135L - Why It's So Special!

Tadaaa wrote in post #10454827
Anybody have any shots out of it on a 1.3 crop?

You mean like this?

ChaseRains wrote in post #12071137
Tim were were you placing the light was it directly by you or were you shooting it like 3 or 4 feet from you? Great shots by the way.

Thanks. When I use my umbrella, it's placed about 5-6 feet from the subjects and well in front of me.

This thread has me convinced. This lens is "magic"!

The 135l will be my first L lens purchase. Maybe for my birthday...

adrianhassler wrote in post #12071004
Hej m.shalaby, how do you feel this lens measures up to the 85 1.2? I'm thinking of getting one for my 5D...

I mainly want to use it for portraits, some sports, candids and general short DOF kind of stuff, is it comparable to "the keg" in these areas?

tuff to say, the 135L does have a more 'wow' factor simply due to its longer FL which = more compression. but none of that matters if you don't have the room to work with, because it can be on the long side. i use it mostly for headshots and outdoor work.

the 85L is a stunning lens as well, but with a shorter FL so it perhaps has about 80% of the "POP" i would call it the 135L does, again just due to compression.

all and all though, they aren't all that different. i bet i could take shots with both lenses and have people guess which was which and it would be split. just pick on FL.


and to answer someone elses question - yes, these are all taken wide open with a little sharpening in PP added.

delhi wrote in post #12071678
Agreed. The 135L is not just one of Canon's best lens, but one of the best lens period. The simplicity of a prime lens with high quality glass makes it a stunning tool. AF is faster than any L lens I've used and very accurate.
I don't know how one can one compare the 70-200 2.8L to the 135L. Sharpness sure maybe... everything else from CA to distortion control, the white L falls apart on a full frame. Whereas the 135L maintains its composure all the way through.
If you want a truly great portrait lens, few can compare in terms of overall quality.

Hum. Did you try the new 70-200mm f2.8 IS II?

bobbyz wrote in post #12075615
Hum. Did you try the new 70-200mm f2.8 IS II?

Sorry to butt in.

Stunning images!

bobbyz wrote in post #12075615
Hum. Did you try the new 70-200mm f2.8 IS II?


Sorry to butt in.

Nice pix. But I've seen equally nice pix off of the pedestrian 70-300 IS lens too. I'm not saying the 70-200 2.8 is a slouch. Just that it does fall apart in other areas that sometimes are missed.
I hate to be a numbers guy when it comes to photography. But see slrgear.com's findings. Especially when used on FF. Don't know how much does that affect real world image. Just like I still think the nifty fifty is a great lens too.


Careful with the 85 1.2L as it has a very narrow DOF wide open. In this case, having micro-adjustment capable camera becomes even more important.

wonderful images, bobby!

delhi wrote in post #12076154
I hate to be a numbers guy when it comes to photography. But see slrgear.com's findings. Especially when used on FF. Don't know how much does that affect real world image.

What are the short comings or findings regarding the 7-200 mkii?

4x4rock wrote in post #12076559
What are the short comings or findings regarding the 7-200 mkii?

Tim thanks. Your shots are always top notch.

Sonny you didn't read that slrgear.com article man.

No denying that 135mm f2 is very nice lens so many other lenses are equally good or better (200mm f2 IS for example, I know I know it is lot more money). I will buy back 135mm f2 after canon adds IS to it.

Haha Bobby, I've been limited to browse the net on my iphone and ipad lately.

The 135L is truly amazing. Can't say enough about it.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/callmejag/55518​14547/

Tommydigi wrote in post #12025185
Great photos, I really have not considered this lens because I have 70-200 2.8 and 100L so I would like to think that if I improve my shooting ability I can capture similar shots with my current gear but I must say I have considered selling my 70-200 2.8 for this lens just because it would be so much more discrete. I am reluctant to go out anywhere with a big white lens that weights a ton.

I am sure if I gave one of you guys my 70-200 2.8 you would be able to get similar results. Again great stuff.

Tommy, fwiw, I sold my 70-200 and picked up a 135 just to shake things up a bit. The 135 is stunning and it does take some getting used to the DOF, especially at close distances and wide open. When you get it right, dang!!! Still, I don't love changing glass all the time so we'll see if I fall in love with the 135 or go back to the zoom for the versatility.

namasste, I may just add a 135, I am not so sure I want to dump the 70-200. its a beast and all but its a really sweet lens. I also really like the 100L so I am in no rush but this lens certainly is special.

I had this plan to keep just my best few lenses and sell off the others but its actually fun to come back to lenses you rarely use so in the future I plan to hang on to stuff. My 70-200 sits most of the time but I have been using it a bit more now. The flexibility is great for travel and sports even though its a bit on the heavy side.

Tommydigi wrote in post #12077014
namasste, I may just add a 135, I am not so sure I want to dump the 70-200. its a beast and all but its a really sweet lens. I also really like the 100L so I am in no rush but this lens certainly is special.

I had this plan to keep just my best few lenses and sell off the others but its actually fun to come back to lenses you rarely use so in the future I plan to hang on to stuff. My 70-200 sits most of the time but I have been using it a bit more now. The flexibility is great for travel and sports even though its a bit on the heavy side.

don't rule out the 135 for sports....