Why You Need a 135mm f2 Lens

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe for weekly videos! More regular content from me in these places: 💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🎞 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🪙 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell Samyang (the one I took all photos in this video with): amzn.to/2DUx0Tp Canon: amzn.to/2BFZejd Sigma: amzn.to/2DiQb8e Nikon: amzn.to/2zz2drO Carl Zeiss: amzn.to/2C6Vif9

[@DJFoucher]

Micael Widell Really enjoyed this video. I’m definitely going to be looking for one of these gems to add in my collection.

[@ligh7foo7]

That's okay, I am obsessed with watching KZbin about lenses

[@DaveDewald]

I just purchased an Asahi Pentax Super Takumar 135mm F3.5 and an adapter for Nikon from eBay. This video is perfect timing as it should be here in two weeks. Thanks for the info.

[@jameswburke]

Me too, used with Canon adaptor for about €5. All manual settings but I use those anyway.

[@captainkanji1]

I purchased my 135 f/2L a few years ago used for $800. It is easily my favorite lens. The images are beautiful.

[@serkanreis]

Not sure if I necessarily need one, but I now certainly want one. Thank you Micael. :)

[@aubreymuswema9183]

The best

[@denisnicholson2528]

I got the Nikon 135mm F2 DC 2 weeks ago and the pictures are amazing. I took a portrait of my wife and it's my favorite one of her so far.

[@MicaelWidell]

Very nice!

[@man_of_war]

I agree with you. I bought one about 3 weeks ago, it's a great lens!

[@isaiasanchez1987]

I've never shot in 135mm, i'm excited to try a new focal length. I've only ever really shot in 24-70 as it covers a decent range in both directions but i have been longing for some reach a telephoto can achieve. Thanks for the info! 👍

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I use two 135mm f/2 lenses: 1. Nikon 135mm f/2 AIS which I primarily use for portraits. 2. Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO Sonnar ZF 2 which I primarily use for reportage.

[@BelowKelvin]

I’m between these two for portraits. Can I ask why you prefer the Nikon for portraits?

[@Narsuitus]

@@BelowKelvin I prefer portraits that do not show every pore and facial blimish. My Zeiss 135mm f/2 and my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 macro produce portrait images that are so sharp that I sometimes have to put a soft-focus filter on them. My Nikon 135mm f/2 is not as sharp and does not need a soft-focus filter.

[@CraigMansfield]

The cat photograph at 2:40 is simply beautiful. I'd say it was a perfect photograph. Well done man. I have a beautiful 135mm f3.5 Nikkor, and that's gorgeous. I also have a Nikkor 300mm f4.5 IF, that takes gorgeous photos - but it's a little hard to use. Yes, I'm a lens slut. I also have a Jupiter 9 - 85mm f2 I think, which is just dreamy. Great work, and thank you for the video.

[@anthonyr8829]

I gave this video a thumbs up right after the intro. I notice that not many KZbinrs mention the fact of carrying a lens that’s very expensive. You want to be able to enjoy the lens not worry about if the glass is gonna scratch on your hoodie zipper. Great point!

[@Lazarus52980]

I found this after purchasing the new Nikon 135 "Plena". Thanks for inspiring me about using my new lens

[@manjinderdhaliwal9829]

Great video. I own a Samyang 135 f2 and absolutely love it. Just the greatest image quality and so cheap.

[@stevenford450]

I watch this video repeatedly, it makes me so emotionally moved, i have tears running down my cheeks sometimes, hearing your passion is really inspiring, the music accompanying the video just hits me, the video throughout is beautiful, the ending when you are praising your fans like me, it is really nice and refreshing to see a person like you making the videos and pictures that you do, thank you, thank you for so much, it is soooo inspiring!!! wonderful!!!

[@ProjectOverseer]

Awesome overview. I too was blown away by this lens. Glass of this quality for this price is rare indeed. The 85mm F1.4 is also mind blowing. Many THANKS!

[@floatingrabbit3556]

looks at wallet. Continues to use kit lens.

[@CraigMansfield]

You can get some great lenses for about £90. I don't have £90 to my name at the moment, but I'm just saying. *Brain fart* I've just heard about a 50mm pentacon f1.8 that's supposed to be the "shiznit" - £20. You need an adaptor from the Pentacon's mount to your brand of camera's mount (£6) and listen, if you buy a x2 teleconverter for your camera, you can have a 100mm lens - which actually if it's on a cropped frame camera, will actually give you a focal length of about 150mm. Lens: £20 Teleconverter: £15 Adaptor: £6 £41 for a shit-hot, bokeh-tastic 150mm. You're very welcome.

[@rapshodee]

Check out vintage lenses. I got a 135mm f2.8 Canon FD for $20 USD on eBay for my Sony a6000 and it's awesome.

[@ramelsen]

I just bought a 135mm Nikkor for about 13£

[@TerenceKearns]

Sell your car if you hacve to. Ecverything this guy says about the 135 is true. Do some paid portrait shoots and buy back your car

[@christinesafvenberg5993]

@@rapshodee Yes. i do hear tell that there is great vintage lenses dirt cheap. I guess the weight is usually higher though, but for someone on a budget its clearly an option.

[@DJFoucher]

Thanks for creating this video. I’m a camera enthusiast as well and most of the time collect too many lenses and cameras, so it’s nice to find something that stands out in the crowd.

[@philipbrindle867]

I have a Zeiss 135mm f2, and while I don't use it that much, it's probably one of my favorites, very sharp. Very nice video, thanks for sharing...

[@vantoth6674]

Nice video and congratulation for the article being published. I just would like to mention that I do have the Samyang 135 mm f2 (purchased it based on this video as well) and I too like it very much. Also, purchased the Nikon 135mm DC f2 AF, which is incredible. I had a bit more success with this lens then with the Samyang. Nikon users call it the 'Kind of Portrait', which I find it appropriate :). One last thing I would like to mention is that I got blown away by the Nikon 180mm f2.8 AF as well. Thank you again for the great video and wish you continues success.

[@joshuafeldman6185]

Great review. You nailed the magic of the combination of long focal length - which flattens perspective - and wide open f2 aperture: narrow depth of field and creamy bokeh. It's a specific tool and what a great one. I was wanting a telephoto and not wanting the mediocre aperture of the standard kit zoom but not sure of the alternatives. Obviously, it comes down to that extra 3-4 fstops, which create the magic of that gorgeous isolation that you use with such skill. Your photos are awesome and moving and you made it clear what about the lens' cocktail of attributes makes that magic possible. Now I know exactly how to procede. I'm using cropped APS-C so I might end up getting a slightly shorter focal length in the end, but you showed me why I want a medium telephoto with a big aperture. Thank you for the education. I'll be checking out your other videos, for sure.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for your nice comment :) For APS-C, I would get a 85mm 1.4 or similar.

[@whimbox9648]

I'm happy that you've found a niche, please keep making videos!

[@TheophilusEmmanuel]

Thank you for this clear and concise review. Lovely images, too! Thank you!

[@richardpcrowe]

One of my favorite vintage combinations is the 135mm f/2.8 Meyer-Optic Gorlitz Orestor lens on a Sony APSC camera adapted with a Kipon M42-NEX 0.7x Focal Reducer/Adapter. The focal reducer does away with the crop factor and adds a full f/stop. In other words, I am shooting with a 135mm equivalent f/2.0 lens on my APSC Sony A6600 camera. Manual focusing but, with the Sony camera, that is no big problem.

[@bendijk3483]

Great video with impressive pictures. I own several 135mm vintage lenses, but never gave them attention. Am going to test them ….. thanks

[@jean-marcducommun8185]

Very useful video I have to say, congratulation - the way you present is very hands on and you addressed the points that are often very important when shooting a portrait. Thank you!

[@01mrlek]

Nice video. The zeiss APO is an incredibly sharp lens. Most likely the sharpest of any lens here. I am a fan of the DC nikkor's both the 105 and the 135. Low element count lenses that have a beautiful rendering to them. Sharp to but not APO sharp. Ultimately all the lenses you have on your video are capable of taking beautiful images. You are right about longer focal length giving greater compression. Although technically it is about distance that is not how photographers work in portraiture. Photographers will frame their subject regardless of what focal length they are using and therefore a longer focal length will give you greater compression.

[@JohKemStYl3]

The Zeiss is the best lense I own by far. The image quality is on par or better than the Otus 85 lense. If you do not need autofocus it is the best telephoto lense you can buy.

[@E-EventsTX]

I was looking for this lens and with your excellent video I bought it and I have decided, excellent video, congratulations!

[@BigMilan]

I was equally surprised at how sharp the canon 135 was when i bought it - even though i was well aware of its reputation

[@allenpoulson6203]

Another great advantage with the Samyang on a Sony is that the teleconverters also fit. This changes the lens to a 200mm 2.8 beast (1.4 converter with 1 stop loss)👍 If you then put it into crop mode it becomes a 250mm lens👍👍👍👍

[@MegaUltraSuperDuable]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGTGnHuFbLiagrs samyangs new 135mm f1.8 AF is coming 🤩

[@raymondchan3587]

Put it also on an Aps-c.

[@TerenceKearns]

I have the Canon 135. I agree 100% with everything you have said about this lens and it's spec. It is THE PERFECT portraiture lens.

[@paulhenry7]

There are several different ones.

[@garybrown9719]

I love my 40 year old Olympus 135mm lens on my micro four thirds

[@slr7075]

So chilling and relaxed. Your experience of using this lens wants to make me buy one! I'm now looking at some old vintage 135s. Great video!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks :)

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks :)

[@ionutmindru2762]

Hi, I'm in love with vintage lenses too :)). Not so good for fast tracking photography but great lenses for portraits and lanscape. My favourites 135 lenses are Pentacon f 2.8 Bokeh Monster and Carl Zeiss f 2.8 Zebra. Ofcourse there are others as well with similar performances. You can get one of these gems at a fraction for a new one and the quality is at least the same and the build far superior to anything mid range price and even some high end ones. Cheers,

[@johnw.3636]

I'm very interested in getting the Nikkor 135mm F2 DC.

[@MichaelLaing71]

I love the Zeiss 135mm f/2 for me it is the best lens I have ever use, though I have never been able to justify buying the lens. The problem with 135mm is its lack of practicality indoors, compared to the 85mm or 105mm (I own both) and it is very hard to justify buying the lens in that situation. When I seriously went over to Fujfilm (after dabbling for several years) I bought the X-H1 and soon after the 90mm f/2 (equivalent 137mm (f/3 depth of field)) and whilst you are not getting quite the aperture of the f/2 or f/1.8 lenses to be honest I haven't found a situation where I am that bothered. Of couse if I really needed f/2 performance, I would mount my Zeiss Milvus but the lens is huge and technically a 135mm should have slightly more depth of field. One of the other things you mention is sharpness, which is really bugging me now days when people talk about cameras and lenses. I have some of the sharpest lenses on the market and the reality is whilst if I was to compare the Ziess 85mm Milvus against a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D at normal viewing distances. I wouldn't really be able to see a difference a lot of the time. When pixel peeping yes, the difference is dramatic but that is not how most people view an image and there are much more important things than just sharpness when it comes to lenses.

[@stillinthestream]

Second time watching this, and was really was struck with the comment regarding the advantage of a base aperture being at f2. Wow, that also makes the manual focus option more attractive! Great video, very helpful!

[@brianschultz3977]

Have you tried any vintage lenses? For only the cost of buying an adapter, you can use a manual focus lens from the film era. Some are more rare than others, and therefore more expensive. The Minolta 135mm F2 is an absolute legend.

[@GBB70]

Nice vid as I was looking to add a MF to my Leica SL2-S body. I found a like new in box Zeiss APO Sonnar 135/2 for $800. Can't wait to receive it.

[@chorton53]

Lovely photos ! You just convinced me to get a nice 135 mm vintage camera.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. I have this wonderful lens. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@UNLKYHNTR]

I got a Samyang 135 for like 200 bucks in mint condition for my a7III. That lens is absolutely beautiful, it just slaps. It's also very versatile. I do a lot of portrait photography with a bit of astrophotography on the side. Amazing lens.

[@MicaelWidell]

Couldn't agree more!

[@PossMcLeod]

Seen a couple of your vids now and loved them both. You have a great style, and a very inspiring passion. Keep up the great work mate!

[@pablodoncor]

Great info here my friend. I own a Sony a6000 and planning on buying the Sony FE 85mm 1.8 which would be a 127.5mm in my crop sensor camera, instead of the new sigma 56mm for apsc which is a 84mm full frame. I believe the longer focal length will suit me better as you also recommend on this video. Greetings from Argentina!!

[@tomlee812]

I've really enjoyed the videos you've made so far in 2017 and very much look forward to seeing more in 2018. Thank you Micael.

[@DustinFrancis]

Nice video, I've always loved the 135 f/2 and 135 f/1.8's I've owned. Once small correction. You mentioned, "The longer focal length, makes the background more compressed." That's not true, compression and expansion distortion only come from distance to subject, your focal length won't effect that. With that said, most of the time people are using a longer focal length, they are further from their subject, creating more compression, but that's from their distance, not their lens.

[@farouqmj1147]

All three factors play role in compression of the background. 1. distance between subject and background. 2 Aperture of the lens. 3 focal length of the lens.

[@KristiGay1973]

@@farouqmj1147 exactly!

[@KristiGay1973]

Wrong. Pick up a book and read about compression and shallow depth of field.

[@HiFiDaddy]

Thanks for your valuable opinions. You make more common sense than many of the other photographers! You think like I do!

[@hermit6208]

Such a good review. Thank you for including so many photos that give credence to the point you are making. So many people doing reviews just want to get their own face on the screen. Ego.

[@voidwalkingcat]

Thank for the review. I really like your pictures in the video. I was into those expensive af 135mm lenses, but you successfully convinced me. I think I would get this lens soon. I might be able to enjoy the pictures coming out of this lens. Subbed to your channel.

[@tihomirdelac2047]

Your videos are a revelation, i like them very much and leran a lot from them, thank you very much for your effort into creating them.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Super sharp at all apertures? Wow

[@Snikkelbek]

Depth of field is very small both on a 85/1.2 or a 135/2, and you can always stop down a bit.

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

85mm on a crop sensor. The Tamron SP VR 1.8f. One of the lenses out there that’s beating almost every manufacturer.

[@caseyhartman373]

Great video! I wish I had considered a 135mm lens before I bought a Canon 100mm lens.

[@MrJhuang999]

This lens is pretty awesome. Definitely many of my favorite shots are with this lens. Especially for portraits. Would like to try other shots as well, thanks!

[@MegaUltraSuperDuable]

Samyang just hinted on a 135mm f1.8 AF to Sony FE 🥳🥳🥳🔥

[@TallTreesClub]

Zeiss is the best optically. I had the Canon and it was excellent. I chose the manual focus Zeiss after seeing photographer demonstrate how much better the Zeiss was than Sigma when he showed skin and face detail and color. So I got the Zeiss 135mm 2.0 Apo Sonnar

[@GallicGarlic]

Mario Vaden Better than the Sigma 135 f1.8 ART?

[@hassannassif9464]

I got Minolta 135mm f2.8 for $20, though it’s a manual focus but it dos a great job in terms of sharpness and colour quality.

[@user-my4dm4ij3t]

I had a canon 135/2 a few years ago. A great lens for portraits and not super-heavy. I sold it because if you're not a portrait shooter the lens will stay at your drawer. It is NOT a versatile lens and I will not recommend it for everyone. Manual focusing is not easy at such a shallow depth of field, so AF is really a big plus. Finally, the modern lenses like the sony and the sigma are way better than the older canon and samyang. I will recommend this lens only if you shoot a lot of portraits and have enough cash for a modern AF lens.

[@redriverscout4404]

My go to 135mms are my Canon FD 135mm 2.5 and my Pentacon 135mm 3.5 and got both for a total of $110 CDN.

[@MicaelWidell]

Nice. What do these lenses cost nowadays?

[@redriverscout4404]

@@MicaelWidell I got lucky. I paid 100 for the Canon FD lens and normally the Pentacon can command the same price but I found it at an antique shop that did not know what it was worth for 10 dollars.

[@mountys_photoadventure]

Micael i use a Tamron 135mm 2.8 from the mid 70tis on a Canon 650d. I Like the Bokeh and sharpnes.

[@TheHDAli]

One of my best and sharpest lenses. Only my Helios 40, 85mm 1.5 I like more.

[@JoshFromPerth]

Helios 1.5 :O I got the 42mm f2 and it's pretty great, but it's not the sharpest at longer ranges, subject really needs to be close

[@digifotoclujdml9970]

Nice vid man🙌👍💯 got the canon one and it’s a superb lens. Definitely agree wt you on this 135,f2 lenses

[@Anarki2U]

I had the Canon 135mm 2.0 L, but now I got the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM which have better close-up, but I miss a 1.4x teleconverter for the Sony which I had for the Canon.

[@DoctorSk8]

Great work! love your honesty and modesty, very clear and smart tips! I used to own the canon 135 for years and it was my favorite lens. After moving to nikon few years ago i've been missing a very good performance 135 lens. i recentely bought a sigma135A for the Nikons and after some calibration results are second to none (to non of my high glass etc)other lens, among them some super-tele ...) keep on with the good work!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you so much for the kind words :)

[@YevgenSh]

Inspired by you. Bought it also. Amazing lens. For just 360 Euro new it worth every euro. Thank you.

[@johnnycincocero]

I love my Rokinon 135f/2. Just subscribed.

[@andertoon]

Your article in DP Review finally persuaded me o pull the trigger on the Rokinon 135. I got it today and I love it. I don't know why I waited so long to buy it.

[@MicaelWidell]

Nice! :) I had the same feeling after I had bought it.

[@nicholasrich875]

That is such superb quality, damn thanks for the inspiration for my next lens, it's expensive but worth it. Thanks.

[@systnx]

Just got a used one for a bargain price, love it

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

I bought the Canon 135 f2 a few months back; absolutely brilliant… snap snap snap

[@DonaldSimsProduction]

Thank you for sharing. Very informative. And you do beautiful work.

[@Schroeder3000]

Hey Micael, i saw this Video a few month ago and couldn't stp thinking of it. Actually i am waiting for the Samyang 135 2.0 for my Sony a7r2 :) can't wait for it. Thanks for your great work, this is really special :)

[@KevinZJR]

With this lens, you can shoot all your photos downstairs at your house, while telling your friends the photos are shot from around the world:)

[@MartR80]

Thank you very much for sharing! Please keep sharing your passion and ideas please!

[@jacobchristianglover3655]

Hello from Tampa Florida! Great video Micael, just learned about your channel from Mathieu Stern's KZbin channel. I will be watching and commenting, so keep up the great work. Be well and stay encouraged!!!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks :)

[@jacobchristianglover3655]

@@MicaelWidell You are more than welcome!

[@hermit6208]

Sweet. Some really fabulous looking photos there. At least to my novice eye.

[@tera1990]

I love 135mm, I have the 3.5 ai nikkor, amazing rendering, and best ever value for money!

[@CraigMansfield]

Me too. It's one of my favourite lenses :)

[@ilmatanela1816]

Same here. Compact, light, built like a tank and nice rendering!

[@CO8848_2]

You convinced me, this is the portrait lense to get

[@koolkutz7]

Super sharp and gorgeous bokeh.

[@anujasharma9677]

Great inputs and valuable feedback Micael 👍👍👍👍

[@ManchmalGaming]

I heard 135mm F2,8 is a good budget option for Nikon. And if you want longer and also cheaper than f/2-lens, go for the 200mm 2.8 Nikkor.

[@Murphy252000]

Mate this was great, cheers from Ireland

[@413TomaccoRoad]

Nikkor and Zuiko 135mm f/2.8 are very good.

[@anandhua.b4589]

try out an old manual focus 300mm f2.8

[@ConsumerFanatics]

Love your videos. Great production and commentary.

[@BadMedWTF]

Great review. I am using the sigma 135 and I have to say this is a magic focal length and love the iq

[@kuojiao]

A couple of really good reviews from Micael Widell of this old lens. The reviews made me buy it :)

[@dopamining7621]

135mm at f2 will have a comparably shallow DOF as an 85mm at f1.4 or 1.2, similarly awesome and similarly difficult to nail focus.

[@pupli8]

@ 0:57 a Saab 9000 drove by. I love those cars.

[@twotrees510]

I use the 90mm 2.8 sony macro on my a6500 so it comes out to 135mm and it's an amazing portrait lens

[@dragonfist25]

I just got a Sony a6000 with the 85 f1.8 which come out to be 127mm. I LOVE shooting portraits with it. It's a nice change from my 50mm.

[@hanskallafrasonen]

@@dragonfist25 The samyang 85/1.8? Got any sample photos?

[@dragonfist25]

@@hanskallafrasonen The Sony 85mm 1.8. I bought it used on ebay for $525. instagram.com/p/BrWrDxtgJ7y/?igshid=1jv4lbci7dtlw

[@soundgine]

Minolta 135mm F/2.8 Tele Rokkor-PF for the win.

[@michaelgreen4935]

GREAT VIDEO! Thank you for posting! I subbed and excited to see more. I want as well to read some of your articles and will be looking out for them. Thank you again! Peace!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks :)

[@gregoryhamilton6161]

very knowledgable video, great stuff!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Scored one for $200 bucks on eBay ....can’t wait for it to arrive ....looks the business

[@MicaelWidell]

Great find!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Micael Widell it’s the Japanese ais version which is beautiful glass ....been patiently waiting for it to come up on eBay. It’s Nikon nikkor one, older one. Manual focus

[@gdb2db]

Thank you for the video. Wonderful images.

[@Rajupkd]

But which one you will suggest really .. 100 mm canon or 135 mm canon ? Mostly for portraits / flowers / macro ? Pl advise

[@BCtechB]

Good points! Love your explanation.

[@nmohajir]

It would have been nice if you had shown what aperture, shutter speed and iso was used for each picture.

[@PatrickChapmanuk]

Seen this lens going for 199 pounds sterling. But it's a toss up between this and the 85mm Samyang going for a staggering 139 pounds sterling. Oh lord the choices lol

[@couchgaming5577]

I got a Canon FD 135mm 2.5 for $13 :D

[@redriverscout4404]

I have one of those too. Still holds up 30 years later.

[@muctrun9me7768]

In Vietnam, the cheapest in Shopee is $91

[@klustereman3749]

In india, the price in ebay is around 20$ but the delivery charges are 60 to 90$

[@ligh7foo7]

I am still looking for a value zoom weather resistant lens, preferably with T stops.

[@Jorcap]

I bought the FD 135mm f2.5!

[@vintage_lenses9878]

"Perfectest" Like your Swenglish. Bra jobbat. You just made me £400 poorer

[@MicaelWidell]

Haha :) but I think you will find it money well spent

[@joakimsundberg4528]

Engelska utan tillkämpad dialekt. Well done and I look forward to the next video!