Canon 135mm f/2 USM 'L' lens review with samples (Full-frame and APS-C))

Here it is - another lens I've been wanting to test out for absolutely ages. Is it really the King of Portrait lenses? While it's renowned for its sharpness, is it still good enough on modern digital cameras?
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):
geni.us/canone...
If you've found this or other videos I've made to be helpful, then support me on Patreon! www.patreon.co...
All pictures and footage taken by me on Canon 6D and 70D cameras.
Link to my review of the Canon 85mm f/1.2 USM 'L' ii:
• Canon 85mm f/1.2 USM i...
Be sure to follow my Photostream on Flickr, to see sample pictures of lenses I've reviewed and to see previews of upcoming lenses, too! www.flickr.com...
Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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[@monkehp]

Easily the best reviews on youtube. I find myself comparing your house pictures across videos side by side. I really appreciate the methodical and consistent structure of your tests, it makes it so easy to really see the differences between lenses. They must take a while to make, so I appreciate your work! From all of your videos you've convinced me my next buys will be this Canon 135mm f/2 and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4. The sharpness and bokeh of both really are impressive, and they're amazing values. I just hope Sigma doesn't come out with a 135mm lens that blows this legend out of the water, which would be mind boggling.

[@garymyers472]

They did.

[@zispop]

The most professional and informative reviews on youtube. Always wait for your next review. Thanks!

[@zanzanzanzan]

I own this lens. The flare on this lens I find actually an advantage - at least around sunset. Beautiful hazey golden fuzzy globes. It's great!

[@ahmadhusaini8420]

is it really hard for handheld (no IS)? idk which one is for me, 100mm f2.8l or this. But i love this bokeh!

[@TheJudge064]

What fo you think about the focal length? I was considering a lens with the same focal length, and I was wondering how it plays out for most people. I'm a bit worried it might be too tight to get shots in some situations.

[@sotyaadira323]

You are the best in-depth lens reviewer i've ever seen! Systematic, in chronogical order, and easy to understand review. Your reviews are guidances to buy lens. Thank you sir :)

[@bayupran]

bought a used 135mm f2 for $500 a couple of years ago. wow that's easily the best purchase I've ever made. stunning photos after photos were made together with my 6D.

[@JTstate44]

I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I just want to say you put out consistently great content. I haven't been disappointed with a video so far, and the lens reviews are excellent for a beginning photographer like myself. Great job!

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks so much! :-)

[@MrBillblake123]

Long live the Canon 135!

[@GallicGarlic]

MrBillblake123 yes

[@maandmephotography799]

I am a beginner and have watched all your videos. You are amazing and calming. Its all overwhelming but you have given me direction and confidence.Thank you Chris.

[@EscobaroWhite]

I use this on my sony a7 and man, i have never seen a lens give such good bokeh and depth of field. Even indoors in a small room, I can blur out everything around the subject and you wouldn't have a clue where the photo was taken cause of how creamy the background becomes. Definitely recommend it.

[@classic.cameras]

Still one of the GREATEST EF Canon lenses ever. I use my 135L with the Sigma MC11 adapter on my Sony. Its amazing!!!!!!!

[@SrinidhiAithal]

In this age of superb zoom lenses, primes have their own aura. Nice review as always, much appreciated :)

[@arbishsh]

Chris, Your videos are amazing and very help full.I usually watch a single video several times. I own this lens and ithink it's incredible, the sharpness is mind blowing. I use it on my Canon 6D and sometimes i can't believe what i see.

[@erinrailey]

I loved the books you photographed :) Recognized some! Thanks for the great review!!

[@hotcrossbones]

I chuckle every time the dude says "Peripheral Illumination".......Best reviewer on youtube though.

[@christopherfrost]

Hehe why? Am I pronouncing it incorrectly?

[@hotcrossbones]

It's a tough word man......brutal.

[@TheDavveponken]

I just watched your review on the Canon 100/2 and while the 100mm is sharper the 135 has, to me, more character and a much nicer bokeh - amazingly.

[@taylorstewart5397]

Great review Chris, even though this review is a few years old it has convinced me to go for the 135mm for my next portrait lens.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Christopher, i just ordered this lens to use with my Fuji GFX 100S via the Fringer adapter; also great for my Sony A7 III and Canon 70D! ... just an idea! Maybe a 2024 revisit of the lens? ;-) Thank you for all the great content, videos and how you present. I wish you and your family well!

[@Joeeaw]

If you want to purchase any lens but still have questions, just watch this channel. Then you will have less money soon.

[@brandonj8018]

haha the lust...THE LUST!

[@jroscom]

I own this lens on a 5d mark 3. fucking amazing.. period

[@cardiacade]

Would love to see you do a review on the Canon 200mm f/2 L is one day!

[@cardiacade]

***** Er, no.

[@desk0z]

Definitely the best reviews here on KZbin.

[@johnrdoe108]

I have the 70-200 mm I S mkii on my 5d mkiii I also just got this 135 mm f2 Its just so great I can't take it off my camera f 5.6 is wonderful thanks for the help god bless you

[@K3V0M]

Fascinating that such an old lens (german website says 1996 o.O ) can still keep up with high resolution digital sensors. Canon does not even need to release a mark II version as far as I can tell.

[@markus4716]

I borrowed a friends Cannon 135mm F2 and I was blown away! I have one on order :)

[@ministryoflies1344]

I like Christopher's videos before I've even started watching them :-)

[@leojonkers3181]

Is my favourite Canon lens. And one of the oldest L lens I got.

[@shazbk7616]

Thank you for always producing top notch reviews. If you had to choose which lens would you keep in your bag when comparing the Canon 135 f2 to the Canon 200 f2.8? Thank you!

[@groundhoppingwlkp3622]

For most people 135mm is more versatile option

[@eliasali9383]

hey Chris I asked you a lot about the canon 70-200 f4 and you answered all of them and I really appreciate it just wanted to tell you that I bought it and I think I'm in lovethank you Chris !

[@christopherfrost]

Great! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@PatchedBandit]

I've now used this lens for the past year and the CA is much worse than I expected. I only use LR mobile platform with my IPAD and the CA removal on mobile LR does't work. Many times I need to desaturate the worst spots by hand using brush tool.

[@digiart622]

i find your reviews the best...thanks

[@JusticeFreedomDestin]

Can you review the 200mm f2.8 next? I've been looking at the 135 f2 and 200mm and I want to see how they are. Amazing videos Chris. Thanks for your work and please continue!

[@Kwiranata]

I shoot with both 70D and 6D, looking forward to getting my hands on this lens. nice review, like always :)

[@KeepBelieving24]

Did you buy 135 mm f2? How is it work?

[@YourTechGuide.]

hi Mr. Frost, this lens or the canon 85mm 1.2 L lens? for portrait and overall picture quality? thanks in advance.

[@christopherfrost]

+L BS It depends on how compressed you want your background. The 135mm is best as a lens for classic portrait photography. The 85mm lens will be give more arty pictures and give you a wider background

[@YourTechGuide.]

Christopher Frost Photography 135mm it is. Thanks

[@bird271828]

Chris, very nice review.

[@MrAlbertomoro]

you`re the best Christopher!

[@clipsinajuicebox4214]

Hello Chris. Is there going to be a review of the 135mm f2.8 soft focus in the future?

[@santosodenny4543]

I own both lenses, I do prefer 135mm f2 tho

[@lindseyloofilm]

My favorite lens!

[@eric.p.merlin3537]

Still my favourite lens in 2022..

[@krystalweir-photographer]

NIce review!! I was wondering if you would consider doing a review on the Canon 200mm 2.8L II? I'm debating between that and the Tamron 70-200 vc, but I can't find too many reviews on the 200.

[@killjoyshidae1208]

Hello again Chris! I was wondering if you can do a review of the Canon 135mm f2.8 Soft Focus lens when you can? Even though it's not up to par with the f2L, it seems like an awesome portrait lens for the price!

[@NoahStephens]

I owned it. It’s terribly unsharp. Even with the soft focus effect turned off. Just get the f2.0 version

[@YasserSultan]

Hello Christopher, your reviews are the best. Would it be possible to compare the 135 F2 L to the 200 F2.8 L? I haven't found any video comparison of the two lenses although they could serve the same purpose. I would greatly appreciate it if you make this video. cheers!

[@christopherfrost]

I have a review of the 200L coming out very soon! Probably right after I look at the new Tokina 11-20 f/2.8.

[@YasserSultan]

Thanks a lot Chris! I'm looking forward to it.

[@olgakhomyakova4760]

I'm using the Canon 85mm f1,8 for portrait and I think it is really good value for the money:)

[@rishikesh5600]

Hey Christopher ! first of all thank you so much for all the reviews. Could you please review sigma 150mm f2.8 os ? Is it a good portrait lens ?

[@shella27we]

Howdy Christopher Love your lens reviews. Is it possible to get your hand on a Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto Lens. I've seen one or two videos on this lens but none were as good as the way you review lenses. I'm sure you would do it justice.

[@tahiristudios6671]

Hey Chris! Can u please do a review about the Sigma 85mm 1.4? Would be really, really great! Thank u for doing these videos!

[@playerwii64]

The best L lens in the market!

[@EDWARDTHEEAUTHOR]

About to pick this lens up as I type for $400 :)

[@CaptainPoolverine]

I watched this only because i was planning on buying 85mm f1.8 for my apsc camera and wondered how the focal length( i.e 136)would be for portraits.XD

[@johandenhertog6878]

Is it as tough metal build as the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM.

[@cgrenesh]

Hey Chris, This lens is amazingly sharp I bought it few months back and it is always attached to my camera :) It is great for head and shoulder shots and kids with super blurry background. I Love blurry backgrounds. ! I was wondering, what if this lens is used with a Canon 1.4x or 2x tele -converters? Any review and thoughts? Thanks!

[@christopherfrost]

HAven't tested that, I'm afraid, although it should still perform reasonably well with a 1.4x convertor (2x convertors tend to have quite an effect on image quality unfortunately)

[@1OssoBuco]

Indeed, I bought a used canon 2x tele-converter for my 135mm and I noticed serious distortion.

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

I've been looking at a decent portrait lens and I'm quite tempted to get this over an 85mm 1.2.

[@enterBeastmode1]

if you want a really "bang for the buck", then get this one. 85mm 1.2 is debatably an overpriced piece because of its performance wide open. If it's sharpness you want, then the 85 is bloody soft wide-open. Can be flattering because of the less detail due to its properties, but I would say that it's definitely worth all the money if you have a strict budget and want to pick ONE.If you are after "decent" then picking this is an overkill :P This lens is straight up top-notch. Just keep in mind that you're choosing between two lenses 50mm away from each other in focal length.

[@SachinSawe]

Great Review of "Lord of the Rings" :) Can you review Canon 70-300 L next? This lens is another gem but often underestimated in the shadow of 70-200 series.

[@DCUPtoejuice]

With this lens on a 5DMK2 taking portrait with strong backlighting I got a lot of chromatic abberation on hairs. Is that to be expected or do I have a bad copy?

[@YounanPhoto]

Hey dude why don't you do some behind the scene stuff. We like your technical reviews but also want to see things like your entire photo gear, travel bag, lens collection, what you like to shoot etc... I watch a lot of KZbin and I can tell you that would help your channel grow even further. Peace.

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks! I might do an FAQs video sometime

[@Hornwiesel]

Yeah. He should do more VLogy stuff, but I don't know if he likes that kinda stuff.

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Talk about image character and rendering….this is dreamlike, film like ?😊

[@omara.7107]

Could it be used for astrophotography

[@addisonavery_]

I already have the newest Sigma 70-200 2.8 (loving it!). While this Canon lens is f2 would you say this is really worth adding to my kit?

[@christopherfrost]

Probably stick with the zoom lens, unless you're desperate for the best possible portrait shots

[@RayReyes79]

Hello Chris, just got a 5Diii for my birthday and wanted to know which lens would you prefer.. This 135mm f2 or the 200mm f2.8? Your reviews are really great btw..

[@christopherfrost]

+RayReyes79 I'd much prefer a 135mm f/2, a more useful focal length and faster aperture

[@RayReyes79]

+Christopher Frost Photography thanks for the quick response.. That'll be my next purchase:) ty

[@amrdaking1]

Great review as always! Are you going to review the Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 OS anytime soon?

[@christopherfrost]

Not really any time soon, although I would like to

[@amrdaking1]

:/

[@VinothRajaK]

This glass is also called as Lord of the red rings :)

[@elhotag]

135 f2 or 200mm f2.8?

[@braydenestrada895]

Hey Chris, quick question - If you had to pick between the 135mm f/2 L and the 200mm f/2.8 L for portrait/wedding photography capability, which would you choose (regardless of price)?

[@HarunRashid-fo3jx]

135mm f2 for its less weight, less price, and practicability for weddings.

[@christopherfrost]

Definitely the 135mm f/2 for a number of reasons

[@rYOUokay]

as a wedding photographer, I would pick the 70-200 f/2.8L. it's more versatile, has IS, and you can get in tighter spaces with it. My studio has both lenses and i've used both in a wedding situation. If you have two cameras and can have one camera with a 24-70, then having the 135 on the other would work as your long lens. but if you only have one camera, I'd pick the 70-200 for versatility. wedding photography happens quick, and running back and forth trying to get focus or compose a shot will waste time. you have to stand pretty far back to focus with the 135. just my two cents having used both in a run and gun wedding scenario.

[@thekhaitran3727]

Dear Sir I have some question I'm using a 5d1, and now I want to buy a lens for portraiture Do you think the 135L worth 600$ more than 85 1.8? Best regard

[@christopherfrost]

That's up to you and your needs. Personally I'd much prefer the 135mm

[@Lingvalentino]

i have canon 650D... should i save up for better camera to buy this lens? btw my opinion i think im good at filming.

[@christopherfrost]

+MsLingarOo Valentino This lens will work very nicely on a 650D but you'll have to stand far away from your subject

[@RicardoPerez-yh8ie]

Hi, I just got this Lens used from kehphoto and I have to say, I don’t know if my expectations were too high or if there’s something wrong with it. I feel like all my pictures are a little off. I’ve tried using AF servo and high shutter speeds(1000th+) and still I feel the pictures look good but not great. My canon 35mm f1.8 macro RF produces pictures with similar quality. Could anyone help me with this? I have a couple of test shots and need a photographer’s opinion. Ty~

[@RicardoPerez-yh8ie]

@@martin9410 :( Congrats on your new lens though!

[@AsianStvex]

Hello Chris! I was thinking in investing my next lens with the focus primarily on sharpness. Which lens would be the "king" of sharpness. Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art or this Canon 125mm f/2?

[@christopherfrost]

+Steven Huynh They're both crazy sharp. Although the Samyang 135mm f/2 is actually a touch sharper than the Canon

[@tarequejosh2295]

@@christopherfrost i am considering Samyang mf 135mm f2 over ef 135mm f2 and Samyang rf af 85mm f1.4 because of sharpness,,is it worth considering?or should i switch to e mount system and buy new Samyang af 135mm f1.8 or sigma 85mm f1.4 dg dn,which would be better investment in lens for future? actually in Bangladesh its hard to find these lens,,i have to import these from china.

[@EdisonCheng]

hi chris. I'm new in wedding photography. is 135mm f2 able to replace 70-200mm f2.8? which one shall I go for? as I heard 70-200mm is a must have lens for wedding. but I have limited budget, is 135mm close enough to do what 70-200mm does? please advice. thanks in advance. :)

[@christopherfrost]

+Chun Hong Cheng You'd probably appreciate the versatility and image stabilization of the 70-200 so I would go for that :-)

[@EdisonCheng]

+Christopher Frost Photography thank you Chris for the prompt reply. :) I've asked few experts and they told me the same thing too. So I think I will go for 70-200mm.

[@bryangudiel2714]

I can't decide between 135mm f2 , 200mm f 2.8 and the original 70-200mm 2.8 IS. Could you help? I mostly shoot my kids around the parks and trips. My friends ask me to shoot their weddings for fun every now and then so no sure what to do. I heard lots of good things about the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 VC as well. DECISIONS DECISIONS!!! Thanks again.

[@christopherfrost]

Only you can decide what best covers your needs! Personally I'd go for the Tamron lens you mention

[@KeepBelieving24]

What you buyand is you sstisfied with that?

[@pyroBlastM]

Chris, I know that this lens is suitable for good portrait work. However when compared to the 100mm f/2.8 macro, in your opinion which one produces better image quality and sharpness?

[@christopherfrost]

This 135mm lens is better in every way

[@pyroBlastM]

@@christopherfrost hi. Thanks for your prompt reply. I snapped the 100mm f/2.8 L macro for around £420 with 1 year warranty in 'excellent' condition. The 135mm f/2 L is selling for about £500 with 6 months warranty marked as 'good'. Not fancying the condition classification 'good' very appealing. New it is selling for £1000 and on ebay for £550. I am not very conformable on spending this amount of money on Ebay although I know there are out there some people that might be trustworthy. That said do you think that snapping the 100mm f/2.8 L for that price is a good deal even though the 135mm is better? There are trade-offs but do you think that is is reasonable to get the 100mm instead of the 135mm taking into account the price and the warranty? Do I have much to lose? Sorry for the big text. BR

[@christopherfrost]

@@pyroBlastM It's up to you, really. Personally, I probably would have spent the extra money on the 135mm f/2, but the 100mm Macro is pretty fantastic, too, particularly with its image stabilization and macro ability

[@pyroBlastM]

@@christopherfrost yeah, I think that there is a hype around the prime focal length lens 85mm and 135mm for portraits.. I think that there isn't anything written in stone saying that these are portraits focal length. Don't even know when did this has started. The macro capability is really another plus. I think it I a good choice given the price. With the extra saving will go for the 35mm f/2 IS.

[@tktkwei]

Christopher Frost Photography Got a used EF135 to use on my EOSR. I am blown away with the sharpness, color, contrast and focus speed with this 24 year old lens still could gives you on the 30MP sensor. The out of focus blur is soooo smooth no matter what the background is. The challenge, however is no IS. For handheld, I have to crank the shutter up pretty high to around 1/600 for consistent sharpness. So in the end, the F2 didn’t gain me light, but just the better quality bokeh. LOVE this lens for portrait. Can’t wait to pair it with Canon’s future camera body with IBIS.

[@ErJuli1Piano]

pleeeease could you review the 100mm 2.8L IS?

[@taphaelreid]

Great video, is this lense compatible with the rebel t5i?

[@christopherfrost]

+pilot kidus All Canon mount lenses made since 1987 will work on your Canon APS-C Digital SLR camera, except EF-M lenses

[@derpthealtlittlelizardpopu2610]

Hi Chirst already have the 18 55 and 55 250 so is it wrothit buy this pls reply

[@christopherfrost]

+Derp the altlittle lizard popularmmos and ssundee cranier Sure, if you're up for some telephoto portrait photography

[@UrbanoModa]

Sigma Art 135.18 is going to ruin some of this lenses history as a good lens. Especially the Bokeh on the Sigma 135, it's mouth watering and lush! Exciting and controversial times ahead in the war on lens quality, bravo Sigma again!

[@christopherfrost]

We'll have to wait and see (you're probably right though)

[@sputnik466]

But the Canon is half the price, superfast and accurate auto focus and beautiful creamy bokeh - truly the Lord of the Red Rings!

[@DCUPtoejuice]

Any chance the 135mm f2 + 1.4x extender on APS-C would keep pace with this IQ?

[@christopherfrost]

That might be pushing things a bit really, but it won't be too bad

[@DCUPtoejuice]

@@christopherfrost Thank you. Unfortunately there is no way I can act on this impluse because there is no Frost analysis to mull over. Ughhh.

[@ScotyP]

Christopher would you use this lens to take photos of youth basketball as well?

[@ScotyP]

Oh, I am shooting on a 5d Mark IV......I have a 24--70 f/2.8 L II but need something to capture the wee ones at say 1/250th in the gym lighting.

[@christopherfrost]

It could be quite good for that really :-)

[@ScotyP]

Thx

[@AshikReza]

I'm a canon 600D user & which will be the perfect lens for my portrait photography Christopher, 70-200mm f2.8 or 135mm f2 or 85mm f1.8 ????

[@jan.tichavsky]

For your crop sensor I would go with 85mm f/1.8. I used my 100mm macro lens for some portraits and it gets long already, you need a lot of space with your subject.

[@AshikReza]

thanks. I hope by using the 85mm f1.8 i will be able to get more blurred background & good contrast pictures out of the camera.

[@lilblingking1491]

The 85/1.8 is awesome!!!! But I don't think that it's in the same class as the 135 or 70-200 ☺

[@lilblingking1491]

Exactly! I have this lens, and I love it! I'm not knocking the lens at all. I just think it's strange that the 1.8 was listed with the other 1k+ L lenses and not the 1.2L

[@ErJuli1Piano]

The 85 1.8 on a CROP is best I think for purely portrait. the other two are a bit too long, and the 1.8 has a larger aperture. On a full frame, I think you should get the 135 because the 70-200 2.8 is a stop less and 1k more. The 135 used is around 700, but the 70-200 is about 1500. or 2x more

[@mikysivek]

Do you think that sigma 105 or 135 is sharper or even better choices than this?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes, they are a little sharper and better. This Canon 'L' lens is lovely but it's very old, now.

[@mikysivek]

Christopher Frost Photography and would you think twice if you had chance to buy that canon for 550$? As its old i can find it really cheap and sigma in that case is a lot more expensive

[@christopherfrost]

@@mikysivek If it were in good condition, and I was on the market for that kind of lens anyway, then $550 would be a great deal.

[@Nirozan2]

Hey! I have an idea to buy a Telephoto Lens. Im confused which one is best 70-200 or 135? Plz help me bro?

[@christopherfrost]

+Nirozan Niro They're both very different. 70-200 for versatility, 135mm for nicer bokeh

[@Nirozan2]

+Christopher Frost Photography thankyou bro!!

[@bayannebaghdadi1135]

i know this is a pretty stupid question, but does the lens zoom in and out ?

[@christopherfrost]

No, it's 135mm

[@bayannebaghdadi1135]

sorry about that question i kind of figured that out after i posted the question...

[@esrober]

Christopher do you think this lens is goin to get updated this year? (2017) Im very interested in this lens but do you think that is better if I wait for the moment? til the Mark II comes out? let me know about your thoughts

[@DanielFazzari]

roberto tso www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=31666.0

[@christopherfrost]

There might be a new one coming out later this year but I think you might have to wait slightly longer

[@torunensis1]

2:25 Did you speed it up in postproduction? My lens is approx two times slower. Or maybe it depends on body?

[@christopherfrost]

No, I didn't speed it up in post. That would mislead thousands of people

[@manishwatkarphotography9131]

nice

[@Anarki2U]

I had the Canon EF 135mm 2.0 L which is a very good lens, now I have the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM which are much better :)

[@hasanbokra]

200mm f2????? Review it plz

[@christopherfrost]

It's amazing and expensive - there you go - a review :-)

[@0000kris0000]

Lens porn, drool!

[@jayjays6]

Second!!!

[@Canoneosmiami]

It's not oto focus but auto focus can just loose that accent ? Try the one most of the English speaking people do ..

[@christopherfrost]

I have no idea what you're talking about here! Whatever you might think of my accent, at least I can actually write an English sentence that makes sense.

[@richardpcrowe]

Excellent information as usual along with annoying music also as usual...