Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM on a RebelXS/1000D?

Hi guys,

I've been saving money to upgrade my Rebel XS/1000D and get a MK2! - I recently stumbled upon the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM threads. I've already seen the 2nd one (+ Subscribed) and have crossed 500 pages of the original post.

Anyway, I've saved around $1000 so far & now I can't wait to get my hands on this. I'm not sure how will this perform on that body so any suggestions from you guys will be awesome.

Currently, I have 1000D / 18-55, 50mm 1.8 and 30mm Sigma 1.4.

Thanks :$

P.s: I should keep away from this evil Lenses thread :@

It's a fantastic lens on any body, so long as you need the reach and are fine with using a prime.

It's often available used for ~800 here on the board, if you don't want to shell out for new.

Based on the 3 lenses you have, expanding your glass collection makes sense, because the only one of them you could use on a 5D2 would be the 50mm.

That said, 5D2 prices are falling quickly and they are available via CLP for less than 1500. Tough call. I'd go with the 135 to start.

It is going to give you the view of a 200 mm lens on full-frame. It is a very narrow field of view.
Do you really need this view?
Alternatives that are much less expensive include the excellent 85f1.8 and 70-200f4L.

I have it on a 50D and it's my favorite lens for portraits. I do a lot of tight headshots so even inside, I'm OK with the reach. For some people's shooting styles, it's too long for inside use or on a crop.

I used to have one and it was a really nice lens on ff. But I'm not too sure in your situation as the rest of your kit is wayyy too weak imo. You'll feel really limited with the 135L as it's primarily an outdoor/portrait lens.

I think you should spend your money on say a 24-105 first

I had one and, though I loved the image quality, I did find it a little tricky to use on a crop body for two reasons. (1) the very shallow DOF meant you have to be vigilant at all times, making sure you have the appropriate subject element(s) in focus and (2) the lack of IS means a steady hand is sometimes required. Both of these issues are easily overcome, but you do have to be mindful.

Get it right though and boy, the results are stunning.

Thank you for your input guys. I'm basically into Primes and shooting portraits and I do want that shallow DOF for sure.

@Steve: Yep, both of these issues can be easily overcome, even if 2 shots out of 10 come out good, it's a success for me.

Was chatting with Maureen Souza (Our mod) - she's been helpful as ever and have decided to go with the glass. Will be saving up for a 5D2 now.