Sony/Minolta 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] STF SAL-135F28

[groovyone]

Sony 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] STF
(NOTE: This lens is optically identical to the Minolta 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] STF)

Description:

The Sony STF 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] Lens is innovative not only because it offers superb picture sharpness with high-quality descriptive performance, but it can also produce perfectly defocused image areas. Imperfections in defocusing effects, such as a defocused image dissolving into cluttered unsharpness, or a defocused image of a stem looking like overlapped images, have always been a source of headaches for photographers.

The STF 135mm f/2.8[T4.5] eliminates the factors impairing the quality of defocused areas, and realizes a smooth transition from focused to defocused areas with unsurpassed defocusing effects both in foreground and background. The lens construction includes an apodization filter to implement a natural shift from focused to defocused areas. As a result, the original outline of the subject remains clear, the image is provided with depth, and the subject is visually outstanding.

The lens is also designed to minimize aberrations that deteriorate the quality of defocused image areas. The 9-blade circular aperture also contributes to smooth rendition of defocused highlights, such as blurred points of sunlight coming through forage.

While subjects remain in sharp focus, out-of-focus backgrounds or foregrounds are blurred smoothly and evenly with gradation that thickens toward the edges of the frame for a pleasing aesthetic effect.
After light passes through the apodization element, the lens aperture of f2.8 yields a T (transmissive brightness) equivalent of 4.5; a manual aperture ring can adjust T setting from 4.5 to 6.7.
The dedicated manual focusing system is controlled by a wide focus ring that's comfortable to hold and gives you a solid, hands-on feel for pinpoint focusing of your subject.

The advanced SAL-135F28 STF (Smooth Transition Focus) telephoto lens incorporates an apodization optical element that distributes light rays to create smooth, aesthetically pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds and foregrounds that make sharp-focus subjects stand out more vividly.

Also be sure to check out http://the135stf.net/ a website dedicated to this lens.

Performance:

• Focal Length 135 mm, Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 202.5 mm
• Aperture Maximum: f/2.8, Minimum: f/31
• Camera Mount Type Sony Alpha, Minolta AF
• Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor, DSLR (APS-C Sensor)
• Angle of View 18°
• APS-C Picture Angle: 12°
• Minimum Focus Distance 2.85' (86.87 cm)
• Magnification 0.25x
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:4
• Groups/Elements 6/8
• Diaphragm Blades 9

Features:

• Image Stabilization: No
• Autofocus: No
• Tripod Collar: No

Specifications:

• Filter Thread: 72 mm
• Dimensions (DxL): Approx. 3.15 x 3.90" (8.00 x 9.91 cm)
• Weight: 1.61 lb (730 g)

User Reviews:

• B&H Photo user reviews HERE
• Amazon user reviews HERE
• Adorama user reviews HERE

Where To Buy:

How To Post Sample Images:

We ask that members please post their own sample photos taken with this particular lens in order to give others that may be in the market to purchase one and idea of how well it handles. When posting sample photos we ask that you do so like the example below in regards to including any and all EXIF data such as camera body used, aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc. This will help out a great deal.

Example:

Canon EOS-5D Mark II : Canon EF 35 f/1.4L : 25 Seconds : f/5.6 : 100 ISO : 35mm : Aperture Priority Mode : -1/3 Bias : No Flash

groovyone added 1389 Minutes and 17 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Sony A900 : @135mm : 1/400th : f2.8 [T4.5] Manual : 200 ISO : A-Priority : 0 Exp Comp



Sony A900 : @135mm : 1/1250th : f2.8 [T4.5] Manual : 200 ISO : A-Priority : 0 Exp Comp



Sony A900 : @135mm : 1/100th : f2.8 [T4.5] Manual : 200 ISO : A-Priority : 0 Exp Comp



Sony A900 : @135mm : 1/60th : f2.8 [T4.5] Manual : 200 ISO : A-Priority : 0 Exp Comp

[groovyone]

Wind was blowing, so forgive me if the focus is a little off

A900 + 135 STF, f/2.8[T4.5], 1/200s, ISO 200


A900 + 135 STF, f/2.8[T4.5], 1/200s, ISO 200

[groovyone]

A900 + 135 STF, f/2.8[T4.5], 1/200s, ISO 200


A900 + 135 STF, f/2.8[T4.5], 1/200s, ISO 200