Canon EF 135mm F2.8 SF

Overview

The Canon EF 135mm F2.8 SF is a unique lens in Canon's lineup, combining a standard telephoto focal length with a special soft-focus feature that can be both playful and artistic. Designed for Canon's EF mount, this lens is versatile for portrait, event, and even some landscape photography, appealing to a range of photographers who enjoy manipulating the look and feel of their images.

Design and Build Quality

From the moment you take the lens out of the box, it's clear that the build quality is impressive. The lens body feels sturdy and well-constructed, making it suitable for regular use in various conditions. With a weight of approximately 600 grams, it strikes a decent balance between portability and robustness. The smooth manual focus ring is a joy to use, allowing for precise adjustments, especially when shooting portraits where soft focus is desired.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Canon EF 135mm F2.8 SF is commendable. Images are sharp, particularly when stopped down a bit, and the lens exhibits excellent color rendition. The unique soft-focus feature adds an extra level of creativity—by using the soft-focus control ring, you can achieve a beautifully diffused look without compromising too much on the overall quality of the image. However, this effect is not for everyone, and it may take some time to master.

Soft Focus Feature

The standout element of this lens is undoubtedly its soft-focus feature. At first, it might seem gimmicky, but when used correctly, it can create stunning portraits with a dream-like quality. However, this feature does come with a trade-off; when the soft focus is engaged to a significant degree, there can be a noticeable reduction in sharpness and detail around the edges of the image. Therefore, it requires a little finesse to find the right balance.

Versatility

This lens shines in portrait photography, offering beautiful bokeh and depth that elevates your subject and separates them from the background. Besides, its 135mm focal length makes it an excellent choice for candid shots in social settings. That said, it may not be the most versatile lens for everyday shooting where you require rapid adaptability, since this lens favors a specific aesthetic.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Beautiful bokeh and depth for portraits
• Creative soft-focus feature for unique images
• Sharpness is solid when stopped down
• Versatile for social events and portraits

Cons

• The soft-focus feature can reduce overall sharpness
• Limited adaptability for fast-paced shooting scenarios
• Not the lightest option in its class

Verdict

The Canon EF 135mm F2.8 SF is a beautiful lens that offers a blend of quality and creativity, perfect for photographers who appreciate soft-focus effects and want to add a unique touch to their portraits. While it has some limitations regarding sharpness when the soft focus is fully engaged and may not be the best all-around lens for varied shooting conditions, its distinctive abilities make it a worthwhile addition for those focused on capturing emotion and atmosphere in their work. If you're looking to experiment and expand your photographic style, this lens is definitely worth considering.