The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is the direct pick for Nikon Z owners who want the exact 135mm f/1.8 look, and the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is the closest match for Canon EOS R owners at $1,999. Prices in this guide run from $1,319 for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art to $2,799.95 for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, so mount choice often decides the shortlist before price does. The Plena is only the second Nikon Z lens to receive a dedicated name, after the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, which explains why Nikon treats it as a named S-Line portrait lens rather than a standard prime.
The Nikon Plena is a 135mm f/1.8 prime for Nikon Z cameras, built for portraits, weddings, and fashion work where subject separation and edge to edge brightness matter. A useful alternative keeps a fast aperture, a portrait focal length, and a mount that fits the camera you already own. This list mixes direct 135mm f/1.8 lenses with 85mm f/1.2 and f/1.4 lenses that give a similar portrait look from a shorter working distance.
On this page
Nikon plena alternatives: comparison table
Swipe the table sideways on a phone to see every column.
| # | Name | Best for | Starting price | Free plan / trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena | Nikon Z portrait work at 135mm | $2,499.95 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 2 | Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM | Canon EOS R portraits with image stabilization | $1,999 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 3 | Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM | Sony E portraits at 135mm f/1.8 | $2,599 AUD | Not applicable | Visit |
| 4 | Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art | Cross-mount 135mm f/1.8 value | $1,399 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 5 | Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S | Nikon Z portraits with maximum background blur | $2,799.95 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 6 | Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM | Canon EOS R portraits at f/1.2 | $2,899 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 7 | Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II | Sony E portraits with fast autofocus | $1,949.99 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 8 | Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | Mirrorless 85mm f/1.4 value | $1,319 | Not applicable | Visit |
The 8 best nikon plena alternatives, in detail
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Best for: Nikon Z portrait work at 135mm
The Plena is the reference lens for this guide, and it is still a current Nikon Z option. Nikon lists a suggested retail price of $2,499.95, an optical construction of 16 elements in 14 groups, and four ED elements. The lens uses an 11-blade diaphragm, an 82mm filter size, and a minimum focus distance of 0.82 m, which is 2.69 ft.
- That close focus distance lets you fill the frame with a head and shoulders portrait.
- Nikon also lists a weight of 995 g, dimensions of 3.9 by 5.5 inches, two L-Fn buttons, a weather sealed body, and a multi-focus system with stepping m
- The coatings named on the official page are Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat.
- Choose this lens if you already own a Nikon Z body.
Pros
- 135mm f/1.8 maximum aperture
- 11-blade diaphragm for round background blur
- 0.82 m minimum focus distance
Cons
- $2,499.95 is the highest 135mm price in this list except for the Sony AUD price
- Nikon Z mount only, so it does not fit Canon or Sony bodies
Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM
Best for: Canon EOS R portraits with image stabilization
Canon lists this lens at $1,999 on its United States store page, which makes it $500.95 less than the Plena suggested price in the same currency. The lens has 17 elements in 12 groups, three UD glass elements, a 9-blade circular aperture, an 82mm filter size, and a minimum focus distance of 0.70 m. Canon lists a weight of about 935 g.
- The built-in stabilization is the key difference from the Plena.
- Canon states up to 5.5 stops of correction from the lens alone and up to 8 stops with coordinated IS on compatible EOS R bodies such as the EOS R3 and
- A Nano USM drive gives fast and quiet autofocus, and two programmable buttons plus a control ring give direct access.
- Choose this lens if you shoot Canon EOS R.
Pros
- Built-in image stabilization up to 5.5 stops
- 0.70 m minimum focus distance
- 9-blade circular aperture
Cons
- No 135mm Canon lens before this one had built-in stabilization, so older Canon 135mm users gain a new feature but also a larger lens
- 935 g weight is heavy for a walkaround prime
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM
Best for: Sony E portraits at 135mm f/1.8
Sony lists this lens as model SEL135F18GM on its Australia store at $2,599 AUD. It is the direct Sony E mount match for the Plena, with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22. Sony lists a weight of 950 g and a minimum focus distance of 0.7 m, shorter than the Plena 0.82 m figure.
- That shorter close focus distance helps in a small studio.
- The lens is a G Master prime for full frame Sony E mount cameras, and it can also be used on APS-C Sony bodies where the field of view narrows further
- It has no optical stabilization in the lens itself, so handheld low light work relies on in-body stabilization in the camera.
- Choose this lens if you shoot Sony E and you want the same framing as the Plena.
Pros
- Same 135mm f/1.8 pairing as the Plena
- G Master design for Sony E mount
- 0.7 m minimum focus distance
Cons
- $2,599 AUD price is listed on the Sony Australia store, so United States buyers must check local pricing
- No optical stabilization in the lens, so stabilization depends on the camera body
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art
Best for: Cross-mount 135mm f/1.8 value
Sigma lists this Art lens at $1,399 on its United States site, which makes it the lowest cost 135mm f/1.8 lens in this guide. The aperture range runs from f/1.8 to f/16, and the lens uses FLD and SLD glass to control chromatic aberration. Sigma lists the lens in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony E, and Leica L mounts, so buyers must pick the exact mount for their camera.
- The lens is part of the Sigma Art line, and Sigma lists compatibility with the optional Sigma USB Dock for fine tuning focus and updating firmware.
- The Hyper Sonic Motor gives autofocus drive, but it is an older design than the stepping motor in the Plena or the Nano USM in the Canon RF 135mm.
- Choose this lens if you want 135mm f/1.8 quality at the lowest price in this guide.
- Skip it if you need a native Nikon Z or Canon RF mount, because this Art lens was designed for earlier mounts.
Pros
- $1,399 price is $1,100.95 less than the Plena suggested price
- Available in several mounts
- Works with the optional Sigma USB Dock
Cons
- Older HSM autofocus design rather than a newer mirrorless motor
- Heavier and larger than some newer 135mm primes in this list
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Best for: Nikon Z portraits with maximum background blur
Nikon announced this lens with a suggested retail price of $2,799.95, which makes it the most expensive lens in this guide in United States dollars. The f/1.2 aperture is two thirds of a stop faster than f/1.8, so it gives stronger background blur and more low light headroom at the same shutter speed. The 85mm focal length also lets you work closer to the subject than a 135mm lens, which helps in small studios.
- This is a native Nikon Z S-Line lens, so it shares the mount and control layout of other S-Line primes.
- The trade-off is size, weight, and cost, because an f/1.2 design needs larger glass than an f/1.8 design.
- Choose this lens if you shoot Nikon Z, you work in tight spaces, and you want the strongest background blur in this list.
- Choose the Plena instead if you prefer the longer 135mm compression and the lower $2,499.95 suggested price.
Pros
- f/1.2 maximum aperture gives more background blur than f/1.8
- Native Nikon Z S-Line design
- Shorter focal length suits smaller rooms
Cons
- $2,799.95 suggested price is $300 more than the Plena
- f/1.2 depth of field is very thin, so focus errors show more clearly
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Best for: Canon EOS R portraits at f/1.2
This Canon lens is listed at $2,899 at B and H Photo Video, with a regular price of $3,099 shown on the same retailer page. Canon Canada lists the same model at $3,999.99 CAD, so buyers should check the currency on the page they open. The lens is an RF mount L-series prime with an f/1.2 maximum aperture, a minimum focus distance of 0.85 m, and a maximum magnification of 0.12x.
- The f/1.2 aperture gives the same background blur advantage as the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S, but for Canon EOS R bodies.
- The lens is built for full frame Canon R cameras and also works on APS-C R bodies.
- Choose this lens if you shoot Canon EOS R and you want the fastest 85mm aperture in this guide.
- Choose the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L instead if you want stabilization, a longer focal length, and a lower $1,999 price.
Pros
- f/1.2 maximum aperture
- Native Canon RF L-series design
- Strong low light performance for indoor portraits
Cons
- $2,899 price at a major retailer is $900 more than the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L
- Large front element and heavy build for an 85mm prime
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II
Best for: Sony E portraits with fast autofocus
Sony lists this lens, model SEL85F14GM2, at $1,949.99 on its United States electronics store. Sony announced the lens in August 2024 at about $1,799.99, so the current listed price is $150 higher than the launch figure. The lens has two XD linear motors for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, and Sony lists a large f/1.4 aperture for background blur.
- The 85mm focal length gives a wider view than the 135mm lenses in this guide.
- The lens has no optical stabilization, so stabilization depends on the camera body.
- Choose this lens if you shoot Sony E and you want a modern 85mm with fast autofocus at a lower price than the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM.
- Choose the Sony 135mm GM instead if you want tighter framing from a longer distance.
Pros
- Two XD linear motors for fast autofocus
- $1,949.99 current Sony price
- Lighter and smaller than the first GM version
Cons
- No optical stabilization in the lens
- $1,949.99 is $150 more than the $1,799.99 launch price listed by Sony in 2024
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
Best for: Mirrorless 85mm f/1.4 value
Sigma lists this Art lens at $1,319 on its United States Art lens page, which makes it $80 less than the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art and $1,180.95 less than the Plena suggested price. The lens weighs 630 g, uses a 77mm filter, and measures 94.1 mm in length. The aperture range runs from f/1.4 to f/16, and the lens is available for Sony E and Leica L mounts.
- Because this lens was designed for mirrorless cameras, it is smaller and lighter than the older Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for DSLR mounts.
- Choose this lens if you shoot Sony E or Leica L and you want the lowest price in this guide.
- Skip it if you need a Nikon Z or Canon RF mount, because this version does not fit those mounts natively.
Pros
- $1,319 price is the lowest in this guide
- 630 g weight and 77mm filter size
- Designed for mirrorless cameras
Cons
- f/1.4 gives less background blur than f/1.2 lenses in this list
- No optical stabilization in the lens
How we chose
We chose lenses that match the Plena on focal length, aperture, or portrait use, and that are still listed on an official brand page or a major retailer page opened on 2026-11-12. Prices in this article come from official vendor pricing pages opened today, and the date is stated here as 2026-11-12. We did not test any tool hands-on. We ranked by mount fit, focal length, aperture, weight, minimum focus distance, and price, not by customer counts, awards, or review scores.
Pick by mount and budget
| Mount | Lowest cost pick in this guide | Price | Best direct 135mm match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z | Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena | $2,499.95 | Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena |
| Canon RF | Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM | $1,999 | Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM |
| Sony E | Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | $1,319 | Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM at $2,599 AUD |
| Leica L or Sony E | Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | $1,319 | Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art at $1,399 |
| Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E | Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art | $1,399 | Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art at $1,399 |
Use this table to narrow the list by mount first, then by price. A Nikon Z shooter has two native picks, the Plena at $2,499.95 and the 85mm f/1.2 S at $2,799.95. A Canon RF shooter has the RF 135mm at $1,999 and the RF 85mm f/1.2L at $2,899. A Sony E shooter has four picks, from $1,319 to $2,599 AUD. Check the exact mount version before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nikon Plena alternative is closest for Nikon Z owners?
The Plena itself is the closest pick for Nikon Z owners, because no other lens in this list uses the Nikon Z mount at 135mm f/1.8. If you want a different focal length on the same mount, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S at $2,799.95 gives a wider view and a faster aperture, but it costs $300 more.
Which alternative is best for Canon EOS R owners?
The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is the best direct match for Canon EOS R owners, because it keeps the same 135mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture as the Plena and adds image stabilization. It costs $1,999, which is $500.95 less than the Plena suggested price.
Which alternative is cheapest overall?
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is the cheapest lens in this guide at $1,319. It fits Sony E mount and Leica L mount, weighs 630 g, and uses a 77mm filter. The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is the cheapest 135mm lens in this guide at $1,399.
Do any of these lenses have image stabilization?
Only the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM in this list has in-lens image stabilization, with up to 5.5 stops on its own and up to 8 stops with coordinated IS on compatible EOS R bodies. The other lenses rely on in-body stabilization in the camera.
Is the Plena the only Nikon Z lens with a dedicated name?
No, the Plena is the second Nikon Z lens to receive a dedicated name, after the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. Nikon states this fact on the official Plena press page, and it explains why the Plena name appears on the lens body in an engraved logo.
Sources
- https://www.nikonusa.com/press-room/135mm-plena
- https://www.nikonusa.com/press-room/85mm-26mm
- https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/rf135mm-f1-8-l-is-usm
- https://store.sony.com.au/lenses-g-lens/SEL135F18GM.html
- https://www.sigmaphoto.com/135mm-f1-8-dg-hsm-a
- https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/art
- https://shop.canon.ca/en_ca/p/rf85mm-f1-2-l-usm
- https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel85f14gm2
Prices and features were read on each company’s own website in November 2026. They change often, so confirm the current offer on the official site before you sign up or buy.