The EF 135mm Soft Focus

While browsing around for which new lens I could get, I came across this little guy. It seems as though people say it's very sharp even without the soft focus filter, and I found one at a pretty reasonable price. I was thinking about going with one of the Canon zooms, but I kind of want to stick with primes to work on technique more, and I need something a bit longer than the 85 that I have now. Also, the f/2.8 is better than any other zoom option I would have. I don't want the 135mm f/2, by the way.

Any comments on this lens? I also like that it's pretty small and light. It will be for my Canon 5D classic.

It should do a good job for you, although I have no idea why you say you dont want the 135L. Its freaking amazing.

The price and size.

parodying wrote in post #15557088
The price and size.

The size isnt that much different. And not wanting to pay for one is not the same as not wanting one.

it's really tiny...should be a good combo on the 5D...i find mine a little long for me on the crop sensor...

canon 100mm f2 would be sharper...

I currently have the 85mm so I feel like the difference wouldn't be enough to justify it.

Ha well, the 135mm softfocus will serve you well then.

As you would expect, it doesn't threaten the the 135/2's dominance but it's not a bad little lens for the money and is quite usable at f/4 or beyond.
Half the weight of the L version but has the old AFD focus motor so it's not really suitable for most action type photography. Be aware that it doesn't have the facility to mount a hood although it will take a screw in hood (B+W rubber type)
I'd say give it try, you can't lose much and there's always the chance to play with the soft focus.

Bob

I've played with that lens for a shoot when I borrowed it from a friend. Amazing piece of glass

B&H is listing this as discontinued now. Crops from the TDP show the 70-200/4 non IS to be a good deal sharper at f4. I think I would keep saving for the 135/2