Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens USA
- Price: $1,034.00
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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.
Go To
| 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(based on 315 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (316)
- Strong construction (220)
- Consistent output (201)
- Nice bokeh (173)
- Durable (171)
Cons
- Heavy (25)
- No image stabilization (4)
- No IS (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (162)
- Low light (143)
- Weddings (137)
- Night photography (98)
- Portraits (83)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (77), Photo enthusiast (68), Semi-pro photographer (63), Professional (30), Semi-professional (29)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (162), 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 315 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for low-light action -- swing dancing and bands. I've shot 3 events so far and been nothing short of ecstatic. The pictures are crystal clear and sharp, and f2 is really fast. I've also done some portrait work, and have been thrilled. I should have bought this one years ago.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
really pleased with this lens. slight fringing for high contrast/wide open but easy to avoid once you get to used to the lens. No need to do as much processing afterwards as the contrast and colours are great. Amazing results without a flash but with flash takes it to another level. am reluctant to use anything else.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
I ORDERED THIS LENS PARTLY BASED ON ALL THE GREAT REVIEWS FROM OTHERS PLUS THE PICTURES I HAVE SEEN THAT WERE TAKEN WITH IT. 100% PLEASED WITH THE SERVICE FROM B&H AND LIMITED USE OF THE LENS THUS FAR. FAST FOCUS AND VERY SHARP DETAIL. AT F/2.0 YOU DO NEED TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AT GETTING THE FOCUS ON SPOT AND SHOOTING QUICKLY BEFORE YOU MOVE ANY; OR USE A TRIPOD/MONOPOD TO HELP KEEP THINGS STEADY. I AM CURRENTLY USING IT ON A 50D AND FIND IT A LITTLE LONGER (216mm EQV.)THAN I WOULD LIKE, BUT I KNEW THAT BEFORE I MADE THE PURCHASE. I PUT THE LENS ON MY EOS3 FILM BODY THAT SEES VERY LITTLE USE AND I LIKE THE LENGTH A LOT BETTER. BESIDES IT GIVES ME A GOOD REASON TO GO AHEAD AND PURCHASE A 5dMK2 WHICH I PLAN TO DO LATER THIS WEEK. BOKEH IS BEAUTIFUL AND BEYOND COMPAIRISON TO ANYTHING I HAVE EVER HAD BEFORE. PEOPLE SAY THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE IMAGE STAB. ON THIS LENS. I WOULD NOT PAY THE EXTRA $$ MYSELF TO GET IT BUT THEN EACH PERSON IS DIFFERENT. WHAT EVER YOU THINK OR DO, JUST USE THIS LENS AND YOU WILL BE HOOKED. HAPPY SHOOTING TO EVERYONE.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
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:
i have both the 35L and 135L. I can honestly say that the 135mm L is much easier to get pleasing results from your photos as long as you have the room to move around. This is definitely an outdoor or big ball room type of lens. I originally wanted the 100mm f2.8 L macro but I couldn't pass up a deal on this 135L. This is definitely worth the money as long as the focal length is good for you. A must have for paid photographers or any serious enthusiast that wants quality.
Can't wait to match it with the 85mm F1.2L
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
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 had read reviews and stories about this lens for a long time now. After purchasing this lens I can tell you without a doubt they are all true. I own several L series Lenses, and without a doubt this EF 135 F/2.0 is the sharpest of the bunch. It works great on my full frame camera's as well as my Canon 7D. The only change I would make on this lens, is image stabilization. To me that would be the perfect lens for my type of photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
Such a great lens for ceremonies. I have not used this to shoot any weddings I am the primary photographer on but I attended a wedding and got amazing shots. I love this lens!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
Fast Focus & Bitingly Sharp!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- AF Speed
- Bokeh
- Build quality
- Great image quality
Cons
- Tight hood
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
Let me just say, this lens lives up to any hype, marketing, and glowing reviews you read.
The build quality is amazing, the size is perfect, the aperture is bright, the contrast is phenomenal, and the AF speed is astounding (even when used on a 5D Mark II)!
The only foibles I have with this lens are that the hood is a little difficult to maneuver on and off (it's a bit tight), but as I read somewhere when dealing with tricky, tight filters, is to use a little "forehead grease" on the threads... it actually works! The hood stays put now when I need it to, and comes off when I want it to :)
As I said, the quality of the glass is just amazing and it renders contrast extremely well. You can just tell by looking at the photos that they were taken with this lens, there is a certain aura about them.
The focus speed is extremely quick on both the 5D Mark II and the 7D, and it is incredibly accurate as well. There is a focus limiter that you can use to prevent it from focusing closer than 1.8 metres, which when shooting with distractions in the foreground can make it even faster!
The bright aperture helps to give you the faster shutter speeds you need to capture action under low light conditions, and the AF keeps up. If this lens had IS it would be probably the best lens ever made, but as it stands it's phenomenal.
I feel as though they could charge a few hundred dollars more for this lens and it would still be a steal... If you're on the fence about this lens and you need a long, fast lens for indoors or low light, just jump on it. You won't regret it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- No gasket
- Plastic filter thread
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is just great. Its relatively small and lightweight compared to the 70-200 2.8, and it has even better image quality. This lens is the sharpest lens I own, and I have a lot of L glass. Its an older design (1996), but they must have got it right the first time because there are few improvements they could make. I'm not a fan of the plastic filter threads, or the lack of a rubber gasket on the lens mount, but those are minor complaints. Overall, this is a stellar performing lens with amazing image quality, very pleasing bokeh, fast autofocus, light weight, and a decent price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is perfect, the clarity is amazing!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
Tack Sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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