David Schloss

Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens review. Worth the price?

David Schloss
Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens review. Worth the price?

I recently got my hands on Canon's 135mm lens and felt compelled to see if it lives up to the hype and its $2,000 price tag. In my YouTube review, I dived deep into what this lens offers, shedding light on both its marvels and minor pitfalls.

Full review can be found on my YouTube channel

The 135mm focal length has always been a personal favorite, especially for portrait shots. This lens gave me that desired compression effect I love in long telephoto lenses without being overwhelming. It was a fresh perspective compared to the usual 85mm lens most of us portrait photographers default to. Beyond its standout performance for portraits, corporate shots, and weddings, I was genuinely surprised by its prowess in capturing sports moments. This was particularly evident when I recalled the jaw-dropping images from Sony's launch event for their 135mm lens, where the rapid pace of a basketball game was caught with such precision. Canon's RF iteration only strengthened my love for the 135mm with its cutting-edge specs, rapid nano USM focusing motors, and top-tier image stabilization. But it's not without its quirks; its weight, especially the bulky lens hood, did pose a bit of a challenge.

In conclusion, my experience with Canon's 135mm lens has been nothing short of transformative. It's not just a fantastic portrait lens anymore. Its versatility has expanded to encompass sports and various professional photography genres. Yes, the price might seem daunting at first, but considering the quality and range of shots I've achieved with it, it's an investment I'd recommend to fellow photographers. If you're as curious as I was, do check out my full video and related content to get an even better understanding of this lens's capabilities.