Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

My first L, my first love. This lens is phenomenal. It always delivers, I can always rely on it to get the shot I need. I've owned this lens for about 3 years now and have used it exclusively on a 20D; until this week. I upgraded to a 5DII and it's like getting the lens all over again. It is unbelievably sharp.

SHARP, black body (not white and obvious), huge focus ring, long hood, very strong, SHARP at F2, sharper as you stop it down, perfect indoor / dark lens. Focuses very fast.

It makes beautiful portraits across the board. Focus on the inside corner of the eyes and watch their eyes just pop out of the frame with amazing color, clarity and sharpness. Get the lighting right and there is no post-processing.

** crickets **

is regarded as one of the best three prime lenses that Canon produce (Along with 85mm f/1.2 L USM and 35mm f/1.4 L USM).

The images from this lens are very sharp, contrasty and show a lot of details even in wide open at f/2. The depth of field is very shallow at f/2. As a result, the background will be compressed.

Because of that features, Canon 135mm is ideal for portrait, especially candid portrait, street photography and indoor sports.

Build quality is very good, the best Canon can made. The lens is not as big and heavy as telephoto zoom.

But unfortunately, this lens does not have Image Stabilization built-in. Image stabilization in telephoto is quite important so you can shoot with shutter speed lower than the focal length X crop multiplier. For example, when you attach this lens into crop sensor camera such as Canon Rebel series or 0XD series, then you need to set a shutter speed to at least 1/200 or greater to get a tack sharp result. It is also depend on how steady your hand is. If you have steady hand, then 1/160 will be adequate.

This lens have a decent closing focus (1m) this is better than most of the telephoto zoom range. You can also get a extension tube to get the focusing even closer (.6m with 2x extension tube).
Therefore, this lens will be quite good for macro photography.

Application
The application of the lens will be quiet narrow. Candid photography is one in my mind when I think about this lens. It is because the telephoto range, maximum aperture, and the size is not that big and obtrusive.

The second one will be close-up and head-shoulder portraiture, and then for indoor sports such as volleyball, basketball and so on.

The downside
This lens does not have a wide range of application because the inflexibility of fixed focal length lens (prime lens).

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Although the focusing is quite fast, but it is not as fast as EF 50mm f/1.4 USM or EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. So in the fast action sport, expect to miss some shots.

Other alternatives:
Other lens that you might consider to buy is Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L or 70-200mm f/4 IS.

They are similar in price. the 70-200mm f/2.8 has more flexibility but bigger. The 70-200 f/4 L IS is great because it has IS but you don't have the luxury of big aperture. The weight of f4L lens is almost the same, but the length is slightly longer.

Other 'budget' telephoto primes alternatives: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 and 100mm f/2. Both are not as sharp and detailed as the Canon 135mm f/2 but when stopped own to f/2.8-4 they will impressed you.

In conclusion
You will love this lens if you are into close-up portrait, candid photography and indoor sports shooters. With extension tube, you can transform this lens into a super sharp macro lens.

Is it worth it? This lens has a narrow application, so if you are specialized in candid portraiture or indoor sports and want the sharpest lens. This lens is definitely for you.

If you are looking for more versatile lens, then investing on high quality telephoto zoom lens will be better. Check out my website, www.radiantlite.com for more reviews, sample photos and video tour.

sharpness wide open, built-quality, appealing bokeh

not very versatile (prime lens), slow AF tracking

Canon 85mm f/1.8, Nikon 85mm f/1.8

Sharp, sharp sharp, and takes converters well

Best prime I have tested to date. @ f2 it is amazingly sharp, @ anything above that its just gets better...need I say more

85L

I borrowed this lens from a friend and all i have to say is : sharpest lens I have ever used! I use the 70-200f4L and the 300f4L both are great but i did find the fixed 135 a tad bit sharper...just a tad though.

well made / sharp sharp sharp! / fast af!

none what so ever

70-200f4L

This is a really fantastic lens.In short;My most used lens at all ,period.Its become my bread and butter!and a very good investment. Its in the same league as the famed 200 1,8...85mm 1,2 ..300 4,0 and 2,8.! the sharpness ,resolution,bokeh,distorion and true picture quality is a gem. I will sum up the reasons : Its the best clarity i ever experienced from a lens,i do NOT need to correct with photo shop ! The fastness is perfect for sports and Documentary and PJ work in general. The picture you get is TRUE PRO work comparable with german carl zeiss class,and Leica as well. The quality and FEEL is so classic like a Rolex watch and BMW,...yammi. Need i say more,that has not been sayd? GET IT. Gracias Canon,salute.

all i mean all.This Canon 135 mm 2,0 rules!!hey man !this one is numero UNO and absolutely worth every dime..its affordable..too.. Gracias Canon.

none-a little heavy ,but that comes with the true PRO category..were up in the super league

100 mm 2,0 its not in the same league. many glasses from Carl Zeiss and CZJ..and leica.

nope