Canon EF 135mm F2.8 Soft Focus Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1987.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
It's been a long time since the lens and this model first was launched. Before you buy an older (and perhaps used and pre owned) lens a recommendation is to check with the manufacturer and their service centers whether there still are spare parts available. Hopefully spare parts wont be an issue but imagine accidently damaging the lens and finding out afterwards that no spare parts exists. We therefore recommend that you, to be sure, check this prior to purchasing.
If you buy a new lens, in a store, you always have your warranty to fall back on, regardless of the age of the lens but if you are interested in buying a pre owned and used lens without warranty this may be even more important to look up because you might otherwise be left without both warranty and spare parts.
Product description from Canon
At launch 1987 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 135mm F2.8 Soft Focus:
"Telephoto lens with a softfocus feature. It can give razor-sharp snapshots as well as softfocus shots that do not look blurry. You have a choice of two softfocus settings. Even for softfocus shots, focusing with AF is quick and accurate.
A medium telephoto lens with built-in softfocus function. While providing sharp, high-quality telephoto performance for normal use, a molded glass(GMo) aspherical lens element (4th) moves for spherical aberration-generating to vary the degree of softfocus effect. This design provides a superb softfocus effect while at the same time precisely corrects changes in aberration due to changes in focusing distance. Softfocus effect is ideal for portrait and pictorial scenes. Two degrees of softfocus can be selected. The AF system precisely focuses the subject for the optimum softfocus effect."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 135 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 135mm F2.8 Soft Focus
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 52 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "ET-65 III") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Works on all sensor types
- Light weight (390 gr)
- No lens hood is included
- The lens model is more than 15 years old
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 135mm F2.8 Soft Focus.
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| Autofocus |
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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