First introduced in 1996, the Canon EF 135mm F2 L USM lens has since become a benchmark for portraiture. The ideal focal length for exercise coupled with an aperture of F2 offered a particular rendering that has seduced photographers and models for more than 25 years.
Still young, the RF mount inducted with the hybrid Canon EOS R has many zooms and fixed focal lengths to cover most of the needs of professional photographers. However, portrait photographers still didn’t have a replacement for the EF 135mm F2 L USM, a renowned prime lens that even led many photographers to choose Canon specifically for this pebble. This is now done with the RF 135 mm F1.8 L IS USM lens, which not only adapts the focal length to the RF mount, but which thoroughly reviews this stone so dear to photographers. He will have to face a formidable Sony FE 135 mm f/1.8 GM already well installed or a Samyang AF 135 mm F1.8 FE for Sony hybrids.
Always Rigorous L-Series Construction
As its name suggests, the new RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM belongs to the L series, a range of professional lenses. This translates into a specific design and above all a weather-resistant tropicalized design. The body of the Canon lens is thus protected against the intrusion of dust and water. The front glass benefits from a fluorine treatment against dirt and dust.
Compared to the EF version, this new vintage has measurements up 89.2 x 130.3 mm for a weight of 935 grams, which is significantly heavier than the EF version (750 grams). On the other hand, this makes it possible to accommodate a multifunction button, a focusing ring as well as a multifunction settings ring.
More modern and now stabilized
For this new 135 mm fixed lens, Canon started from scratch. The optical formula is now new, with 17 elements in 12 groups, including three low-dispersion UD elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. Great novelty and not the least, the aperture goes from F2 to F1.8, thus gaining ⅓ aperture and allowing to further reduce the depth of field.
Canon EOS R3: almost flawless for the high-end hybrid
Unlike the EF version, this RF lens is optically stabilized, saving up to 5.5 STOPS. By coupling the optical stabilization to that of the sensor for compatible boxes such as the EOS R5, it is possible to gain up to 8 STOPS.
The new Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM lens therefore takes on its full meaning within a range already populated by other portrait specialists such as the RF 85mm F1. L USM, the RF 50mm F1.2 L USM or the RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM.
Price and availability
There is no doubt that focal length enthusiasts and professionals will flock to this new Canon lens. Expected for January 2023, the invoice may however put off some amateurs since the pebble is announced at € 2,699.99, more than twice the price requested for the EF version. Still, the new features, the F1.8 aperture and the stabilization are significant assets.