cococostco's reviews

  • Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very sharp even at f2, build quality, price, weight, autofocus is fast, bokeh
    No IS, flare, autofocus isn't quite as consistent as some newer lenses

    I owned this lens for a long time, then traded it for the 70-200 2.8IS II. I liked the extra versatility of the zoom and the ability to shoot at 200mm. Well, after lugging that lens around for years, I'm experimenting with adding the 135L back to my kit. The 135L is half the weight of the 70-200 2.8IS. This is huge for me, as it allows me to be much more nimble with getting the right composition and angle. I found with the 70-200 made me lazy. Due to the weight, at times I didn't move my shooting position and just zoomed to a composition that worked.

    This lens is very sharp, corner to corner wide open. It improves slightly stopped down.

    Focal length is great. I thought I would miss shooting at 200mm, but 135mm is long enough for most portraits and gives a decent amount of compression.

    F2 allows higher shutter speeds in lower light without raising the ISO. I just wish this lens had IS for low light and portraits with flash. With the high megapixel cameras, most people are going to ideally want to shoot at 1/200 or faster. You can go lower, but you have to watch your technique. IS would also help outside with wind.

    Besides lack of IS, the only major issue I have with this lens is flare. It could really use an update to its coatings. This lens flares easily and the flare can be especially ugly if a sun or flash are in the frame.

    Overall, spectacular lens. Could use a few updates.

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    reviewed November 2nd, 2015 (purchased for $725)