Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM Lens – Hands On Review

Jason HermannJason Hermann Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
edited May 16, 2011 in Cameras
I just wrote a review of the Canon EF 135mm f/2 L lens if anybody is in the market or curious about it ;) Lots of sample pics and more...

http://www.jhpvideotutorials.com/?p=2802

Best,
Jay
SonyAlphaLab.com
JHPVideoTutorials.com - Free Photography Tutorials


Comments

  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited March 29, 2011
    I think reviews of the 135L only need to be one sentence: "Practically perfect in every way if you need this focal length... and even if you don't" rolleyes1.gif

    It may be the only piece of equipment I have EVER turned fangurl about. It rocks my socks off every time I use it.

    Nice review, and lovely shots! thumb.gif
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  • 20DNoob20DNoob Registered Users Posts: 318 Major grins
    edited March 29, 2011
    Awesome review and as divamum said, it rocks. I really do need to make the effort to use mine more than I do.
    Christian.

    5D2/1D MkII N/40D and a couple bits of glass.
  • Jason HermannJason Hermann Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
    edited April 1, 2011
    Thanks guys, and I agree!! Killer lens;)
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  • borrowlenses.comborrowlenses.com Registered Users Posts: 441 Major grins
    edited April 1, 2011
    Wow, great review with great photos!
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  • Brett1000Brett1000 Registered Users Posts: 819 Major grins
    edited April 3, 2011
    Jason Hermann wrote: »
    I just wrote a review of the Canon EF 135mm f/2 L lens if anybody is in the market or curious about it ;) Lots of sample pics and more...

    Best,
    Jay

    nice but at $1,100 I'll hold off buying for now
  • FreezframeFreezframe Registered Users Posts: 246 Major grins
    edited April 4, 2011
    Great Review Indeed!
    You did a great job! Fantastic idea with the cards and the color checker in behind. Yes this lens looks sharp all the way through, but there is a noticeable difference from wide open to f4 where the tape measure is not as sharp! Does the tape measure fall in line with the lens cleaning bottle in the DOF?

    Brady

    Oh Jason: Your niece is a doll! Love her concentration in that capture!
    Dad/Photograher:ivar
  • Jason HermannJason Hermann Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2011
    borrowlenses.com wrote: »
    Wow, great review with great photos!

    Thank you very much!
    Brett1000 wrote: »
    nice but at $1,100 I'll hold off buying for now

    You get what you pay for, but that being said I can't afford it either!
    Freezframe wrote: »
    You did a great job! Fantastic idea with the cards and the color checker in behind. Yes this lens looks sharp all the way through, but there is a noticeable difference from wide open to f4 where the tape measure is not as sharp! Does the tape measure fall in line with the lens cleaning bottle in the DOF?

    Brady

    Oh Jason: Your niece is a doll! Love her concentration in that capture!

    Thank you, and yes the DOF is that shallow at f/2. The lens is definitely not as sharp at f/2 as it is at f/4, but the f/2 sharpness is really sharp. So sharp it's almost inconsequential to me.

    Best,
    Jay
    SonyAlphaLab.com
    JHPVideoTutorials.com - Free Photography Tutorials


  • ShimaShima Registered Users Posts: 2,547 Major grins
    edited April 9, 2011
    One of my favorite lenses! Good review too ;)
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  • Stella7dStella7d Registered Users Posts: 201 Major grins
    edited April 10, 2011
    Great review!! This lens makes my heart flutter!!! iloveyou.gif
  • Jason HermannJason Hermann Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
    edited April 11, 2011
    Thanks so much everybody!! New review on the Sony a55 vs canon T3i coming soon;) so far I'm really impressed with the Sony!!
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    JHPVideoTutorials.com - Free Photography Tutorials


  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited May 9, 2011
    Jason Hermann wrote: »
    I just wrote a review of the Canon EF 135mm f/2 L lens if anybody is in the market or curious about it ;) Lots of sample pics and more...

    http://www.jhpvideotutorials.com/?p=2802

    Best,
    Jay

    Seems like everyone around here is loving it. I just got mine but find
    it hard to get warm with it. Sure it's nice and small but when I don't
    need f/2.0 my 70-200 2.8 II is just as good and more versatile
    (IS+zoom). Do you think it is worth keeping it for the few occasions
    where f2 and it's unobtrusiveness are needed?
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • Jason HermannJason Hermann Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
    edited May 9, 2011
    Manfr3d wrote: »
    Seems like everyone around here is loving it. I just got mine but find
    it hard to get warm with it. Sure it's nice and small but when I don't
    need f/2.0 my 70-200 2.8 II is just as good and more versatile
    (IS+zoom). Do you think it is worth keeping it for the few occasions
    where f2 and it's unobtrusiveness are needed?

    That is an excellent point and I cannot help but agree totally with you. The IS of the 70-200mm and the versatility make it a better lens by far all around. The f/2 is a special thing though. You cannot produce the look with the f/2.8. It's just not possible, so if you can afford it I would keep both killer lenses in your bag like I do :) When the situation calls for it, break out the f/2, otherwise use the 70-200 f/2.8 for the convenience of zoom. Totally worth the investment though in my opinion.

    Best,
    Jay
    SonyAlphaLab.com
    JHPVideoTutorials.com - Free Photography Tutorials


  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited May 9, 2011
    Nice review. Thanks!! I do need to use mine more often. :D

    Sam
    www.samlinvillephotography.com
  • jheftijhefti Registered Users Posts: 734 Major grins
    edited May 10, 2011
    Jason Hermann wrote: »
    That is an excellent point and I cannot help but agree totally with you. The IS of the 70-200mm and the versatility make it a better lens by far all around. The f/2 is a special thing though. You cannot produce the look with the f/2.8. It's just not possible, so if you can afford it I would keep both killer lenses in your bag like I do :) When the situation calls for it, break out the f/2, otherwise use the 70-200 f/2.8 for the convenience of zoom. Totally worth the investment though in my opinion.

    Best,
    Jay

    Totally agree! I have both lenses, and use the 70-200 far more often. However, for certain situations--portraits, difficult lighting, bokeh, etc.--the 135/2 can't be beat. It is a luxury to own one, but a very nice luxury!
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  • Moogle PepperMoogle Pepper Registered Users Posts: 2,950 Major grins
    edited May 10, 2011
    I use my 135L all the time. Best investment choice.
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  • Jason HermannJason Hermann Registered Users Posts: 220 Major grins
    edited May 16, 2011
    Sam wrote: »
    Nice review. Thanks!! I do need to use mine more often. :D

    Sam

    Thanks for the kind words :)
    jhefti wrote: »
    Totally agree! I have both lenses, and use the 70-200 far more often. However, for certain situations--portraits, difficult lighting, bokeh, etc.--the 135/2 can't be beat. It is a luxury to own one, but a very nice luxury!

    Very well said ;)
    Moogle Pepper wrote: »
    I use my 135L all the time. Best investment choice.

    Thanks for the comments!

    Best,
    Jay
    SonyAlphaLab.com
    JHPVideoTutorials.com - Free Photography Tutorials


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