Question 1

Is the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 worth buying used?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f/2 is an all-metal, manual-focus lens with no moving electronic parts to fail — which makes second-hand examples very reliable. The ZF.2 version retains full electronic coupling with Nikon F bodies, so you still get EXIF data and aperture control from the camera. Every used Zeiss Apo-Sonnar sold on Camera-tweedehands.nl comes with a minimum 12 months warranty and is professionally inspected.

Question 2

Does the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f/2 have autofocus?

Accepted Answer

No — the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 is a manual-focus-only lens. That said, the focus ring is exceptionally smooth and well-damped, which makes precise focus pulls straightforward. On modern Nikon DSLRs with focus confirmation and electronic rangefinder features, manual focusing at f/2 is very manageable, particularly for portrait or controlled-environment shooting.

Question 3

What is the difference between the Zeiss ZF and ZF.2 lens mounts?

Accepted Answer

The ZF mount is the older Nikon F-compatible version without electronic contacts — it works purely mechanically. The ZF.2 mount adds a CPU chip, which means the lens communicates aperture, focal length, and focus data to the camera body. This allows the camera to control aperture electronically, record full EXIF metadata, and in some cases enable in-body image stabilisation on bodies that support it. If you're using a modern Nikon DSLR, the ZF.2 is the version to get.

Question 4

How does the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f2 compare to the Samyang 135mm f/2 for Nikon?

Accepted Answer

Both are manual-focus 135mm primes for Nikon F mount, but they sit in very different categories. The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar uses an all-metal body with T* multi-coating and weighs 930g, reflecting premium German optical engineering. The Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC is significantly lighter and considerably more affordable second-hand, making it a practical alternative if budget is the main driver. Photographers who prioritise build quality, focus feel, and optical rendering typically lean toward the Zeiss.

Question 5

What cameras is the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f/2 ZF.2 compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The ZF.2 version fits any camera with a Nikon F mount — including the full Nikon DSLR lineup from entry-level to professional bodies. It can also be adapted to mirrorless systems using a Nikon F-to-Z or F-to-Sony E adapter, though autofocus confirmation behaviour may vary. The lens has been used on adapted bodies including Leica SL-series cameras with good results.

Question 6

What filter size does the Zeiss 135mm f/2 Apo-Sonnar use?

Accepted Answer

The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 uses a 77mm filter thread — a common professional standard that means your existing 77mm ND, polariser, or UV filters will fit directly without step-up rings.

Question 7

How close can the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm focus?

Accepted Answer

The minimum focus distance is 0.8 metres. At 135mm and f/2, that gives a very shallow depth of field and solid subject magnification — well-suited to three-quarter or half-body portraits where you want the background to dissolve completely. It's not a macro lens, but 0.8m at this focal length is close enough for detailed head-and-shoulders work.

Question 8

Is the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f/2 ZF.2 heavy to carry?

Accepted Answer

At 930g it's a substantial lens — one of the heavier options in the 135mm f/2 class. It's best paired with a mid-to-large DSLR body for balance. For wedding or portrait shoots where you're working from a fixed position or tripod, the weight is rarely an issue. For all-day handheld street work, it demands some physical commitment.

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Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 - Nikon F

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About the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 - Nikon F

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