most of the lenses, the bokeh is as soft and creamy as it can get.
Medium Distance
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5Here the telephoto compression helps a lot and we still can get a lot of non-disturbing blur.
Long Distance
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5The longer you get from the subject the amount of blur decrease but still pleasing.
Conclusion
| I LIKE | AVERAGE | I DON’T LIKE |
| Sharpness Price Bokeh Vignetting Aberrations |
Lens distortion | Flare resistance Focus breathing |
The conclusion is that this is probably the surprise of the year. Sure, Zeiss Jena tends to make good lenses and I’ve tried other 135mm from them, but this is impressive, especially considering the price. This optic is insanely good for what it is. Very impressive. The vignetting is excellent and chromatic aberrations better than average. The distortion is not that bad either. Besides sharpness, the other important characteristics for portraits, one of this lens’s main applications, the bokeh is quite pleasant too. Colors are good too. While a wider maximum aperture of f/2.8 and better flare resistance would be desirable, the lens’s incredibly low price and compact size make it a compelling option for those seeking a manual focus short telephoto. Especially if one can get the later multi-coated black version. Note that I’m not suggesting that this lens is as good as a modern lens like Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 Plena or even a Samyang 135mm f2. The Nikon costs about $2500 and the Samyang about $500, while this lens costs between $20 and $50. It’s a great value for the money and can absolutely be used on a modern camera with great result.
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Alternatives
135mm has been the most popular telephoto lens for masses and therefor almost all lens manufacturers had at least 2 of them, most common f/2.8 and f/3.5. These are just some of them at about the same speed as the reviewed lens.
Nikon Ai-S 135mm f/3.5
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Olympus E. Zuiko 135mm f/3.5
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
SMC 135mm Pentax-M f/3.5
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Canon 135mm nFD f/3.5
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Leica APO Telyt M 135mm f/3.4
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Jupiter-11 135mm f/4
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Leica 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Konica Hexanon AR 135mm f/3.2
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
Konica Hexanon (AR) 135mm f/3.5
Two different lenses; one with AR in the name and another without.
Buy used: ebay.com, eBay.de
More Sample Images
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Z6 | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5
Nikon Zf | Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/3.5 | f/3.5Most of the sample images in this review and many more can be found in higher resolution here.
Further Reading
- What camera gear and accessories do I use most frequently?
- Review: Leica Apo-Telyt-M 135mm 3.4
- 135mm legacy Shoot out: SMC Pentax-M f/3.5 vs Canon nFD f/3.5 vs. Panagor f/2.8
- Olympus E. Zuiko 135mm f/3.5: A review
- Quick Review: Jupiter-11 135mm 4.0
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Martin M.H. lives outside Stockholm, Sweden. He is a M.Sc. in Computer Technology but he has been a passionate photographer for over 45 years. He started his photographic adventures when he was thirteen with an Agfamatic pocket camera, which he soon replaced with a Canon rangefinder camera that his mom gave him in his teenages. After that he has been using Canon SLR, Nikon SLR manual focus and Autofocus, Sony mirrorless crop sensor, Nikon DSLR and Nikon Mirrorless. He has photographed any genre he could throughout the years and you can see all kind of images in his portfolio. During the later years though it has been mostly landscape, nature, travel and some street/documentary photography.
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