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) |
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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'.
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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!
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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!
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought the Canon EF 135 f/2 primarily for indoor sports. I shoot a lot of hockey with poor lighting. I have been real happy with the results. The quality of the lens is first rate, its not to heavy and can be easily handheld all day long.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
This is the sharpest lens I ever shot with in my 25 yr..of professional Photography.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
It's true that it is very sharp. It's true that it is very fast. This is an excellent lightweight lens. Still have not done any portraits yet, but I am looking forward to shooting some.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
this lens is wonderful! very sharp, very ductile drawing, very fast! i love her!
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
The picture clarity, color saturation, image quality are all amazing with this lens. However, I used this on a Canon 7D and 60D and using a 135 mm lens on a cropped frame sensor equates to about 178 mm focal length making it a little tough to use without image stabilization. What I gained in increased light with an f/2 aperture was lost due to the lack of IS as I had to compensate with a higher shutter speed to block any artifact from hand shake. My preference is to use a prime lens over a zoom, but I now find myself turning to my 70-200 mm f/2.8 L IS USM mark II lens instead. It is heavier which I do not like, but the IS allows a slow shutter speed even in low light conditions with great results which I could not reproduce with the 135 mm lens. It is hard to see a difference in image quality between the 2 lenses and to be honest there are times I think the zoom may even be better. My preference though is still to use a prime lens and I hope Canon someday will add IS to the prime lenses if image quality can be preserved. I will be the first in line to buy one.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
I've had 85 1.8, 100 2.0 and now the 135 2.0L. What everybody says is true. Great lens. If you want that telephoto compression, great bokeh, crazy sharpness, fast focus, without cramping your left arm, this is the lens for you. I just wish that the barrel was metal instead of plastic like the 24 TSE.
I was happy with the 100 2.0 but I was noticing that I was cropping the photos regularly. The lens and the 5D can take some cropping, but I prefer to crop in camera so was doing some research on the 135 and everybody was saying how great it is. They were right.
135mm not so popular focal length? Sure, your working distance is bit far for portraits but I always thought 85 didn't have too much compression. It doesn't look too different from my 50 1.2 with open aperture. You can definitely see the "compression" look on 200 but then you're dealing with size, too tight perspective angle for indoors. So the 135 works for me.
As a bonus, it focuses pretty close too. Not a macro, but at least you don't have to fiddle around with tubes for food shots or the like.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM Autofocus Lens:
one of the best lenses out there. well built, super sharp.
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