| Customer Reviews Collected from usa.canon.com |
Canon - EF 135mm f/2L USM Telephoto Lens - Black
Average Customer Rating:
4.9
Rating breakdown 39 reviews
5 Stars
36
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
100%of customers recommend this product.
(
35 out of
35)
Customer Reviews for Canon - EF 135mm f/2L USM Telephoto Lens - Black
Customer Rating
5
incredibly sharp, no visible chromatic abberations
on November 8, 2015
Posted by: Sproesser
I have 8 L lenses, this might be my favorite. It's just amazingly sharp. I can't find any visible chromatic aberrations on my copy! I am super picky about sharpness.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Lightweight, Fast and Outstanding Image Quality
on May 4, 2019
Posted by: rseos
from McHenry, IL
Previously, I was exclusively using a 50mm f/1.2L. But it was time to finally add a second lens. I already had been eyeing this lens for many years, so already knew of its capabilities and reputation.
I did though rent both the 70-200 f/2.8L III and the f/4L II flavor. The former though was too heavy for my liking. And the latter wasn't fast enough for my needs. Thus, I purchased this 135mm f/2L.
I primarily do portrait work with speedlites, indoor sports (with shutter at least 1/250s), or outdoor work with faster shutter speeds. Thus, the lack of image stabilization is a non-issue.
I'm currently using this lens with a 5D IV. It works beautifully and only a tad heavier than the 50mm f/1.2. I can easily hand-hold, and in a pinch, even hold with a single hand.
It is indeed sharper than the 50mm, even when both are at f/2. I have not yet checked to see if it needs any AF micro adjustments.
The background blur is insane! That's a look I really enjoy. So this pairs up nicely with the wide 50 in terms of that certain background rendering.
As shown in the attached photo, now that I plan to do more portrait work, I needed a longer lens to avoid distortion.
The vignetting doesn't affect my style of work. But when needed, incredibly easy to remove in Lightroom.
In summary, this is an incredible lens. Lightweight, fast and outstanding image quality. If primes meet your needs, definitely give this lens a strong look.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Its a stunner
on July 22, 2015
Posted by: Del
from Illinois
Phew! Relieved to have ponied up the $$ and received a lens in return that has definitely elevated my photography interest again. Technical reviews are all over the place regarding this lens so I won't dwell on them but bottom line it (quickly) focuses at razor sharp levels wide open and returns stunning head and body shots. I've been running around taking spontaneous outdoor people subjects and I've surprised myself how effortlessly it assists in creating amazing personal and vacation photos. No doubt you could set up a studio and go bananas if you prefer a sterile controlled environment - but the outside spontaneous natural photos are way more fun in my opinion. With the greater focal length of 135 mm I am appreciating the fact that you can really fill up the frame without being right in the face of your subject. I think it relaxes your model and makes for a very natural and comfortable photographer to subject space, especially for head shots. Beach and garden people shots are amazing when you open up the aperture and let the soft bokeh background blur do it's magic. A zoom lens is my jack of all trades workhorse in the camera bag, but for situations where I can use my legs and move in or out away from my subject this is the lens I want on my camera body. If it sounds like I'm gushing, your right - I probably am. It is hard not to. If you have a chance, maybe rent it and try it first before you buy - or find someone to show off their pics to you) and you can see for yourself that it is a stunner of a lens.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Dream Lens
on July 4, 2012
Posted by: Chicago Al
from Chicago IL
I shoot wide open at F2.0 using a 5D3. I think it would be a waste of money and glass if you stop this lens down beyond F2.8. Images are very sharp at F2.0. Bokeh is creamy and pleasant. I really wish it had IS. Lack of IS means you have to have very steady hands. Having said this, in order to isolate my subject, I shoot wide open at F2. To minimize camera shake, I use Auto ISO with minimum shutter speed of 250. Shallow depth of field means you have to have proper focus exactly where you want. If you do everything right, your subject will look better in pictures than in real life. I love this lens.
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
Cons: no image stabilization, heavy, no weather seals
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Yes! Best Lens Ever - For Sure :-)
on April 9, 2017
Posted by: LisaatTheCreek
from Charter Township of Clinton, MI, United States
IF I could only bring one lens with me on a daily basis, this would be that one lens! I cannot say enough about this lens, you will not be disappointed with your purchase and the beautiful photographs and portraits you will capture. Watch on You Tube Canon 135 Lord of the Red Rings
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Amazing lens!
on November 9, 2012
Posted by: ultrafox
This is without a doubt the best lens I've ever used. I have owned this lens for around 6 months now, and it's a dream to use. I primarily shoot portraits with it. The bokeh it produces wide open is simply amazing. Even though it's not as wide as a 1.8, 1.4, or 1.2 lens, there is something special and unique about the bokeh it creates. The value of this lens is unparalleled for an L-lens in my opinion. I'm really surprised at how cheap it is compared to other prime, L-lenes. You also get a pretty close focusing distance as well, which is nice. If you want a great portrait L-lens, then this should be at the top of your list. The bang for your buck is terrific.
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, great bokeh
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
If I Could Only Have One Prime Lens...
on June 24, 2017
Posted by: Daniel
from Carson City, NV, United States
If I could only have one prime lens, this would be it. This lens shares legendary status with the 85L for its ability to create super dreamy bokeh. Ideal for portrait use, but also sports, as it focuses super fast and accurately! It is very, very sharp, one of the sharpest lenses still. I really enjoy how compact the lens is, which makes it nice to take to sporting or other events. This refurbished lens is like-new in every way, and was a fantastic bargain!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Does it get any better than this lens?
on June 17, 2009
Posted by: Freedeez
from New York, NY
I honesty can say that this lens blows away most of my other L lens, outside of the 85 MM which is such a special piece of glass. I find that most every shot taken with the 135 is a keeper. Contrast and Color are second to none. This lens is sharper than any other lens I own and IMHO is the sharpest lens in the Canon lineup. I love this lens and use it for indoor theatrical productions and sporting events where flash is prohibited. Put on a 1.4 extender and you still have a long telephoto lens at f2.8!
It also makes a wonderful portrait lens on a FF camera.
Pros: Super-sharp images, Superior build quality, Fast auto-focus
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com