The Ultimate Duel: Nikon 135mm LAB vs. PLENA Unleashed!

Over the last six weeks, I’ve had the chance to test two fantastic 135mm lenses designed for Nikon Z mount. This is great news since there were no 135mm options available just 18 months ago. Both lenses are impressive, sharing lots of features, yet they differ significantly in price, with the LAB priced at about $900 USD and the Plena at around $2500 USD. So, is the Plena truly worth its cost? Does the LAB render the Plena unnecessary? The answer isn’t straightforward, so let’s explore this topic further. You can catch my detailed insights in the video review below or read a summary of my observations in the article that follows.

Big thanks to Chris from Nikon Canada for the review loaner of the Plena and to Chloe from Viltrox for the LAB. As always, this review is completely independent, and all views and conclusions are mine alone. *Most of the tests and images shared in this review cycle were taken with the 45MP Nikon Z8, which I reviewed previously.

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Plena Reviews: Text | or Video

Viltrox Reviews: Text | Video

Common Features

Identical focal length and aperture
Mostly matching feature sets (Aperture/Control ring, AF | MF, Function)
Both lenses are weatherproof
Similar autofocus speed and handling*
Optical performance is very alike (especially for portrait shots)

Slight Differences

One is slightly wider (Plena) while the other is marginally longer (LAB), having similar volume

Cost (currently at $899 with potential discounts, which is $1600 less)
More customizable – LCD screen enables A – B focus adjustment
Includes a focus limiter and click/declick aperture feature
Slightly less lens distortion
Superior build quality? (definitely a better lens hood)
Sharper image quality in mid-frame and corners
Higher magnification ratio

Much lighter, the Plena weighs only 995g, reducing the LAB’s weight by 273g (LAB is 1268g)
Allows for smooth adjustment during aperture changes
Manual focus operation feels smoother
Creates rounder specular highlights
Less vignette effect, approximately half
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Consistent performance
Improved reactivity
Fewer quirks with video usage*
Sharper focus in the center

The performance differences between the two lenses are minimal. Both offer excellent optical quality, but I did notice some quirks with the Viltrox (which requires a firmware update – 16mm). At times, using both lenses side by side, it became clear that one is a first-party lens and the other is third-party. Overall, I would still consider the Plena to be the superior lens. However, at $1600, it’s quite an investment, and it’s argued that the LAB provides about 90-95% of the Plena’s performance. Plus, you could buy approximately 2.7 LABs for the cost of one Plena.

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EQUIPMENT UTILIZED:

Buy the Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB @ Viltrox (use code DUSTINABBOTT for a 5% discount) | B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Buy the Nikon Z8 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Get DA Merchandise https://bit.ly/TWIMerch

Keywords: Nikkor, Nikkor Z 135mm, Plena, F1.8, F1.8 S, Nikkor Z, Nikkor Z 135mm F1.8 S Plena review, Nikon 135mm, Nikon Z 135mm, Viltrox, LAB, Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB Z, Nikon, Nikon Z8, Z, Z-mount, Z8, Review, mirrorless, Full Frame, Sports, Tracking, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Handling, Focus, Portraits, Resolution, High ISO, Image Quality, Sample Images, Photography, 45MP, #letthelightin, #DA, #NIKON, #Z8, #nikonz8

DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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