Sony 135 mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens Review

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens is a fantastic piece of optical engineering that provides professional photographers and photography amateurs alike great picture quality and performance. This lens has a telephoto focal length of 4.5 meters.

This lens is an exceptional option for portrait and telephoto photography because of its precise design and construction, as well as its extensive collection of cutting-edge features and technology. The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens provides an exceptional shooting experience in addition to unrivaled image quality. This is because of the autofocus technology as well as the image stabilization characteristics that it possesses.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 135mm
• Maximum Aperture: F2.8
• Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design
• Minimum Aperture: T4.5
• 35mm Full Frame format
• Lens Groups/Elements: 6/8 (including APD element 1/2)
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.25x
• Sony A-mount
• The angle of View (35mm): 18°
• Aperture Blades: 9 (auto) / 10 (manual)
• Filter Diameter: 72mm
• Image Stabilization: Not integrated (Relies on body-integrated stabilization)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 34-1/4″
• Teleconverter Compatibility (x1.4): Compatible in manual focus mode
• Teleconverter Compatibility (x2.0): Compatible in manual focus mode
• Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3-1/8 x 3-7/8″ (80 x 99 mm)
• Weight: 25.8 oz (730 g)

Performance

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens excels in every aspect of its performance. It has a large maximum aperture of F2.8, which enables it to perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions and produce stunning bokeh in the background. The lens makes use of a novel optical design known as Smooth Trans Focus (STF), which enables it to produce a bokeh that is very smooth and creamy while yet preserving the subject’s clarity.

This ends up producing images that are not only extremely creative but also have a distinctly three-dimensional sense to them. The lens has outstanding performance in terms of sharpness and contrast, and as a result, it is capable of creating images that are incredibly detailed and crisp.

Autofocus System

The autofocus technology of the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens is lightning-quick, pinpoint accurate, and completely dependable. In order to provide speedy and noiseless focusing performance, it makes use of a Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor (DDSSM) that is both accurate and silent. This is especially helpful when photographing moving people or catching candid moments as they happen.

Additionally, the lens comes equipped with a responsive manual focus ring, which enables fine control and changes to be made whenever they are required. In general, the focusing function of this lens makes it so that you may take pictures of your subjects with ease and complete self-assurance.

Vibration Reduction

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens contains a powerful optical image stabilization technology, which lessens the influence of camera shake and enables clearer handheld photos, even in demanding shooting settings.

The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a maximum transmission of 4.5. This comes in especially handy when shooting at slower shutter speeds or in low-light conditions, both of which make it difficult, if not impossible, to utilize a tripod. Because it incorporates image stabilization technology, this lens helps photographers to take photos that are sharp and free of blur, which results in a larger percentage of photographs that may be used.

Build Quality

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens has an impressively high standard of construction throughout. It is constructed using a sturdy and long-lasting material that is able to handle the rigorous demands of professional use. The lens barrel is constructed out of high-quality materials, and each of the lens elements has been meticulously designed to provide the highest possible level of performance.

Seals that are resistant to dust and moisture are also included inside the lens, offering an additional layer of defense when photographing in harsh settings. The lens’s entire build quality instills trust in its longevity and dependability, assuring that it is up to the task of handling the requirements of challenging photographic projects.

Handling and Ergonomics

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens has been developed with the needs of photographers in mind, and as a result, it has exceptional handling and ergonomics. Because of its ergonomic and well-balanced form, it is very simple to hold for long periods of time and to put to various uses. The smoothness and responsiveness of the focus and zoom rings make it possible to make accurate changes.

In addition to this, the lens possesses programmable function buttons, each of which may be assigned to a particular function for easy access. The lens’s overall ergonomics add to a smooth shooting experience and make it a joy to work with while out in the field. This makes the lens an excellent choice for any photographer.

Image Stabilization

A sophisticated image stabilization technology is included in the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens. This system counteracts the effects of camera shake, resulting in photos that are crisper. This is especially beneficial when shooting handheld or in low-light circumstances. Even while utilizing slower shutter speeds, photographers are able to take photos that are sharp and clear, thanks to the optical image stabilization technology contained in this lens.

When shooting at longer focal lengths, when the effects of camera motion are more evident, this function is very helpful because it stabilizes the image more effectively. Image stabilization allows photographers to shoot reliably without the need of a tripod, which increases their flexibility and mobility in a variety of shooting settings. Image stabilization technology was developed by Nikon.

Shooting Experience

For photographers who place a premium on great image quality and varied shooting capabilities, the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens is a joy to use. The lens has a focal length of 135 millimeters, making it an excellent choice for telephoto and portrait photography applications. Because of its large maximum aperture of F2.8, it enables photographers to manage the depth of focus creatively, which enables them to isolate objects while achieving a lovely background blur.

Images are given a more distinctively artistic character because to the lens’s Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design, which produces bokeh that is both distinctive and breathtaking. The lens produces exceptional results in a wide range of shooting settings, giving sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction that are all of the highest caliber. The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens provides an outstanding photography experience that will far exceed your expectations, regardless of whether you are photographing portraits, sports, or wildlife.

Image Quality

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens has garnered acclaim for the outstanding image quality it produces. The lens makes use of a high-performance optical design that helps to eliminate a variety of aberrations, such as chromatic aberration and distortion, which ultimately results in pictures that are exceptional in terms of their sharpness and clarity. The Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design gives photographs a one-of-a-kind and artistic appearance by producing a bokeh that is extraordinarily smooth and soft. This contributes to an overall improvement in image quality.

Even when the lens is set to its most aperture-opening setting, it keeps an exceptional level of sharpness throughout the whole frame. The colors are reproduced faithfully and with gorgeous richness, guaranteeing that the photographs taken with this lens have a look that is true to life and brimming with vitality. The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens regularly produces exceptional image quality that will please even the most demanding photographers. This lens is ideal for photographing portraits as well as catching subjects that are further away.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Because it is compatible with teleconverters, the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens offers photographers more versatility and reach. When a teleconverter that is compatible with the lens is installed, the lens essentially acquires a longer focal length, which enables the photographer to capture more magnified images of scenes that are further away.

This is very helpful for photographing animals, sports, or other subjects in circumstances when it is difficult or impossible to go physically closer to the subject. The compatibility with teleconverters broadens the range of creative options available to photographers and enables them to adapt the lens to a variety of shooting circumstances, making it a useful addition to their collection of equipment.

Comparison with Competitors

When contrasted with other lenses in its class, the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens stands out because to the superb picture quality it produces and its one-of-a-kind Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design. The STF design distinguishes it from typical lenses in that it produces bokeh that is incredibly smooth and soft. This results in photographs that have an appearance that is unique and creative. Because of its large maximum aperture of F2.8, it achieves good results even in low light and can blur the backdrop, making it a popular choice among portrait photographers.

The advantage of this lens over its competitors may also be attributed to its superior build quality, autofocus mechanism, and handling. Even while other lenses on the market may have focal lengths and apertures that are comparable to those of the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens, this particular lens shines in producing image quality that is simply unmatched as well as a shooting experience that is genuinely remarkable.

Specifications

35 mm equivalent focal length	202.5mm
Angle of View (APS-C)	12°
Focal Length (mm)	135mm
Format	35 mm full frame
Lens Groups / Elements	6/8 (incl. APD element 1/2)
Maximum Magnification ratio (x)	0.25x
Maximum aperture (F)	2.8
Minimum Aperture (F)	31 [T32]
Mount	Sony A-mount
Angle of View (35 mm)	18°
Aperture Blades	9 (auto) / 10 (manual)
Filter Diameter (mm)	72mm
Image stabilization (SteadyShot)	– (Body integrated)
Minimum Focus Distance	34-1/4″
Teleconverter compatibility (x1.4)	Compatible in manual focus mode
Teleconverter compatibility (x2.0)	Compatible in manual focus mode
Dimensions (Diameter x Length)	3-1/8 x 3-7/8″ (80 x 99 mm)
Weight	25.8 oz (730 g)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stunning levels of sharpness and clarity combined with exceptional overall image quality.
• Exceptionally silky and gentle bokeh is produced by the camera’s one-of-a-kind Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical architecture.
• A large maximum aperture of F2.8 allows for outstanding performance in low light and blurring of the backdrop.
• Autofocus is lightning quick, pinpoint accurate, and completely quiet.
• Image stabilization works effectively, resulting in crisper handheld images.
• Long-lasting construction with seals that are resistant to dust and moisture.
• Ergonomic design that is both user-friendly and intuitive.
• Interoperability with teleconverters allows for a greater degree of adaptability.

Cons:

• The price is somewhat pricey in comparison to that of some similar lenses on the market.
• Comparatively bigger and slightly heavier than other 135mm lenses available.
• When compared to certain prime lenses, the maximum aperture is somewhat narrow.

Price and Availability

The remarkable picture quality, one-of-a-kind bokeh rendering capabilities, and sophisticated features of the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens are reflected in its premium price point, which is offered to consumers. When compared to other lenses of comparable quality, the price tag is reasonable for photography amateurs and professionals that want the highest possible level of picture quality and performance from their equipment.

You may acquire the lens via authorized dealers and online businesses that are affiliated with Sony. Because the availability of a product might change based on the location, it is best to verify with local stores about their stock and prices before making a purchase.

Conclusion

The Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens is a genuine treasure in the field of telephoto lenses. It offers exceptional picture quality, a unique portrayal of bokeh, and innovative features that distinguish it from other telephoto lenses on the market. This lens is the go-to choice for portrait photographers who want to create photographs with a distinct three-dimensional feel because of its Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design, wide maximum aperture, and superb clarity.

Additionally, this lens has a large maximum aperture. The quick focusing mechanism, efficient image stabilization, and sturdy build quality of the lens are further factors that contribute to its appeal and make it a dependable instrument for a variety of photographic subgenres. Photographers who place a high priority on great picture quality and an unrivaled shooting experience will find the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens to be a valuable purchase, despite the fact that it comes at a premium price and has a little bigger size than other lenses in its class.

Sony 135 mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens FAQs

Q. Is the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens suitable for portrait photography?
A. Yes, the lens is highly regarded for portrait photography due to its 135mm focal length, wide maximum aperture of F2.8, and the unique Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design, which produces beautifully smooth and soft bokeh, enhancing the subject separation and creating a distinct three-dimensional feel.
Q. Does the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens have image stabilization?
A. No, the lens does not have built-in image stabilization. It relies on the body-integrated image stabilization system of compatible Sony cameras for reducing camera shake and achieving sharper handheld shots.
Q. Can the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens be used with teleconverters?
A. Yes, the lens is compatible with teleconverters. With a compatible teleconverter attached, such as a 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter, the lens can be used in manual focus mode, extending its focal length and allowing photographers to capture distant subjects with increased magnification.
Q. What is the unique feature of the Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design?
A. The Smooth Trans Focus (STF) optical design of the lens is its standout feature. It combines apodization technology with traditional optical elements to create exceptionally smooth and soft bokeh, resulting in images with a distinct and artistic look. This unique feature sets the lens apart from conventional lenses, making it highly sought after by photographers seeking a distinctive bokeh effect.
Q. Is the Sony 135mm F2.8 [T4.5] STF lens weather-sealed?
A. While the lens offers excellent build quality, it does not have dedicated weather sealing. However, it is constructed with precision and incorporates dust and moisture-resistant seals, providing some level of protection against environmental elements during shooting in challenging conditions.