Canon EF135mm f/2L USM

[briansquibb]

I use Manual mode with auto ISO in a variable light situation (so that is nearly always  )

I use the 135 mostly on F/2 or F/2.8 as it lifts the subject out of the background

Hey Brian, you must be shooting those with your 7D or 1D4 correct?  Because my 5D mkII does not have autoISO in manual mode (well ok from 100-400  ) so I would kill for autoISO in manual!

Just on a trip now and I only brought the 135L to force me to get use to it and it rocks!  Will post pictures apon my return.

Started using it with the 7D and continued it with the 1D4. Just bought a 1Ds3 - hope that works the same (will pick it up on Monday)

[fear_through_the_eyes]

Fence of thousands bras by Fear_Through_The_Eyes, on Flickr

[Cornershot]

@ fear_through_the_eyes Great photo! Love the color and depth of field.

[briansquibb]

Cant beat that creamy background

[fesapo]

I'll never understand fashion in Tokyo:


Authentic Artifice by Fesapo, on Flickr

[JR]

I am starting to love this lens as a walk around lens.  The only thing I find is color vibrance is not as nice as with the other newer L lenses I have.  In both pictures below I played with the vibrance setting in Lightroom...

[funkboy]

I am starting to love this lens as a walk around lens.  The only thing I find is color vibrance is not as nice as with the other newer L lenses I have.  In both pictures below I played with the vibrance setting in Lightroom...

I'd agree that the 135L is more neutral than a lot of other Canon lenses; for example the 50mm f/1.4 always seemed kinda hot in the yellow/green department to me.  I'm a big fan of the "look" of Zeiss images (the microcontrast in particular just knocks my socks off when you get a good shot with it).  The 135L seems more "Leica-like" to me, but that's no bad thing :-).

[briansquibb]

I like the neutral starting point as it gives more scope for filters and/or pp changes

[JR]

I like the neutral starting point as it gives more scope for filters and/or pp changes

Which filter do you like to use with your 135L Brian (beside a polarizing filter I mean)? 

I'd agree that the 135L is more neutral than a lot of other Canon lenses; for example the 50mm f/1.4 always seemed kinda hot in the yellow/green department to me.  I'm a big fan of the "look" of Zeiss images (the microcontrast in particular just knocks my socks off when you get a good shot with it).  The 135L seems more "Leica-like" to me, but that's no bad thing :-).

U right, more neutral is more like it.  I wonder if it is the coating on the lens of newer "L" series that makes them more snappy?  My 85 1.2L II or any other L I own for that matter have a different feel then the 135L.  I wonder if Canon will ever update this wonderful 135L lens...

[jasonsim]

Great bokeh.  I like it most for it's smallish size and low weight.  And that it is black and not noticed as much. 
 



 

 
--Jason

[briansquibb]

I like the neutral starting point as it gives more scope for filters and/or pp changes

Which filter do you like to use with your 135L Brian (beside a polarizing filter I mean)? 

I use a range of Cokin filters, for example:

Grad sunset
Grad blue
ND/Grad ND

With the Cokin/Lee approach you can stack the filters nicely, for example ND grad from the bottom, gap in middle, Grad Sunset from top + Polarisor gives a lovely sunset over the sea.

[dr croubie]

With the Cokin/Lee approach you can stack the filters nicely, for example ND grad from the bottom, gap in middle, Grad Sunset from top + Polarisor gives a lovely sunset over the sea.

Of course now we're all going to be asking for example photos...

[JR]

I use a range of Cokin filters, for example:

Grad sunset
Grad blue
ND/Grad ND

With the Cokin/Lee approach you can stack the filters nicely, for example ND grad from the bottom, gap in middle, Grad Sunset from top + Polarisor gives a lovely sunset over the sea.

Thanks Brian!  I will look into those.  I have been meaning to expand my knowledge of filters as right now it is limited to polarized and clear ones!  I will give them a try.   

[briansquibb]

With the Cokin/Lee approach you can stack the filters nicely, for example ND grad from the bottom, gap in middle, Grad Sunset from top + Polarisor gives a lovely sunset over the sea.

Of course now we're all going to be asking for example photos...

ND grad at top 3/4 + polarisor

[JR]

ND grad at top 3/4 + polarisor

Very good balance.  Have you used or tried the B+W grad filters?  Are they as good as the ones you are using?