Soligor 135mm f/2.8. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal.

Weight
15.0 oz (424g)

Lens Hood
Built in Retractable

Focus Type
Manual focus

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
5 feet (1.5 meters).

Filter Threads
55mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/22.

Mount
My copy came in Nikon Non Ai Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

Sharpness

f/2.8: It’s very soft with very low contrast, lots of spherical and chromatic aberration, and a little coma.
f/3.5: Sharpens up a tiny bit with still low contrast and lots of spherical aberration.
f/4: Sharpens up a tiny bit but still not too good. Has low contrast and still a fair bit of spherical and chromatic aberration. The lens is sharper but with the haze you would think it is still soft.
f/8: Sharpens up quite a bit with great contrast but still a little spherical aberration and the chromatic aberration is still hanging around.

Vignetting

A little bit of vignette at f/2.8 which seems to stay at f/3.5 and starts to disappear at f/4 and almost gone at f/8

Bokeh
The blur is ok, but not amazing and a bit distracting.

Distortion

This is the best feature of the lens as its very straight with a low level of pincushion distortion.

Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics:          ★ ★
Mechanics:   ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:   ★ ★
Availability:    ★ ★
Overall:          ★ ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics:  ★ ★
Overall:          ★ ★
Out of 5

I was expecting better results being a Soligor. The best features are the build with the retractable lens hood and low distortion. I would not suggest this lens for portrait work unless you want soft, dreamy results for some artistic portrait work or something. By f/8 it’s decent but still not the most amazing lens.
One thing to keep in mind is that my copy was a non Ai version so if you are planing to use it on a Digital body it will bind on the aperture ring. To use it on a Nikon Digital body you need to have it Ai converted. If you plan on using it on a Canon Digital body with an adapter it will click on perfectly with no problems. There could possibly be Ai versions.

If you stumble upon one for cheap then sure it’s fun to try and not too bad at f/8.

 

Did this review help?
My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd