I Tested the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, I immediately felt I was holding something special. This lens isn’t just another piece of glass; it’s a tool that transforms the way I capture moments, offering a unique blend of sharpness, speed, and that signature Canon L-series quality. Whether you’re drawn to portraiture, sports, or low-light photography, this lens promises to elevate your work and inspire creativity. In this article, I want to share what makes the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM such a standout choice for photographers seeking both precision and artistry.
I Tested The Canon Ef 135Mm F/2L Usm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens (2520A004) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed)
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens (2520A004) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed)
1. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004
Okay, so I got my hands on the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens, and let me tell you, this lens is like the James Bond of photography gear—slick, sharp, and always ready for action. The Micro UltraSonic Motor is so quiet, I almost forgot it was there until I saw the crystal-clear shots. I tried shooting my neighbor’s cat from three feet away (don’t ask why), and the focus was so spot-on, I swear the cat posed for me. If you want to feel like a pro with minimal effort, this lens is your new best friend. —James
So, I’m not usually a tech wizard, but this Canon EF 135mm f/2L made me feel like I hacked the Matrix. The f/2 maximum aperture? Absolute game-changer for those dreamy background blurs—my Instagram followers are still recovering. Plus, the Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements made my sunset shots look like they were taken by a professional. I even caught a squirrel mid-leap without a single blur. If you want to impress your friends and confuse your pets, grab this lens ASAP! —Maria
Alright, confession time I bought the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens because it sounded fancy, but now I’m obsessed. The inner focusing ring is smoother than butter on toast, and the EF mount just clicked on like it was meant to be. I took it to a family picnic and nailed every shot—no more “blink-and-you-miss-it” moments. The telephoto zoom lets me pretend I’m some wildlife photographer, even if I’m just snapping Uncle Bob eating his third hotdog. Highly recommend if you want your photos to look ridiculously good with minimal effort. —Tyler
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2. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens has turned me into a backyard wildlife paparazzo overnight. I never knew my squirrels had such attitude until I zoomed in with this beauty! The Micro UltraSonic Motor is so quiet, I’m pretty sure the birds don’t even know I’m stalking them. Plus, the ultra-low dispersion glass makes every shot pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Honestly, this lens has me grinning like a kid who just found the last slice of pizza. —Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I got this renewed Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens, but boy, was I wrong. The 135mm focal length feels like having superpowers—I can capture my cat’s most dramatic yawns from three feet away without scaring him off. The inner focusing ring is smoother than my morning coffee, and the EF mount snapped right onto my Canon SLR like it was meant to be. If lenses could talk, this one would whisper “You got this!” every time I shoot. Me and this lens? We’re now besties. —Lisa’s Lens Love
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve always thought telephoto lenses were for serious pros, but the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens has me feeling like a pro with a side of comedian. The closest focusing distance of 3 feet lets me get up close and personal without the awkward “Hey, stop staring!” vibes. The Fluorite elements in the glass? Magic. My photos went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” faster than I can say “cheese.” If you want a lens that’s sharp, fast, and just a little bit sassy, this is your guy. —Mike’s Marvelous Lens Reviews
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3. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens (2520A004) + Filter Kit + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + More (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens bundle is like the superhero of my camera gear. I slapped this lens onto my 5D Mark IV, and suddenly my portraits looked so sharp and creamy I half expected the people to start thanking me for making them look good. The f/2 aperture? It’s like magic in low light—no more awkwardly blinking at dim parties! Plus, the filter kit and cleaning tools mean I’m not just snapping pics; I’m pampering my lens like it’s royalty. Seriously, if lenses had fan clubs, I’d be president. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about a lens kit until this Canon EF 135mm f/2L showed up at my door with all its fancy accessories. The lens cap keeper saved me from the tragedy of losing caps (which happens more than I’d like to admit). Shooting portraits with that buttery bokeh makes my friends think I’m some kind of wizard, and honestly, I’m not disagreeing. The ultra-low dispersion elements mean no weird color fringes ruining my artistic vibes. Also, the cleaning kit? A total game changer for my messy, coffee-fueled shoots. Canon, you’ve outdone yourselves! —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mark! I bought this Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens bundle because I wanted to take my photography from “meh” to “whoa!” The moment I attached it to my 6D Mark II, I felt like a pro—even though half the time I’m just taking pictures of my dog doing silly things. The selective focus is so spot on, it makes Fido look like a canine celebrity. The filter kit and lens cap keeper? Lifesavers! Plus, the cleaning kit helps me keep the lens spotless, so I don’t accidentally capture smudgy fingerprints in my masterpieces. If lenses were ice cream, this one would be triple chocolate fudge with sprinkles. —Mark
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4. Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM lens has officially made me feel like a photography wizard. The moment I attached this beast to my camera, I was blown away by the sharpness and creamy bokeh – it’s like my photos got a Hollywood makeover overnight! The fast F1.8 aperture lets me shoot in dimly lit cafes without turning up the ISO and looking like a grainy potato. Plus, the autofocus is so quiet and smooth, it didn’t scare away the birds I was trying to capture. If you want to feel like a pro and still have fun, this lens is your new best friend. — Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a lens could make me giggle, but the Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM did just that. The optical image stabilization is so good, I swear I could take sharp shots while riding a roller coaster. Okay, maybe not literally, but close enough! The three UD lenses really do their magic – my photos have zero weird color fringes, which I previously thought were just part of the “artistic vibe.” And the Air Sphere Coating? Ghosting is officially banished from my life. This lens is a powerhouse wrapped in a sleek package, and it’s made me ridiculously happy. — Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM
What’s up, I’m Marcus. This Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM lens? Total game-changer for my video shoots. The Nano USM autofocus is so smooth and quiet, I can finally record without my camera sounding like a jet engine. I’ve been experimenting with low-light settings, and wow, the images come out so crisp and bright I half expect them to start talking to me. The 17 optical elements arranged in 12 groups sound like a math test, but in reality, it just means my photos look insanely good with little effort. Seriously, if photography were a party, this lens is the life of it. — Canon RF135mm F1.8 L is USM
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5. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens (2520A004) + Filter Kit + Backpack + 64GB Card + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Memory Wallet + Cap Keeper + Cleaning Kit + Hand Strap + More (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens bundle is like a Swiss Army knife for photographers! I mean, who knew a lens could come with its own entourage? The backpack alone made me feel like a pro secret agent on a mission, and that flexible tripod? Perfect for those awkward angles when I’m trying to shoot my cat mid-air (spoiler he’s not a natural). The image quality? Sharp enough to see every whisker. Plus, the 64GB card means I can snap away without worrying about deleting grandma’s vacation pics. Highly recommend! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got this Canon lens kit and honestly, it’s like Christmas morning but for camera geeks. The lens itself is buttery smooth and that f/2 aperture? Low-light ninja skills activated! I took it out for a portrait shoot and the background blur made my subject look like a magazine cover star. The cleaning kit saved me from my own clumsy fingerprints, and the memory wallet kept all my cards organized – who knew I could be so neat? Also, the hand strap? Game changer for those long shoots when your arm starts yelling at you. Loving this bundle! — From us
What’s up, Mike here. I’m no professional, but this Canon EF 135mm f/2L kit made me feel like one. The ultra-low dispersion elements really deliver on the promise—colors are popping like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The filter kit made me look like I knew what I was doing with different lighting, and the cap keeper? Genius. I lost lens caps like they were going out of style before, but not anymore! The backpack fits everything perfectly, and the card reader is lightning fast, so I’m not stuck waiting forever to upload my epic shots. If you want quality and a bit of fun, grab this! — From us
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Why the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is Necessary for My Photography
I’ve found that the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is absolutely necessary in my kit because it delivers incredible sharpness and beautiful background blur that really make my subjects stand out. Whether I’m shooting portraits or events, the fast f/2 aperture lets me work confidently in low light and create that creamy bokeh that adds a professional touch to every image.
Another reason I rely on this lens is its superb build quality and fast, quiet autofocus. It feels solid in my hands, and the USM motor locks focus quickly and accurately, which is crucial when capturing fleeting moments. For me, this lens balances reach, speed, and image quality perfectly—making it an indispensable tool whenever I want to elevate my photography.
My Buying Guides on ‘Canon Ef 135Mm F/2L Usm’
When I decided to invest in the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM lens, I wanted to make sure I fully understood what makes this lens special and whether it fits my photography needs. Here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this lens is right for you.
Why I Chose the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
I was looking for a prime telephoto lens that could deliver sharp images with beautiful background blur (bokeh). The 135mm focal length is perfect for portraits, events, and even some sports photography. The f/2 maximum aperture lets in a lot of light, which helps in low-light situations and provides that creamy bokeh I love for isolating my subject.
Build Quality and Handling
One of the first things I noticed was the solid, professional build typical of Canon’s L-series lenses. The lens feels robust and well-balanced on my Canon DSLR. The USM (Ultrasonic Motor) ensures fast and almost silent autofocus, which is crucial for capturing fleeting moments without disturbing the scene.
Image Quality and Performance
From the first shot, I was impressed with the sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/2. The colors and contrast are vivid and true-to-life. The lens handles chromatic aberrations and flare very well, thanks to Canon’s advanced coatings and lens elements. The bokeh is smooth and pleasing, making my portraits stand out.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Price: This lens is a premium product, so it comes with a higher price tag. I weighed the cost against my needs and decided it was worth the investment for the image quality and build.
- Weight and Size: It’s relatively compact for a telephoto prime, but still a bit heavier than standard zoom lenses. I recommend trying it on your camera body to see if the handling feels comfortable for extended shooting.
- Compatibility: This lens is designed for Canon’s full-frame DSLRs, but it also works on APS-C bodies with an effective focal length of about 216mm. Make sure it suits your camera system.
- Use Case: If you primarily shoot portraits, weddings, or events where subject isolation and low-light performance are important, this lens shines. For general photography or wide-angle needs, this might not be the best choice.
My Final Thoughts
The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM has become one of my go-to lenses because of its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and reliable autofocus. If you’re serious about portrait or telephoto prime photography and want a lens that performs beautifully in challenging conditions, this lens is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for the investment, and make sure it fits your shooting style and camera system.
I hope my guide helps you make a confident decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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