Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Reviews

Outstanding lens - one of my favorites
by Branden from Northern California, 2010-07-17

This is going to be just another five-star review of this lens, but this is a lens that completely deserves it.

First off, if you're like me, you were drawn to this lens wondering what on Earth you'd ever want a lens that's intentionally soft for. Well, "soft focus" is not the same thing as being out of focus. No, even with this lens's soft focus features at maximum, the photo is still razor-sharp, there's just a soft glow coming off the bright parts of the image. This effect is controllable with both the "Soft Focus" dial (0, 1, or 2) on the lens, or through the aperture value. Soft Focus 2 and f/2.8 is the "softest", and decreasing the aperture size and soft focus value both lessen the effect. Additionally, you can shoot with the soft focus value not "clicked" into a number, but between the numbers.

But now, enough about that feature, since you'll likely rarely use it. Apart from stylized portraits and nature shots, you'll probably keep the Soft Focus dial locked into zero. So then, what is so great about this lens? The answer is simple: it is an amazingly sharp f/2.8 telephoto lens. This lens is the smallest and lightest f/2.8 telephoto lens on Canon's current lineup, but this is not to say it is constructed cheaply. It is a very solid build, with a metal camera mount, and thick rubber hood built-in. The dials and controls are an older Canon style, so the focus ring isn't as smooth or easy-to-use on the newer lenses, but it still works like a charm.

But let's get back to the part about how amazing this lens is. I shoot full-frame, so the "fringes" of lens's image areas are especially important to me. But this lens doesn't miss a beat -- even at f/2.8 it is sharp, focused, and free of distortion to the far edges of the frame. Drop it down to f/4, and there's a good chance this'll be the sharpest lens in your collection. Colors are always bright, out-of-focus areas are always smooth, and this lens is, without a doubt, a top level performer.

So why is this 135mm f/2.8 not decorated with a red ring and an "L" in the name? The lack of Canon's USM technology means this lens lacks the 'full-time-manual' feature. Despite this, the lens still focuses quickly and quietly. Another feature you won't find here is Image Stabilization, but with how light and compact the lens is, you won't miss that. And finally, the minimum focus distance is 131cm, which while not atrocious for a telephoto lens, is something you'll find yourself bumping up against while shooting.

But to wrap this up, none of the "drawbacks" of this lens matter when considering how amazingly sharp and versatile this supposed "soft focus" lens is. Canon's literature talks up this lens's portrait abilities. They are very true, once in your camera bag this will become your portrait lens. But you'll find yourself popping it onto the camera just about every opportunity you get, since it is such a joy to shoot with.

This lens is such an awesome hunk of glass, I have zero regrets adding it to my collection.

Great lens at great price
by david aguirre from WEST COVINA, CA, US, 2010-07-03

Great quality lens for a very low price. Canon quality, F 2.8 at 135mm for under 500 dollars.

Great optics
by Luving it from Seaside, CA USA, 2009-03-01

Great IQ even wide open at 2.8! Soft focus is fantastic. I only use SF between 0-1, over 1 is too blurry to me. If you believe PS can produce the same effect, good for you. I happen to believe the SF effect from this lens is far more richer and attractive. I use it on both Canon 350D and 40D. The old fashioned AF is in the same league as Tamron and Tokina. I shoot people and flower and everything else that happen to fit into the 135mm view finder. The results are fantastic! Only wish it has better macro capability! The closest focus distance is a bit long in some of the real world applications.

Canon 135mm f/2.8 lens
by C. Hunt from Brook Park, Ohio, 2009-01-26

Needed a Canon 135mm lens. The choice was the 135mm f/2 L lens or the 135mm f/2.8 lens with soft focus. Can't compare this lens with the L lens optically but weight is a lot less and the price a lot less even more so.
I am able to get very good results wide open at f/2.8. I don't use the soft focus feature. I am pleased with this lens.

Great Lens
by Roger A. Edwards from CT, USA, 2008-12-21

This lens was a gift for my wife. She loves it. The pictures are clear and the focal length is great.