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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - Fixed, Black - 2520A004
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Canon |
Focal Length Description | Standard Prime 135 millimeters |
Lens Type | Telephoto |
Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
Camera Lens Description | 4 |
About this item
- Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM),
- 135mm focal length, Closest focusing distance: 3 feet
- Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing ring
- EF mount; telephoto lens
- f/2 maximum aperture / Lens not zoomable
Frequently bought together
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Price | $1,159.95$1,159.95 | $1,669.95$1,669.95 | $399.00$399.00 | -26% $848.99$848.99 New Price: $1,159.95 | $879.00$879.00 | $2,799.00$2,799.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 22 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 22 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 5.0 | — | 4.7 | — | 4.6 | 5.0 |
Auto focus | 4.8 | — | 4.0 | — | 4.5 | 5.0 |
Image stabilization | 4.5 | — | 4.2 | — | 4.7 | 4.6 |
For portrait photography | 5.0 | — | 4.5 | — | — | 5.0 |
Quality of material | 5.0 | — | 4.6 | — | 4.6 | — |
Sold By | iPro Photo | Web Offers | Amazon.com | Minty Gadgets (we track serial numbers) | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
lens type | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Standard | Wide Angle | Macro |
compatible mountings | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF-S | Canon RF |
lens design | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Zoom | Prime |
focus type | Auto Focus | Auto/Manual | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Ring-type ultrasonic | Auto Focus |
minimum focal length | 135 millimeters | 85 millimeters | 0.45 millimeters | 135 millimeters | 17 millimeters | 85 millimeters |
max focal length | 135 millimeters | 85 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 135 millimeters | 55 millimeters | 85 millimeters |
From the manufacturer
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
The EF 135mm f/2 L USM is a fast, lightweight, high-quality telephoto lens. It is the ideal tool for capturing indoor sports in low-light conditions and for shooting portrait photography.
Benefits:
- Large f/2 aperture
- Fast, quiet autofocus
- Super Spectra coatings
- L-series construction and optics
- Circular aperture for soft bokeh
- Integration with E-TTL II flash system
- Soft case and lens hood
Videos
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What's in the box
Product information
Product Dimensions | 4.41 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.65 pounds |
ASIN | B000053HC5 |
Item model number | 2520A004 |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #1,281 in SLR Camera Lenses |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 17, 2003 |
Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
Country of Origin | Japan |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description The fastest 135mm telephoto lens in its class, the Canon EF 135mm f/2L lens is ideal for indoor sports photography and portraits with background blur. Although the lens offers complete automatic focusing capabilities thanks to its Ultra Sonic Motor (USM), you can still take advantage of its manual focus function even when the camera is in AF mode. The lens also offers two UD glass elements that help minimize chromatic aberrations, giving your images outstanding sharpness and color.
Amazon.com
The fastest 135mm telephoto lens in its class, the Canon EF 135mm f/2L lens is ideal for indoor sports photography and portraits with background blur. Although the lens offers complete automatic focusing capabilities thanks to its Ultra Sonic Motor (USM), you can still take advantage of its manual focus function even when the camera is in AF mode. The lens also offers two UD glass elements that help minimize chromatic aberrations, giving your images outstanding sharpness and color. Other details include a 3-foot close focusing distance, an 18-degree diagonal angle of view, and a 72mm filter size. The lens--which is compatible with EF 1.4x II and 2x II extenders--carries a one-year warranty.
Specifications
- Focal length: 135mm
- Maximum aperture: f/2.0
- Lens construction: 10 elements in 8 groups
- Angle of view: 18 degrees
- Closest focusing distance: 3 feet
- Focus adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
- Mount: Canon
- Filter size: 72mm
- Dimensions: 3.2 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
From the Manufacturer
One of the finest lenses of its type in the world today. This magnificent telephoto lens uses two UD-glass elements to provide incredible sharpness and contrast, even wide-open. Its perfect for outdoor portraits, but comes into its own in low-light situations. It focuses down to 3 feet (0.9m), and is fully compatible with both the EF 1.4x II and 2x II tele extenders.
Long and Fast
A telephoto lens is essential to any serious photographer. For sports action, you will need a fast shutter speed and a long focal length. A large maximum aperture allows a faster shutter speed. In this telephoto lens line-up, the focal lengths range from 135mm to 300mm. If you want compactness, choose a lens with a smaller maximum aperture.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, sharpness, color, and focusing of the lens. For example, they mention it's an outstanding lens, produces astonishingly beautiful images, and has great vibrant color reproduction. That said, they appreciate the fast aperture and smooth, efficient autofocus. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and performance of this lens.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lens. They mention that it produces amazing photos, has incredible bokeh, and is extremely sharp at F/2.0. The lens is built solidly and has superb AF. Customers also say that it is an outstanding lens that produces flawless results.
"...Decent price for an L lens- Consistent results- Black coating doesn't stand out- Great lens to use with the 35mm 1.4..." Read more
"...Sharp even at f/2.0, excellent sharpness stopped down- Excellent "L" quality-build, although not weather-sealedCons:-..." Read more
"...Build quality is very good, the best Canon can made. The lens is not as big and heavy as telephoto zoom...." Read more
"...It's top quality no doubt. I think the only issue I've ever experienced is that the autofocus tends to really hunt on my 70d at times...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. They mention that it is amazing, excellent wide open, and tack sharp.
"This lens is sharp. And at the cost of repeating myself, this lens is SHARP...." Read more
"...Sharp even at f/2.0, excellent sharpness stopped down- Excellent "L" quality-build, although not weather-sealedCons:-..." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"...Awesome photos, incredible bokeh and extremely sharp at F/2. I would suggest getting a three stop ND filter for it...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the color of the lens. For example, they mention it produces astonishingly beautiful images, has great vibrant color reproduction, and produces colorful visuals of subjects at maximum aperture F/2. The quality of the photos is stunning, and it's ideal for portraits. The color saturation, richness, and unparalleled are unparalleled. It does wonders with people pictures, and takes amazing shots in a low-lit reception.
"...Consistent results- Black coating doesn't stand out- Great lens to use with the 35mm 1.4Cons:-..." Read more
"...So I dont go below 1/250s.The color saturation, richness, unparalleled...." Read more
"...This lens does wonders with people pictures - especially isolating a person's face from the busy background...." Read more
"...Because of that features, Canon 135mm is ideal for portrait, especially candid portrait, street photography and indoor sports...." Read more
Customers like the focus ring of the lens. They say it's smooth and efficient, with a fast aperture for low-light settings. They also appreciate the perfect focus locking and the smooth ring. Overall, customers are happy with the lens' performance and recommend it to others.
"...The auto focus is fast and accurate when mounted on my 5D Mark III...." Read more
"...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. The AF tracking is poor...." Read more
"...Shutter speed is constant. So you won't see a big light difference between this and the 85mm f1.8, for example...." Read more
"...The brilliant detail, spot on color, and mind boggling speed dispelled any misgivings about the purchase of this sturdy workhorse of a lens...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the lens. They mention that it produces stunning contrast right out of the camera, beautiful colors, and corner. The lens is also noted for its outstanding clarity and very little spherical aberration. It's a lifesaver indoors, and video looks much cleaner since you don't need to pump. The blurred backgrounds are out of this world, and it allows them to capture the most amazing footage.
"...This lens has not disappointed me and the image quality is superb. The auto focus is fast and accurate when mounted on my 5D Mark III...." Read more
"...sheet and looks like a (very pleasing) backdrop and the subject has so much pop and clarity that it creates a very good 3D effect...." Read more
"...Pros:- Addictingly great image quality, with excellent bokeh to isolate a person from the background-..." Read more
"...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...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the lens. They say it is well built, one of the cheapest L lenses, and worth it for the images it produces.
"...Decent price for an L lens- Consistent results- Black coating doesn't stand out- Great lens to use with the 35mm 1.4..." Read more
"...The bokeh is well worth it as it is incredible better than any lens I have ever seen. Even the 50mm at F1.4 does not come close...." Read more
"...It's far from being the newest Canon lens out there. It's relatively inexpensive for an L series lens...." Read more
"...It's not cheap at $1,000 but it's worth every pennyPros:- Razor sharp pictures, even wide open at f/2-..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the aperture size of the lens. Some mention that it's a relatively small lens with a perfect focal length for full frame head shots. However, others say that it makes their T3i front heavy and frames a picture a lot smaller.
"...It is because the telephoto range, maximum aperture, and the size is not that big and obtrusive...." Read more
"...This lens can also create some beautiful creamy bokeh and is completely sharp wide open. It's top quality no doubt...." Read more
"...For 135/2, this is rather compact, the hood is almost half the length of the lens and makes it look bigger and heavier...." Read more
"...I recommend shooting with this lens on a full frame body. The length is perfect, but also the ISO sensitivity is much better on full frame..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the weight of the lens. Some find it very light, while others say it's heavy and bulky.
"...Build quality is very good, the best Canon can made. The lens is not as big and heavy as telephoto zoom...." Read more
"...70-200 f/2.8 IS and it is great for versatility but it is not an easy lens to carry around all day due to the weight and the white color makes it..." Read more
"...is much more flexible, but the 135mm is faster, shorter, and seems light as a feather in comparison. So comfortable to carry and use.)..." Read more
"...The weight is just right too and with a wide aperture, a lot of creative possibilities are afforded on the shoot...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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This lens and focal length does take some getting used to and for some subjects is probably not the best choice. I have found that I do sometimes miss the versatility of the zoom when I am taking pictures of my son playing and he is constantly changing his distance from me and I can't always get the picture I want. If he is is playing and moving more parallel to me this isn't an issue but depending on your subject it is something to keep in mind. I wouldn't call this lens a replacement for the 70-200 but more of a compliment to it. I enjoy the results from both lenses and am satisfied with both. For me most of the time I will grab the 135mm just because I prefer the results that I get and it is much easier to take with me everywhere.
Pros:
- Ablility to shoot at f/2 and have sharp pictures without stopping down.
- Much lighter lens than the 70-200 2.8
- Awesome Bokeh that makes your subject stand out against every background.
- Decent price for an L lens
- Consistent results
- Black coating doesn't stand out
- Great lens to use with the 35mm 1.4
Cons:
- Lack of versatility
- IS would be a nice but it would take away from some of the other things I like about this lens (weight and price).
Conclusion:
I would say that this lens is a specialty lens and may not be for everyone. The pictures that it takes are outstanding and very few lenses can come close in terms of price and quality. You do give up some versatility but this lens has delivered on all the aspects that are important to me and is my second most used lens behind my 35mm 1.4. I would not hesitate to recommend this lens to anyone but I would suggest that you look at any of Canon's excellent 70-200 lenses first if you do not have one.
For 135/2, this is rather compact, the hood is almost half the length of the lens and makes it look bigger and heavier. That was the first thing that struck me when I took it out of the box. Exactly the same size as a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (without the hood), probably twice as heavy. With this lens, hood, a 20D, battery pack and 580EX, you know you are carrying something in your hand that will make heads turn. You look through the lens and realize that the opening is W-I-D-E...
Not very handholdable with 1.6X even at f2...minimum 1/250s required, atleast for me. My hands are not the steadiest, quite shaky. So I dont go below 1/250s.
The color saturation, richness, unparalleled. Im tempted to say that the 50/1.8 gives the same amount of sharpness and color..im even tempted to say that the 50 is a tad sharper, but my reasoning would be that the 50 is more handholdable than the 135. A lot more handholdable.
Be warned, this is a high maintenance lens - if you are taking a portrait, (i) stand in the right distance (ii) focus on the eyes (iii) recompose (iv) make sure you dont loose the focus or move (v) click.
You move 2 mm, the focus is off at f/2. The subject moves a little or shakes his/her head, you probably need to refocus. Thats when the focus override comes handy. Seems simple, but needs practise...just a little.
Hood, prefer it with a crimped finish, removing and replacing the lens cap is a bit of a pain.
Built solidly like a tank, branded with a prominent red ring to be recognized by those who know what it stands for. Yet to test it in proper day light, but I think I am going to be pleased, this one is a keeper. My wife is no photographer, but loves the pictures and suggested that she likes this lens and wants to keep this one.
Oh, and if I dont talk about the bokeh, either I dont know what it is, or Im just plain dumb. The BESTEST bokeh I have ever seen, buttery creamy milky smooth. I would pay $900 for the bokeh. The combo of 135 and f/2 makes it a killer. And if I use this on my EOS-3 (35mm), I will be closer to my subject while the background is still far away, making the bokeh even smoother.
This is the only lens which I can turn to f/32 for infinite depth of field. Yet to take broad daylight shots with that. The only reason I will stop down the lens is for the depth of field. For everything else, I know I am going to use f/2.
Great lens, buy it. It doesnt get better than this. Take a look at the two pictures I posted, especially the Indian decor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update on 23 July 2007
I have taken many pictures with this lens at f/2, f/2.8 and f/4 and simply put, this is a lens that will have its place in the Photography Hall of Fame. If you stand at the right distance, you can keep the aperture at f/2 and still get most of the person in full focus without the ears or shoulders out of focus. Having said that, there is absolutely NO necessity to stop down unless you want more dof.
This one is a keeper, beg borrow or steal $900 to buy this lens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Update on 12 feb 2008.
Oh boy, I love this lens all over again, any excuse to take this out and shoot. I will do free portraiture if necessary. One of the pros that I didnt think was highlighted enough in the above reviews (one or two mention it, not all) is that this lens gives a verrrry pleasing 3 d effect to the images. The background is completely compressed into one thin sheet and looks like a (very pleasing) backdrop and the subject has so much pop and clarity that it creates a very good 3D effect. If the 85mm/1.8 makes the subject stand out in a crowd, this lens make the subject pop out of the picture. Simply put, the best portrait lens if u have the distance on a cropped sensor. 6 stars out of 5, again, beg borrow or steal $900 to buy this lens.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2007
For 135/2, this is rather compact, the hood is almost half the length of the lens and makes it look bigger and heavier. That was the first thing that struck me when I took it out of the box. Exactly the same size as a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (without the hood), probably twice as heavy. With this lens, hood, a 20D, battery pack and 580EX, you know you are carrying something in your hand that will make heads turn. You look through the lens and realize that the opening is W-I-D-E...
Not very handholdable with 1.6X even at f2...minimum 1/250s required, atleast for me. My hands are not the steadiest, quite shaky. So I dont go below 1/250s.
The color saturation, richness, unparalleled. Im tempted to say that the 50/1.8 gives the same amount of sharpness and color..im even tempted to say that the 50 is a tad sharper, but my reasoning would be that the 50 is more handholdable than the 135. A lot more handholdable.
Be warned, this is a high maintenance lens - if you are taking a portrait, (i) stand in the right distance (ii) focus on the eyes (iii) recompose (iv) make sure you dont loose the focus or move (v) click.
You move 2 mm, the focus is off at f/2. The subject moves a little or shakes his/her head, you probably need to refocus. Thats when the focus override comes handy. Seems simple, but needs practise...just a little.
Hood, prefer it with a crimped finish, removing and replacing the lens cap is a bit of a pain.
Built solidly like a tank, branded with a prominent red ring to be recognized by those who know what it stands for. Yet to test it in proper day light, but I think I am going to be pleased, this one is a keeper. My wife is no photographer, but loves the pictures and suggested that she likes this lens and wants to keep this one.
Oh, and if I dont talk about the bokeh, either I dont know what it is, or Im just plain dumb. The BESTEST bokeh I have ever seen, buttery creamy milky smooth. I would pay $900 for the bokeh. The combo of 135 and f/2 makes it a killer. And if I use this on my EOS-3 (35mm), I will be closer to my subject while the background is still far away, making the bokeh even smoother.
This is the only lens which I can turn to f/32 for infinite depth of field. Yet to take broad daylight shots with that. The only reason I will stop down the lens is for the depth of field. For everything else, I know I am going to use f/2.
Great lens, buy it. It doesnt get better than this. Take a look at the two pictures I posted, especially the Indian decor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update on 23 July 2007
I have taken many pictures with this lens at f/2, f/2.8 and f/4 and simply put, this is a lens that will have its place in the Photography Hall of Fame. If you stand at the right distance, you can keep the aperture at f/2 and still get most of the person in full focus without the ears or shoulders out of focus. Having said that, there is absolutely NO necessity to stop down unless you want more dof.
This one is a keeper, beg borrow or steal $900 to buy this lens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Update on 12 feb 2008.
Oh boy, I love this lens all over again, any excuse to take this out and shoot. I will do free portraiture if necessary. One of the pros that I didnt think was highlighted enough in the above reviews (one or two mention it, not all) is that this lens gives a verrrry pleasing 3 d effect to the images. The background is completely compressed into one thin sheet and looks like a (very pleasing) backdrop and the subject has so much pop and clarity that it creates a very good 3D effect. If the 85mm/1.8 makes the subject stand out in a crowd, this lens make the subject pop out of the picture. Simply put, the best portrait lens if u have the distance on a cropped sensor. 6 stars out of 5, again, beg borrow or steal $900 to buy this lens.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2017