Canon 135mm f2 mk2?

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I've used it on both and feel the images were similarly handled, though I was at max focal length on the 70--200. I will do a comparison specifically at 135 this weekend, but I am pleased with the results at 200 + 1.4 and don't really have a need to do 135 + 1.4, except to have 135*1.4 at f2.8 instead of 135*1.4 af f4 (using the 70-200).
 
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Crapking said:
I've used it on both and feel the images were similarly handled, though I was at max focal length on the 70--200. I will do a comparison specifically at 135 this weekend, but I am pleased with the results at 200 + 1.4 and don't really have a need to do 135 + 1.4, except to have 135*1.4 at f2.8 instead of 135*1.4 af f4 (using the 70-200).

Thanks. I was just curious because sometimes it's easier to sneak in the 135 into an event rather than the 70-200.
 
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jwong said:
Just curious, but does anyone know how the 135 f/2 does with the 1.4x III compared to the 70-200 f/2.8 II?

Well, I had a 70-200 f/4L (non-IS) & sold it because it was redundant next to my 135L + 1.4x II (I'd never carry both the zoom AND the 135/tc, and the zoom usually lost the draw). The 135/tc package is extremely portable, esp. if you're in an environment where you can carry the TC in your pocket & only use it when you need it (i.e. someplace not very dusty). Basically the TC induces a very slight loss of contrast that can be easily compensated for in post. Well worth the investment. I'd love another reasonably priced fast prime that works with the TC.
 
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razbo said:
Hi guys,

I'm looking in purchasing a canon 135mm f2, what i need to know, if there is a possibility of a version 2 about to be releases this year

Thanks

Raz

I personally think people put way too much emphasis on newest lenses when it is not needed. My thoughts on how the new pieces of glass are for the newer higher resolution cameras is a load of crap. And anyone defending this and showing examples of minute improvements is spending too much time with the technicals aspects when they should be focusing on taking photos. the current 135L is an amazing lens IF you need it for a specific purpose. I love it but rarely find use for it in my market.

Buy it second hand if you can.
 
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Thanks funkboy andf drfl (thanks for the link to the photos). I got a 1.4x TC for my 70-200 because I'm planning to move to FF soon, and I didn't want to lose the range I currently enjoy with the crop body. Unfortunately, I didn't know it at the time, but the 1.4x TC does not work with the 100mm macros. I'd like to use the 135 with and without the TC at indoor shows where the they might stop larger, more conspicuous lenses from getting in. It's now on the list to get. I'm hoping that the 5DIII and lenses will have sale at the end of 2012. If not, the FF camera may have to wait but the 135 is not a bad consolation prize. ;D
 
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I use the CZeiss ZE 100/2 very often and love the results, ie I have a lot of usage at that focal length. Would you, guys, consider getting the 135/2 as well in this case? I have been circling around it for the last half year - my argument been that the new FF will have a better AF and shooting candid or street at 100 with MF is not really easy, I can't get 100% sharp and my wife can't use it either. So, the rumored AF, the usability with a TC, and the high microcontrast and sharpness pull me towards the 135 as an addition to the 100/2 macro from CZ. The price as well...
On the other side, the FL is similar, CZ has slightly better IQ and is already in my bag.
I think I will sell my 70-200/4 IS and get the 135 now. The former doesn't get used at all.
Thanks for joining my circles of thought !
 
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This is my blanket reply to anyone considering "buy now or wait" with any lens.

There is no money upside to waiting for the new version of a lens. Canon seems to have fully embraced the notion of jacking the price of a lens way up when it gets updated, so your older version will most likely hold it's value or maybe even increase should you decide to sell.

Furthermore, having owned or rented pretty much all the "L" telephotos at one time or another, there is not a single one that is anything short of "awesome." There's only an infinitesimal amount of additional awesome that could possibly be packed in to these lenses, so it's not as if you will be left driving a Yugo while others are getting Ferraris.

I'd say only hold out for the refresh if you have that kind of "lens asperger's" that causes you to *freak out* if you're not *always* using the latest thing (and have the bank account to support that habit).

The 135mm 2.0 is right at the top of my list of "jump on it if a good used one shows up at the local emporium." The last few to come through were all beat up and near to death, which tells you three things: 1) People use this lens. 2) People love this lens. 3) People don't let this lens go until it's used up. (Good copies do show up on eBay, but I like to get my hands directly on a lens before I buy.)
 
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I just went through the same thinking and decided to buy the lens now. This lens is amazing (as many here have written) and I believe it will retain its value because of the quality of the images it renders. I bought it last week and took it on business trip to New York. Here are four images that show the range of what it can do with a Canon 40D.

6775466848_3ffb205aa3_b.jpg

General Sherman and Nike at Grand Army Plaza

6921415891_fcbf16e1bf_z.jpg
George M. Cohan ("Give my regards to Broadway") statue at Times Square

6921447631_4440ab1b86_b.jpg
First Cardinal of the season

6775300732_f5450a5932_z.jpg
Diamond District NYC
 
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BobSanderson said:
I just went through the same thinking and decided to buy the lens now. This lens is amazing (as many here have written) and I believe it will retain its value because of the quality of the images it renders. I bought it last week and took it on business trip to New York. Here are four images that show the range of what it can do with a Canon 40D.

6775466848_3ffb205aa3_b.jpg

General Sherman and Nike at Grand Army Plaza

6921415891_fcbf16e1bf_z.jpg
George M. Cohan "Give my regards to Broadway"

6921447631_4440ab1b86_b.jpg
First Cardinal of the season

6775300732_f5450a5932_z.jpg
Diamond District NYC

Brilliant shots! Especially the last two (Cardinal and Portrait/street). Did you go max at F2.0 on those?
 
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Arkarch said:
I rented a 135 f/2.0 to handle some evening holiday events - just awesome, the bokeh, the focus, the low light performance.

A couple notes tho - The narrow DOF and prime, especially on a crop (effectively 216mm), makes it a bit of a challenge to learn. Easier to use on a Full Frame no doubt. And I noticed it gets a bit ghosted when you aim near the sun or other strong light source - not a flare but just generally 'frosted over'. I don't know the technical term - sorry.

So my shopping list ranking - I was having fits this winter about buying that or going for the non-IS 70-200 f/2.8 for the versatility - and trying to stay within a rough budget. Then I finally opened my wallet up and got the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II on rebate -- wow! The 135 f/2.0 remains on my shopping list but now its behind my 2.8 mm upgrades in the wide (16-35) and medium range (new 24-70); and probably the 100 macro. Still, quite memorable and definitely will be in my bag when I need to do low light event work - even as a rental.


In regards to the "ghosting" or general "frosting" over - I do believe that's referred to as "halation." As far as I know. Cheers.
 
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This thread is a little old, so I thought I'd bring it back to life now that there are new bodies on the horizon.
I'm thinking of buying the 135 f2 lens for a 6D, is there any reason that I should hold off (any talk of newer version on the horizon?) since it's getting a little long in the tooth as a nearly 2 decade old lens? How future-proof do you think this lens will be - ex, Do you think it'll maintain its renowned sharpness on the newer high res bodies (5DS, 5DSR?)
 
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