This is part two of my comparison of the Nikkor 135mm f/2 DC lens and the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II. See part one here for some background.

All the photos were taken with a D700 on a tripod at the apertures indicated and ISO 200. The 70-200mm was zoomed to 135mm (confirmed in Lightroom). The shutter speed varied to get correct exposure. The first shot in the series was taken with the 135mm at f/16 to show the background detail as much as possible. The next two shots were taken at f/2.8 on each lens and the final shot is taken at f/2 on the 135 (what you would miss by owning only the 70-200). Take a look and I’ll give you my opinion below. Captions are below each image.

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135mm f/2 DC at f/16

70-200mm VR II at f/2.8

135mm f/2 DC at f/2.8

135mm f/2 DC at f/2

These are the main conclusions I drew from this test:

• The 70-200 VR II clearly demonstrates a higher degree of contrast
• The bokeh on the 135 f/2 is more “full” than the 70-200 at f/2.8 (out of focus circular highlights are larger)
• There is quite a difference between f/2.8 and f/2 on the 135 (dreamy!)

Here are closer crops to help show subject detail.

The big question I had was whether the 70-200 was really a sharper lens or if it just exhibited more contrast. To help answer that I took the two f/2.8 crops and added a bit of a contrast boost to the 135 image. This really answers the question for me.

If you’ve read part one you know that the original point of these posts was to answer the question “should I sell my 135mm and replace it with the 70-200?”  It’s still a tough call.  The 70-200 is certainly an amazing lens.  It is sharp, consistent, gives you great flexibility, and enables you to get shots that are otherwise impossible with only the 135 (both because of the focal length differences and also because of the incredible VR).  However, the 135 is just as sharp and goes to f/2 which is a pretty big difference for a portrait photographer.  A sports or event photographer could probably not live without the 70-200.  If you shoot only portraits I would hate to be without the 135.  It certainly has a character all its own.  The defocus control (see here for my demonstration) also gives you the ability to give preference to the bokeh in the foreground or background.  If you are an amateur and are deciding between these lenses for family outings, etc. I would give serious consideration to the weight and size differences.  The 70-200 is simply too much to bring along for casual outings.  Fortunately, I don’t have to decide right now so I’m keeping both!