135 f2 DC

So after taking some shots with this, the DC doesn't really defocus anything from what I can tell, it just smooths the Bokeh a bit but and if you go beyond your stop with the DC it acts like the Mamiya 150 SF with out the use of the discs, Not sure if that would warrant the price of one of these new but I wasn't looking for a DC to begin with, But I am very pleased with the lens even though im kind of on the fence with the DC, im sure it has its uses but I got a 135 f2 AF lens that I am happy with cheap.

Interesting - have wanted to try one, and so have read quite a few articles. My take away from the reading is that there may be a learning curve. Wish you the enjoyment of learning a new toy!

Interesting - have wanted to try one, and so have read quite a few articles. My take away from the reading is that there may be a learning curve. Wish you the enjoyment of learning a new toy!

Indeed, it takes a bit of a "learning cureve" to use this lens effectively..

 

Some verry nice examples for the DC-Workings are available here : Nikkor AF 135mm f/2 D DC - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict

 

(==> "Move the mouse cursor over text link below to observe the respective DC effect")

I used to own both the 135 and 105 DC lenses, but sold the 135 a while ago. I still use the 105 for both studio and outdoor portraits, but to be frank, the DC ring barely ever leaves the center position, and when it does, it's only to experiment a little, and then I generally come to the conclusion that it should just stay in the middle. Both are really nice lenses for portraits, but I found it harder to get accurate focus with the 135, which also had stronger chromatic aberration, and I decided it was not necessary to keep both. Up until a few years ago these lenses were considered quite expensive, and specifically aimed at professional photographers. Now the 105 F/1.4 makes the DC lenses appear like they're the budget option.

I used to own both the 135 and 105 DC lenses, but sold the 135 a while ago. I still use the 105 for both studio and outdoor portraits, but to be frank, the DC ring barely ever leaves the center position, and when it does, it's only to experiment a little, and then I generally come to the conclusion that it should just stay in the middle. Both are really nice lenses for portraits, but I found it harder to get accurate focus with the 135, which also had stronger chromatic aberration, and I decided it was not necessary to keep both. Up until a few years ago these lenses were considered quite expensive, and specifically aimed at professional photographers. Now the 105 F/1.4 makes the DC lenses appear like they're the budget option.

 

I own both since over 25 years now and I am still very happy with them. As mentioned above if you want to defocus, yes, you need to train for a while but both lenses are contrasty, very sharp and pleasant to use. They are still pricey....

 

here a 105 mm sample:

 

this is a 135mm sample (both with Nikon D610)

Yes pricey new, the reason I asked about this is I was able to pick one up that looks as if it was never used for $400. didn't think I could go wrong or at the very least I could resale and get more for it, but I am going to keep, Im liking it a lot.

Yes pricey new, the reason I asked about this is I was able to pick one up that looks as if it was never used for $400. didn't think I could go wrong or at the very least I could resale and get more for it, but I am going to keep, Im liking it a lot.

400$???i buy 2!

Best Price at my favorite vendor, $724 - at $400, amazing! Be careful, too good to be true often is!

Already bought it, and its mint cond, had a filter on front they put when they bought new and had never taken off. I think they only used it a handful of times and just let it sit.

Already bought it, and its mint cond, had a filter on front they put when they bought new and had never taken off. I think they only used it a handful of times and just let it sit.

Congrats! Enjoy!

For all my issues with my one, if you're happy with it and it works for you, I'm happy to hear it went well. I'd love to see Nikon come out with a lens with a strong APD filter (the manual focus Laowa isn't quite as strong as I'd like; I need to report back on some experiments, but they didn't work...) to give nearer to a gaussian roll-off - the new Canon 85mm has my interest from that perspective, although not enough to switch systems. My objection to the DC lenses is really that they don't do what they do enough to make it worth the associated pain - but I paid a lot more for mine.