Overview

The Isco-Gottingen Tele-Westanar 135mm f/3.5 is a vintage telephoto prime with a 15-blade aperture delivering pleasing bokeh. Optical strengths include good resolution and sharpness, above-average contrast for its era, and relatively subtle chromatic aberration that clears by f/5.6. Weaknesses: uncoated glass requires a hood to avoid flare, and minimum focus distance is long, though extension tubes help for macro. Build quality varies; early metal versions are solid, later plastic ones lighter. Suits budget-conscious photographers wanting a characterful portrait lens, especially for digital video where uncoated optics aid color grading.