Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens
The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is a 135mm f/2 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $476.34 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens
Used Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Key Features — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
135mm f/2 Prime: A fixed 135mm focal length with a fast f/2 maximum aperture delivers strong subject separation and low-light capability in a single optimized optical design.
Canon L-Series Build: Part of Canon's professional L-series lineup, the lens is built to a higher standard of optical and mechanical quality than consumer-grade EF lenses.
Ring USM Autofocus: Canon's ring-type Ultrasonic Motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus that is well-suited to portrait, event, and action shooting.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full 35mm frame, making it fully compatible with Canon's full-frame DSLR bodies with no vignetting.
Canon EF Mount: Fits the Canon EF mount, giving it broad compatibility across Canon's entire DSLR lineup from entry-level to professional bodies.
Full-Time Manual Focus: Manual focus can be engaged at any time without switching out of autofocus mode, allowing quick fine-tuning of focus after AF acquisition.
Lens Specifications — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Sports, Wedding, Studio, Event |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Manual, Auto |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 72mm |
Description — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is a prime telephoto lens designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras, covering a full-frame image circle. With a fixed 135mm focal length and a fast f/2 maximum aperture, it is built for photographers who want a dedicated telephoto prime with strong low-light capability and pronounced background separation potential. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, providing flexibility across a range of shooting situations.
A 72mm filter thread makes it straightforward to attach commonly available screw-in filters. Weighing 750g, it carries the build substance typical of Canon's L-series professional range. It is worth noting that this lens has no image stabilization, so handheld shooting technique becomes more critical, particularly at longer exposures.
For Canon EF-mount DSLR shooters looking for a fixed telephoto prime at f/2, this lens covers the full-frame format and delivers the focal length and aperture combination in a single, dedicated optic.
Pros — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
- ✓Fast f/2 maximum aperture enables shooting in lower light conditions
- ✓Fixed 135mm focal length prime design optimized for full-frame coverage
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus operation for shooting flexibility
Cons — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
- ✗No image stabilization, which can make handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds more challenging
- ✗750g weight is moderately heavy for a prime lens, adding noticeable bulk to a kit
- ✗Fixed 135mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, requiring physical repositioning to reframe
Videos — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
Canon 135mm f/2 USM 'L' lens review with samples (Full-frame and APS-C)) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount, making it compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. It is not natively compatible with other mount systems without the use of a third-party adapter.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Photographers shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds should account for this when planning their shoots.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 72mm filter thread, so it accepts standard 72mm screw-in filters such as UV, polarizing, or ND filters.
Is this lens compatible with full-frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle and is fully compatible with Canon's full-frame EF-mount DSLRs.
Can I use autofocus with this lens?+
Yes, the lens supports autofocus. It also offers manual focus as an option, so you can switch between the two focus modes depending on your shooting needs.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 750g. This is worth considering when building out a kit, particularly for photographers who prioritize a lighter travel or handheld setup.