Information About a New Canon 135mm Lens

[Maiaibing]

Apodization filters are used to accomplish the following:- "In optics, it is primarily used to remove Airy disks caused by diffraction around an intensity peak, improving the focus".

Sony / Minolta STF 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] is manual focus only and this is what is said about it:-

Apodization is a process in spatial signal processing which can enhance resolution by reducing the secondary maxima in the diffraction pattern of the lens' aperture. The STF lens features an optical apodization filter in form of a neutral-gray tinted concave lens element near the lens' diaphragm modulating the intensity profiles of the circles of confusion in such a way as to become truly Gaussian. Thereby, it is also deemed to improve the "bokeh" of the lens, that is the character of the image in the out-of-focus areas.

The lens offers two separate diaphragms; one nine-bladed circular diaphragm, controlled by the camera when the lens is set to auto mode ("A"), and one ten-bladed perfectly circular diaphragm, which is controlled by the lens' aperture ring when set to manual settings T4.5 to T6.7.

The f-number in this lens refers to the effective aperture opening and determines the depth-of-field produced by its use. The T-number refers to the amount of light, which passes through the lens and is collected on the film or sensor, as such, transmission stops are used by the camera to calculate exposure. Both values differ significantly, because the tinted glass element remains in the optical path all the time. Fully open, the difference amounts to 1.5 EV, however, the difference will become smaller as the aperture is closed, just as the smoothening effect will become reduced.

This lens use of T numbers mirrors lenses in cinematography which do not have f stops but want accurate transmitted light.

If this is what Canon is working on then I would suggest its aimed at portrait shooters and doesn't have a secondary purpose. Cameras such as the 5DS provide so much resolution that they are not flattering to skin imperfections and an element of "smoothing" would enhance the subject.

A STF-lens does not smooth the picture. The 135mm STF is actually super sharp. Its smooths the out of focus area to deliver stunning bokeh - even when you start stopping your lens down.

Minolta's STF does not have AF. But Fuji has a 56mm that does: FUJINON LENS XF56mmF1.2 R APD

Like the Minolta its a stunning lens. And it has AF - a world's first for this kind of lens.

The ARD is an extra 500$ compared to the standard 56mm FUJINON lens.

Stumbled on a good article about the difference between the two FUJINON-lenses: https://ivanjoshualoh.com/2014/12/13/apd-the-new-king/ Could be the same for the Canon (if its a apodization lens too).

 

[geekpower]

EF 135mm f/2L APO IS USM does sound expensive, in an "i should probably start saving now" way

 

[Maiaibing]

EF 135mm f/2L APO IS USM does sound expensive, in an "i should probably start saving now" way

Guessing from the FUJI:

135L Street Price
New +400$
APD +500$
IS +150$
APO +100$
Package rebate 15%

~1.700$

Sounds like something I could imagine.

 

[NancyP]

Has anyone seen the Laowa 135mm apodization lens?

 

[mclaren777]

The sooner we get a release date for the 85mm IS, the happier I will be.

 

[jdramirez]

I'm really happy with my 135L... So unless they create a hybrid lens/fleshlight, I don't think I have much interest.

Oh, that's unfortunate.

I think it's time for a PSA on proofing your writing... and probably another PSA on the enduring purpose of the Modify button.

- A

No... it was a joke... not a typo...

 

[Cthulhu]

I agree with the whole IS making it a new name and such. However, if it were a direct replacement, I'd think they retire the current 135. The naming convention is just a technicality.

Personally it doesn't make sense to me as anything other then a direct replacement. The current lens is already a bit of a specialized, niche lens, I'm not sure I see room for a 2nd, even more specialized lens at that FL.

It is an excellent lens for shooting action and pet photography. I think a lot of people who use a 70-200 would be surprised at how often their lens is locked at the 135mm range.

That is the interesting angle, I think. The 100L Macro doubles as a great short tele. The 24-70 f/4L has that super handy 0.7x Macro. These are two examples of lenses with presumed principal uses adding to what they can do, like an athlete who can field numerous positions.

I wonder if Canon may breathe new life into this 'you only buy it for f/2 portrait work' lens with new functionality. IS clearly would be a boon for video use, but the possibility of this lens serving an entirely different role is an interesting one to consider.

- A

Is that what you think people view this lens is? I find it very versatile. It's an amazing indoor sports lens for one thing. It's also a landscape lens (every lens is a landscape lens) I'm not in the 'It's magical' camp but I am in the 'It's pretty darn near magical' camp. You know how there are countless articles online about putting a 50 on your camera and just using that to learn the ropes? This is also one of those lenses , sure there will be a bit more crowding and sneaker zooming but it is very versatile already imho.

Full Disclosure, I own the lens, I love the lens. I acquired it barely over a year ago and it had been on my wishlist for a very long time. I might not say it's magical either, but it might be very close.

Like the guy I bought it from (wedding shooter who appreciated the flexibility of the zoom), I feel many would rather compromise the one stop of light/bokeh (size and weight too) and own/use the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. So that is kind of my argument, with the 70-200 being just so good, and not compromising too much, many people would choose that lens instead.

Also, to ahsanford's point, and this is something I had to see more for myself, the 100mm f/2.8 macro is a very excellent portrait lens as well. So much so in fact that if that lens is attached I'll just use that versus digging up the 135mm and swapping that on. Mind you, this is for casual shooting with the family, not a dedicated photo session.

 

[benkam]

The new 135L IS won't be a replacement for the current one because it's going to have IS, new elements, BR optics, weather sealing and then Canon's going to price it twice as much. They'll have to keep the old one as the value lens and the new one as the cost-not-so-much-an-object one.

 

[Donkey_Kong]

The "completely new" and "lens of its own" talk is just an early justification for a whole new price point :

There once was a nail, which you smashed right on the head.

 

[slclick]

The "completely new" and "lens of its own" talk is just an early justification for a whole new price point :

There once was a nail, which you smashed right on the head.

You may be right. Until we know more however, the word 'may' has more weight than your hammer.

 

[Maiaibing]

The "completely new" and "lens of its own" talk is just an early justification for a whole new price point :

There once was a nail, which you smashed right on the head.

You may be right. Until we know more however, the word 'may' has more weight than your hammer.

Given the excitement following the 85mm with IS announcement I'd say a 135mm with IS and Apodization filter would actually merit a higher price point.

 

[Loswr]

The "completely new" and "lens of its own" talk is just an early justification for a whole new price point :

There once was a nail, which you smashed right on the head.

You may be right. Until we know more however, the word 'may' has more weight than your hammer.

Given the excitement following the 85mm with IS announcement I'd say a 135mm with IS and Apodization filter would actually merit a higher price point.

Not that such merit would, in any way, stop people from complaining about that price.

 

[ExodistPhotography]

..........

It's not technically a new 135 f/2L USM II if...

...it gets IS
...if it is a DO design
...it turns out to be a tilt-shift
...they build a 1.4x T/C into like the 200-400
...it has macro functionality
...it is something other than f/2
...it doesn't have USM

(did I miss anything?)

................

- A

I think you nailed it on the head..

I also very much think it will be an IS version. Just hope like heck its not slower then f/2.
Now a lot of people do not see the need for IS on a fast lens despite that hardly no one uses the fastest aperture for every freaking shot.
Also with the increase in pixel density the rhetorical rule of making your shutter speed faster then your focal length is pretty much thrown out the window as the higher the pixel density the faster the shutter speed much be to still achieve pixel level sharpness. Thus IS becomes more essential. Its already to the point on cameras like the 80D, that even saying 1.6x focal length just does not cut it anymore unless you got the steady hands of a professional sniper..


That said, I would pay 1,200 bucks for an IS version of the 135mm with same optical configuration, but with updated lens coatings. Just hope adding IS does not screw up the already fantastic optical performance.

 

[slclick]

..........

It's not technically a new 135 f/2L USM II if...

...it gets IS
...if it is a DO design
...it turns out to be a tilt-shift
...they build a 1.4x T/C into like the 200-400
...it has macro functionality
...it is something other than f/2
...it doesn't have USM

(did I miss anything?)

................

- A

I think you nailed it on the head..

I also very much think it will be an IS version. Just hope like heck its not slower then f/2.
Now a lot of people do not see the need for IS on a fast lens despite that hardly no one uses the fastest aperture for every freaking shot.
Also with the increase in pixel density the rhetorical rule of making your shutter speed faster then your focal length is pretty much thrown out the window as the higher the pixel density the faster the shutter speed much be to still achieve pixel level sharpness. Thus IS becomes more essential. Its already to the point on cameras like the 80D, that even saying 1.6x focal length just does not cut it anymore unless you got the steady hands of a professional sniper..


That said, I would pay 1,200 bucks for an IS version of the 135mm with same optical configuration, but with updated lens coatings. Just hope adding IS does not screw up the already fantastic optical performance.

This is a reasonable hope and request. +1

 

[AvTvM]

Not that such merit would, in any way, stop people from complaining about that price.

well, how much additional cost is involved for Canon to add IS and "aphrodisiac" filter ;D into a lens? 100 bucks? Less? Asking twice MSRP of 135 L for it? No. "Not merited."

 

[ExodistPhotography]

..............

-not be an "L" lens, or
-be an EF-s lens. (though that would be a bit weird at X1.6)

Actually 135mm on APS-C is equiv to 216mm. Which will let you compress the heck out of the background and create amazing portraits. But its also great for telephoto landscapes too.. Plus much more..
While anything over 200mm for portraits may seem strange to some. Its quit common for professional photographers to use the EF 300mm f/2.8L on full frame. Most of those old 90s sports illustrated beach swim suit photos were shot with those lenses.

 

[neonlight]

So what colour ring will it have? Not an L- not red; they've used green for DO, blue?

 

[AE-1Burnham]

PERHAPS this is the first full-frame EF-M "L" lens, a double firsting of sorts...?!

8)

Happy shooting y'alls!

 

[uri.raz]

So what colour ring will it have? Not an L- not red; they've used green for DO, blue?

Double L rings all the way through...

 

[turkeyjerky214]

I'm really happy with my 135L... So unless they create a hybrid lens/fleshlight, I don't think I have much interest.

Posts like this are why CR needs a "like" button.