Nikon is exploring an innovative lens concept that could make portrait and wedding photographers drool.
A recently published Japanese patent outlines a “variable magnification optical system” (a zoom lens) that covers a focal length range from 85mm to 135mm. The design achieves a continuous zoom range while maintaining a bright aperture – f/1.8 at 85mm and f/2.8 at 135mm. The patent, published in February 2025 (publication no. P2025019242), shows Nikon’s active R&D interest in pursuing new and innovative lens options.
The concept allows you to smoothly transition between two of the most popular portrait focal lengths – 85mm for waist-up portraits with natural perspective, and 135mm for tight headshots that produce a pleasing background blur. Published specifications indicate the lens could remain compact. The physical length is estimated to be about 120 mm when set to 85mm and extending to roughly 150 mm at 135mm. For perspective, Nikon’s existing 135mm f/1.8 prime is around 140 mm long on its own. Delivering a continuous zoom covering 85–135mm in a similar size to a prime lens would be rather convenient. Rather than carrying two separate prime lenses, you’d have one versatile zoom that covers two of the most popular focal lengths for portraitists and wedding photographers. This convenience means fewer lens swaps during a session and less gear to lug around, which can streamline your workflow.
In recent years, lens makers have sought innovative designs that break traditional limitations. For example, third-party manufacturers like Tamron have produced versatile zoom lenses that cover broad focal ranges with impressive speed. Nikon’s approach, by focusing on a relatively narrow zoom range, aims to maximize optical performance and speed specifically for portraiture and push the limits of maximum aperture for a full frame zoom.
Will It Reach the Market?
As promising as the 85–135mm zoom concept appears, not every patented design reaches the market. Nikon, like other camera companies, often files patents for innovative optical ideas that may or may not be developed into commercial products. If Nikon does move forward with the project, we might see a development announcement at some point. Regardless, it's good to see Nikon pursuing innovative and unusual lens ideas.
I think if it was 1.8 across the whole zoom range, this lens would be something exciting to consider, but it being 2.8 at 135mm really eats into the excitement proposition unless its really cost efficient.
A 135 f/2.8 used to be used as a portrait lens and used correctly it can be great. Yes a 1.8 is awesome but heavy. I think this could be a phenomenal piece of glass . Knowing Nikon its image quality and lack of focus breathing that they have been doing will make it such a versatile lens .
Exciting in 2025 would be 85-135/2.0 as for Canon patent
The thing for me would be that its not internal zoom. I hate lenses that extend. I also can't really imagine why it couldn't be f1.8 through the zoom or atleast f2. I'd like to see an internal zoom 85mm-135mm GM for Sony.