Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens Imported

  • B&H # CA1352LEF
  • Mfr# 2520A004

Product Highlights

  • USM / Ultra Sonic Motor
  • Designed for EOS Cameras
  • UD/ Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • Excellent Imaging Performance
  • Knurled Focusing Ring
  • Autofocus AF/ MF Manual Focus Modes
  • Selectable Focus Distance Range Switch
  • Depth of Field Scale

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The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of advanced amateurs and professionals. A ten element optical formula with two UD-glass elements serves to correct residual aberrations, resulting in superb sharpness and high image quality. It is also able to obtain superior background blur with the f/2 wide aperture. The EF 135mm f/2L USM is fully compatible for AF with Extenders 1.4x and 2x. A stellar portrait and available light lens.

Performance
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/2.0
Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 18°
Minimum Focus Distance 3' (91.44 cm)
Magnification 0.19x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:5.2
Groups/Elements 8/10
Diaphragm Blades 8
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 72 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.2 x 4.4" (8.13 x 11.18 cm)
Weight 1.65 lb (750 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens
 
5.0

(based on 304 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (292)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (11)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (307)
  • Strong construction (214)
  • Consistent output (195)
  • Durable (164)
  • Nice bokeh (163)

Cons

  • Heavy (25)
  • No image stabilization (4)
  • No IS (3)

Best Uses

  • Sports/action (156)
  • Low light (136)
  • Weddings (130)
  • Night photography (94)
  • Portraits (83)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Pro photographer (73), Photo enthusiast (63), Semi-pro photographer (62), Professional (30), Semi-professional (29)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (151), Yes (7)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Unbelievably good - truly amazing!!

I was going to get the new (MK II) Canon 70-200 f2.8. However, as I have the current model which is a huge dissapointment in image quality at f2.8 and far too ...Read complete review

I was going to get the new (MK II) Canon 70-200 f2.8. However, as I have the current model which is a huge dissapointment in image quality at f2.8 and far too heavy, I thought I'd opt for the 135mm f2.0 and the 70-200 f4 IS. Both are lightweight and optically quite outstanding. After my purchase, I managed to find a review offering a direct comparison between the 135 f2.0 and the MK II Canon 70-200 f2.8 zoom (set at 135mm). With both lenses set at f2.8, the prime lens is the clear winner. Remember that you can still open up to f2.0. When you do, sharpness remains incredible, and the bokeh is the best I've seen on a lens. I've shot a few hundred portraits since getting the lens, and it out performs everything I own. It has unique optical characteristics which the new zoom does not have, plus it is lighter and inconspicuous. Focus is snappy and the narrow field of sharpness at f2.0 really does provide unique opportunities to create breathtaking portraiture. Having a tangential slither of focus or just getting the eyes sharp provides for the best head shots I've ever obtained. The sharpness is at the highest possible level. I realise most people will opt for the larger and newer zoom, but with the benefit of hindsight, I have absolutely no regrets. If portraits are your thing, this lens is 'to die for'.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Beautiful lens

This lens is great, but due to the focal length, you have to be wary on the shutter speed, i found my images to be shaky when i shoot later in the afternoon.<...Read complete review

This lens is great, but due to the focal length, you have to be wary on the shutter speed, i found my images to be shaky when i shoot later in the afternoon.

i do struggle with auto focusing at times, in which i would have to switch to manual focus

apart from these, the colour and the depth of field is simply amazing!

Reviewed by 304 customers

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4.0

The ef 135mm f/2.0L is a very sharp lens

By Bill Lee

from Atlanta, GA

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

        As previuos reviews say that the 135mm f/2 is a very sharp and contrasty lens. Compared to my ef 100mm f/2.0 lens, which is an excelllent lens itself,it is even sharper and contrasty but not a lot. I returned it because my 100mmlens can be used both as 85mm and 135mm, and it is smaller and lighter.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        5.0

        awesomeness

        By Toai

        from Carlsbad, CA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

          awesome lens, get it!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Glad I purchased this lens. Very very sh

          By JJFLOPSHOT

          from Lake Grove New york

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Sports/Action
            • Weddings/Events

            Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

            Solid lens,well made perfect match to my Canon 5DII. Use to photograph hockey games at local rink. Great results.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            5.0

            An outstanding prime lens

            By Snoopypood

            from Grand Rapids, MI

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            See all my reviews

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Nice Bokeh
            • Rugged
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

            • Why no IS

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Night Photography
            • Weddings/Events

            Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

            This lens is great for anything requiring a medium telephoto. Portraits shot wide open are flawless with crisp detail and excellent bokeh. I find the lens to be quick to focus and an excellent focal length so you can get full frame shots without being too close.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            5.0

            Great compliment to the 35mm f1.4l

            By gary from miami

            from Miami FL

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Lightweight
            • Nice Bokeh
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Night Photography
              • Sports/Action
              • Weddings/Events
              • Wildlife Photos

              Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

              Forget the 24-70 or 24-105. Get this lens along with the 35mm and you're set. It's a good compliment to the 35mm, especially on a full frame camera. Not too long for a full frame if you want a portrait picture. I also have a 17-40 and 70-200 and find that I walk around with the 35 1.4l and this lens without missing the other two. The bokeh and low light capability of this lens really comes in handy. Great color and contrasts as well. It also works really well with the teleconverters. Good size considering it's an L Lens.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

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              5.0

              The best in his class!

              By Stormyboy

              from Bucharest, Romania

              About Me Pro Photographer

              See all my reviews

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Lightweight
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                My favorite portrait lens. Perfect for close portrait but also very nice for street photography.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Fast Precise Tele

                By Trip

                from Annapolis, MD

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Nice Bokeh
                • Rugged

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Sports/Action
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                  This lens is phenomenal and really a pretty good buy for the price. I shopped this against the 85L and ended up with the 135. The focus is really quick and it has a very interesting character to the images.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                  (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  fast and long

                  By alexpotiomkin

                  from Mexico

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Lightweight
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Weddings/Events

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                    As you already know it, it is sharp and fast. I don't work with great tele distances so for me this is the longest lens I need. In a 7D is like having the 4k 200mm f2.0 without the IS. It is also very accessible. Have fun!

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    So Crisp!!

                    By MooseJaws

                    from Canada

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Rugged

                    Cons

                    • Pricey but worth it

                    Best Uses

                    • Portraits
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Street photography

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                    Bought this lens a couple weeks ago based on many of the reviews on this site, and others. I think it was a wise choice based on my first impressions. I used to have the 70-200mm f/4, but wasn't using it much. This lens suits my purposes better (street photography, and portraiture).

                    The construction on this Lens is great, though no weather-proofing, not a deal-breaker though. The lens is super sharp and the bokeh is buttery smooth. Needless to say, I'm very happy with the purchase.

                    Also, just a note on the shipping. Got it shipped to Canada, and the shipping was flawless. Package arrived within 2-3 days with no interruptions, and no damage to the packaging whatsoever! I'll definitely be ordering from B & H again!

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Sharp at f/2

                    By Benjamin

                    from North Bend, OR

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Lens hood too big

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Night Photography
                    • Video

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                    Light weight, compact for it's focal length, sharp at f/2, same lens ring size so I can use one neutral density filer kit for three prime lenses while shooting video.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Stupendous

                    By Dirkman

                    from Minneapolis, MN

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Rugged
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                        Every bit as good as everyone says. Gave it a test drive the day I got it, shooting an informal work event in very low light. Produced astounding results wide open with a 5D at ISO 1600 and 1/80 sec. I plan on using this lens mainly for portraits. Under the right circumstances, it will also come in handy shooting low-light action at weddings, when the flebility of a zoom isn't required. The start of a long and beautiful friendship.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

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                        5.0

                        Amazing lens!!

                        By Kim J Martin

                        from Sacramento, CA

                        About Me Pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                        • Nice Bokeh

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Weddings/Events

                          Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                          I primarily photograph weddings so I purchased this lens to use during ceremonies and portraits. It's absolutely amazing. The image quality and bokeh are great and it focuses quickly even in low light (I used it for the first time during a ceremony lit only by candelight!) It's a little heavy but not too bad; I used it throughout the day for portraits, and even a bit during the first dance, and never felt too weighed down. I would definitely recommend this to a photographer who wants to add another prime to their bag. I now have a 35, 85, and 135 and I'm happy to add this one to my collection.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

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                          5.0

                          Best L Lens

                          By Abe

                          from Omaha, NE

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Nice Bokeh

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Sports/Action
                            • Weddings/Events
                            • Wildlife Photos

                            Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                            I was looking for a telephoto lens for weddings. I have all primes currently and was deciding between this lens and the 70-200. After some thought I went with this, and I am happy I did. The focusing is spot on and the photos that come out of the lens are amazing. The colors and saturation are nothing like any of my other lenses.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Canon 135L

                            By JT

                            from Canada

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Durable
                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                            • Lightweight
                            • Nice Bokeh
                            • Rugged
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Indoors/Low Light
                              • Sports/Action
                              • Weddings/Events

                              Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                              Super quick AF
                              Gorgeous OOF highlights
                              Well built
                              Sharp wide open
                              Handles well on 5D

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

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                              5.0

                              Canon 135L

                              By JT

                              from Canada

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Consistent Output
                              • Durable
                              • Easily Interchangeable
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Lightweight
                              • Nice Bokeh
                              • Rugged
                              • Strong Construction

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Sports/Action
                                • Weddings/Events

                                Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                                Super quick AF
                                Nice build quality
                                OOF elements are fantastic
                                Really sharp wide open
                                Handles well on 5D body

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great Lens

                                By mizzo

                                from New York NY

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Durable
                                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                • Nice Bokeh

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Sports/Action
                                  • Weddings/Events

                                  Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  As the MTF chart shows this is a super sharp lens. A must have in any serious photographers arsenal. Great for low light indoor sports with the f2 aperature and 135mm length

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

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                                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Amazing Sharp & Butter Smooth

                                  By JGo9

                                  from Waynesburg, KY

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Durable
                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                  • Nice Bokeh

                                  Cons

                                  • No IS

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Sports/Action
                                  • Video
                                  • Weddings/Events

                                  Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  Granted this is my first L series lens, but the lens is wicked good. The images are ultra sharp which is a vast change for me. I typically go in and sharpen my shots taken with other lenses but this one, it is so crisp. Also the dof fall off is so sweet and butter smooth. If you want to fade a background out to oblivion then this is the lens for you. It is great for portrait and detail (isolation) shots. One other note, this lens focuses crazy fast and so quietly.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • Yes

                                  Share this review

                                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  One "L" that's a Bargain

                                  By Darrell

                                  from Charlottetown PEI Canada

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Durable
                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                  • Nice Bokeh
                                  • Relatively Inexpensive
                                  • Rugged
                                  • Sharp at all focal length
                                  • Strong Construction

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Concert Photography
                                    • Indoors/Low Light
                                    • Indoor Sports
                                    • Portraiture
                                    • Sports/Action
                                    • Weddings/Events
                                    • Wildlife Photos

                                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                                    This is s beautiful piece of glass, likely one of Canon's finest lenses at a relatively modest price. Beautifully sharp at all apertures, buttery smooth brokeh and nice snappy, accurate focus. It's well built and a nice focal length on both FF for portraits and on crop for medium telephoto for indoor sports or concerts. I think it's worth considering even if you have a 70-200 f/2.8

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

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                                    5.0

                                    Good lens = good investement !!!!!

                                    By poltom

                                    from quebec canada

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Durable
                                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                    • Nice Bokeh
                                    • Strong Construction

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Landscape/Scenery
                                      • Sports/Action
                                      • Wildlife Photos

                                      Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                                      I use to do a lot a photography in the 70'S 80's. I had good equipment Leica M3, Mamyia 645.Good and sharp lens.Because of my work i stop shooting, no time to do anyting but work. Now that i am retired i decided to renew with my passion.I trade in my Leica and Mamiya gear for digital équipment!!My first slr was a Canon 450D with kit lens. I was so upset to see the image quality!!!!I up graded my Camera i bouth a Canon Eos 7D body only. Using my Canon kit lens with a better body.The shots were a bit better but i was missing my Summicron 50mm f/2...Finally i had the money to start buying Canon L series lens 135mm f/2.0 the difference was remarkable.It made me more confident in the possibility of digital photography vs ''traditional'' photo. Buying good lens is the key. They will last for years.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

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                                      5.0

                                      Good Portrait Lens

                                      By sy

                                      from colorado

                                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Consistent Output
                                      • Lightweight
                                      • Nice Bokeh

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Weddings/Events

                                        Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:

                                        I was amazed by bokeh which makes wonderful portrait photography. It's sharp from f2. Focus speed depends on the camera you use. I don't feel very fast with 5D Mk II especially in a low light situation, but pretty fast with cropped sensor 50D even in low light. Also suffers inconsistency of focus when shooting at low contrast objects. My copy has front focus tendency (not too bad though) with shooting a distant object. But still images from a full-frame sensor is absolutely stunning. The generation of digital convenience cries out for IS. In my opinion, it is light enough to hand-hold even though I admit that it gets a little tough shooting under 1/100 shutter speed without any support. I think it is a "love or hate" lens because it doesn't have a zoom nor IS. I love it.

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                                        • No

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