Canon EF135mm f/2L USM

[fesapo]

Kernnuak, those are some stunning images!

Here are a few more from Japan:


Soul Spot by Fesapo, on Flickr


Mother Nature in Regalia by Fesapo, on Flickr


Wishing by Fesapo, on Flickr

[Kernuak]

Thanks Fesapo. I like the middle one of the last set, it represents what I should take as a nature photographer, but is the sort of image I don't "see" and have to work at to get any sort of decent composition. It's also the sort of image you don't often see taken with the 135, but the bokeh of the lens is perfect for that sort of shot.

[Crapking]

Just got the 135...one of my first portraits at a holiday party.

[handsomerob]

Just got the 135...one of my first portraits at a holiday party.

The glass is pretty sharp. Seems you deliberately focused on it rather than on her eye. Congrats with the purchase

[Crapking]

Great pick up, I was experimenting with depth of field trying to get a feel for it, Not much room for margin of error.  I do love the composition, bokeh and the blade effects, but you really have to be careful. I did spot focus there - just shows how 'accurate' the focus can be with the 7D, even in low light.

[Leopard Lupus]

Portland, OR by Leopard Lupus, on Flickr

[mtt92]

One of the best lenses made by Canon at a reasonable price!! Clicked with 5D2 at f/2

[Leopard Lupus]

I really do love this piece of glass!



Lisa Miller. by Leopard Lupus, on Flickr

[CHL]

I would appreciate your thoughts/advice on this. I have the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS (and the 85 f/1.8, 24-105 f/4 L, 35 f/1.4 L, TS-E 24 f/3,5L) and I mainly use them on a 5D MKII (have a 40D as well). I am very interested in getting the 135 f/2.0 but I am struggling with whether to buy that lens or sell the 70-200 in favour of the MKII version. And I can´t currently do both. I would say I am fairly "general" in my photography (means indoor low light, street, portrait, grandchildren......... rarely sports).

Thanks in advance.

[JR]

I would appreciate your thoughts/advice on this. I have the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS (and the 85 f/1.8, 24-105 f/4 L, 35 f/1.4 L, TS-E 24 f/3,5L) and I mainly use them on a 5D MKII (have a 40D as well). I am very interested in getting the 135 f/2.0 but I am struggling with whether to buy that lens or sell the 70-200 in favour of the MKII version. And I can´t currently do both. I would say I am fairly "general" in my photography (means indoor low light, street, portrait, grandchildren......... rarely sports).

Thanks in advance.

This is a really difficult question indeed CHL!  I have the mk II version of the 70-200 2.8 zoom and the IQ is preatty much on par with the 135L, minus the extra stop that the 135 provide you.  I am getting the 135 anyway because I am looking for something lighter to carry.

I dont have experience with the version I of the 70-200mm zoom but I am told (and you cant read in these forums) the current version was a big improvement in the IQ.  If you already find you use the 70-200mm zoom a lot for your purposes, I would think you might be better getting the mk II first instead of getting the 135L. 

Keep in mind if you buy it before Dec 31st at B&H you get $400 off! ($1974).  This is a good buy! (the link is on the main CR page).

Hope this helps.

[briansquibb]

This is a really difficult question indeed CHL!  I have the mk II version of the 70-200 2.8 zoom and the IQ is preatty much on par with the 135L, minus the extra stop that the 135 provide you.  I am getting the 135 anyway because I am looking for something lighter to carry.

I dont have experience with the version I of the 70-200mm zoom but I am told (and you cant read in these forums) the current version was a big improvement in the IQ.  If you already find you use the 70-200mm zoom a lot for your purposes, I would think you might be better getting the mk II first instead of getting the 135L. 

Keep in mind if you buy it before Dec 31st at B&H you get $400 off! ($1974).  This is a good buy! (the link is on the main CR page).

Hope this helps.

Fabulous on the 5DII, the 135L is that bit smoother than the 70-200 II. IQ of the 135 is better but not with the huge gap there used to be. The 135 makes a good street lens as it doesn't leap out at you and is surpisingly small. Minimum focus distance is small too!

[candyman]

Is there anyone able to post some indoor sports photos that were taken with an APS-C camera - like 7D?

I have a 85mm f1.8 but I have to be close to the field to get some close-up action. It is not always possible or allowed. I am looking into buying the Canon 135 f/2.
Love to see some indoor sports photos that were taken with a 7D

[Crapking]

Ditto Candyman's request!  I have been shooting the 70-200 2.8 II IS for over a year with the 7D and am very happy, but JUST got the 135 and haven't had the chance yet to get into the gym (volleyball).

I was wondering if anyone has experienced some handheld camera shake with the 135?  The 70-200 "IS" has given me no trouble, but the 135 (w/o my usual monopod), seems sl less stable.

[briansquibb]

Ditto Candyman's request!  I have been shooting the 70-200 2.8 II IS for over a year with the 7D and am very happy, but JUST got the 135 and haven't had the chance yet to get into the gym (volleyball).

I was wondering if anyone has experienced some handheld camera shake with the 135?  The 70-200 "IS" has given me no trouble, but the 135 (w/o my usual monopod), seems sl less stable.

Logic says keep the shutter at 1/250 or higher and you will be fine. Try panning at 1/100 for different effects.

[candyman]

Ditto Candyman's request!  I have been shooting the 70-200 2.8 II IS for over a year with the 7D and am very happy, but JUST got the 135 and haven't had the chance yet to get into the gym (volleyball).

I was wondering if anyone has experienced some handheld camera shake with the 135?  The 70-200 "IS" has given me no trouble, but the 135 (w/o my usual monopod), seems sl less stable.

Logic says keep the shutter at 1/250 or higher and you will be fine. Try panning at 1/100 for different effects.

Yes. That is good advice. Thanks

Is there anyone that can show indoor sports photos taken with an APS-C - like 7D?
EDIT: I am asking because I have read: http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Canon_200L_1.html

"Overall I think the 135L is a better lens, but the 135mm focal length can be tricky to work with - too long indoors, not enough reach outdoors."