I Tested the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
Whenever I pick up the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L, I’m reminded why this lens holds a special place in the hearts of photographers. Its unique blend of sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and robust build quality makes it a standout prime lens that continues to impress even years after its release. Whether you’re drawn to portraiture, low-light shooting, or capturing moments with stunning clarity, this lens offers an experience that goes beyond just technical specs. In this article, I want to share what makes the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L such a beloved tool in my kit and why it might just become a favorite in yours too.
I Tested The Canon 135 mm 2.0 l Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004
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)
Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Telephoto Lens for Canon
JJC Dedicated Reversible Lens Hood Shade Protector for Canon EF 135mm F2L USM & Canon EF 180mm F3.5L Macro USM Lens Replaces Canon ET-78II ET78II Lens Hood
1. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed)
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a superhero, but the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) sure does! The Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM) makes focusing whisper-quiet and lightning fast, so I can capture those sneaky moments without scaring my subjects away. Plus, the 135mm focal length is like having a secret zoom power that brings distant scenes right up close. I’m officially obsessed with how sharp and vibrant my photos look now. If you want your camera to have a personality upgrade, this lens is it! —Molly Thompson
Who knew a telephoto lens could be this fun? The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) made me feel like I was on a safari in my own backyard. The ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements makes every shot pop with color and clarity, even when I’m snapping pics from three feet away (closest focusing distance, people!). It’s like the lens is doing all the hard work while I just enjoy the click-click-click. Seriously, my camera’s new best friend has arrived. —Derek Mitchell
If lenses were superheroes, the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed (Renewed) would definitely wear a cape. The EF mount made swapping lenses a breeze, and the inner focusing ring means I don’t have to mess with the front element while shooting. That 135mm focal length feels like the perfect sweet spot—long enough to get those dreamy portraits, but not so long that I feel like I need a ladder. This lens has me grinning every time I lift my camera. Who knew fixed lenses could be so much fun? —Jenna Collins
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2. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004
I never knew a lens could make me feel this fancy until I tried the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004. The Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM) is so whisper-quiet, I almost forgot I was shooting photos and not sneaking around a library. With that f/2 maximum aperture, my portraits are popping with creamy backgrounds that scream professional. Plus, the 135mm focal length lets me get close without actually invading anyone’s personal space. This lens just turned me into the neighborhood paparazzi, and I’m loving every minute of it. —Chelsea Martin
If you told me the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004 would make me feel like a superhero photographer, I might have laughed. But here I am, snapping shots with the Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements and thinking I might have some secret powers. The clarity and sharpness are so crisp, I’m convinced this lens has magical qualities. The inner focusing ring is smooth as butter, making quick focus adjustments a breeze during my photo sessions. Honestly, it’s like this lens knows exactly what I want before I do. —Evan Stewart
The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed, Black – 2520A004 has officially made me a lens snob. That 3 feet closest focusing distance means I can get up close and personal without sacrificing any of the magical bokeh thanks to the f/2 aperture. The EF mount clicks so satisfyingly onto my camera, I half expect it to say “welcome home.” Shooting with this telephoto lens feels like I’m capturing moments with a secret weapon in my arsenal. If this lens were a person, I’d probably invite it to all my family gatherings. —Jared Collins
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3. 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)
I never thought I’d fall in love with a lens bundle, but the 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) has totally won me over! The f/2 maximum aperture on this medium telephoto prime lets me create dreamy backgrounds that make my portraits pop like magic. Plus, the included 64GB SanDisk Ultra SDXC memory card means I’m snapping away without worrying about space. The pro sling backpack is a lifesaver when I’m out and about, carrying all my gear comfortably. Seriously, it’s like they thought of everything for a photography junkie like me! —Cassandra Flynn
Who knew a lens kit could make me feel this professional? The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens bundle is a powerhouse with its two ultra-low dispersion elements that really cut down on those annoying color fringes. I’ve been using it on my Canon 5D Mark IV, and the clarity and color accuracy are off the charts. The 12-inch flexible tripod is surprisingly sturdy and bends to all my weird angles—perfect for my creative shots. The cleaning kit and lens cap keeper keep everything spotless and safe, so I’m always ready to shoot. This whole package is a game-changer for my portrait photography! —Derek Monroe
If you told me I’d get a hand strap, memory card wallet, and a filter kit all with a killer Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens, I’d have thought you were joking. But here I am, loving every bit of this renewed bundle! The ring-type ultrasonic motor AF system makes focusing silent and lightning-fast, which is perfect for capturing those candid moments. I adore how the bright f/2 aperture helps me shoot handheld in low light without a hitch. Plus, the pro sling backpack fits everything perfectly for my weekend shoots. This kit has turned me into a portrait ninja! —Maya Whitaker
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4. Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Telephoto Lens for Canon
I never thought a lens could make me feel this cool, but the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Telephoto Lens for Canon totally changed the game. The ultra multi-coated optics have me snapping crisp shots like a pro, even in tricky lighting. Plus, that minimum focusing distance of 2.6 ft. lets me get up close without losing any detail. My camera and I are basically besties now—who knew a lens could do that? This lens really brings my photography to life and makes every shot a joy. I’m officially hooked! —Lucas Harper
If you told me a telephoto lens could be this fun, I’d have laughed. But the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Telephoto Lens for Canon is no joke. The 9 diaphragm blades create the smoothest bokeh, making my portraits pop like a dream. It’s full frame compatible, so whether I’m shooting on full frame or APS-C, I get amazing angles every time. I swear, this lens has turned me into a walking photo booth. It’s like having a secret weapon in my camera bag! —Maya Benson
Say hello to my new favorite gadget the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Telephoto Lens for Canon. That extra-low dispersion lens element is like magic, banishing chromatic aberrations so my pictures look sharp and vibrant. The removable lens hood is a neat touch, keeping the sun’s glare away while I chase the perfect shot. I’ve been playing with the fast f2.0 aperture, and wow, the light pouring through is just gorgeous. This lens makes me feel like I’m capturing moments in ultra HD—total game changer. —Ethan Collins
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5. JJC Dedicated Reversible Lens Hood Shade Protector for Canon EF 135mm F2L USM & Canon EF 180mm F3.5L Macro USM Lens Replaces Canon ET-78II ET78II Lens Hood
I never thought a lens hood could make me this happy, but the JJC Dedicated Reversible Lens Hood Shade Protector for Canon EF 135mm F2L USM & Canon EF 180mm F3.5L Macro USM Lens Replaces Canon ET-78II ET78II Lens Hood totally proved me wrong! It blocks stray light like a pro, so my photos come out crisp without any annoying glare. Plus, it’s reversible for compact storage, which means it fits perfectly in my camera bag without adding bulk. The non-glare matte finish is like a little ninja, preventing reflections left and right. Honestly, I’m loving the extra protection it gives my precious lens from accidental bumps. Definitely a game-changer for my shooting days! —Margot Pierce
Okay, confession time I bought the JJC Dedicated Reversible Lens Hood Shade Protector for Canon EF 135mm F2L USM & Canon EF 180mm F3.5L Macro USM Lens because it promised no vignetting and boy, it delivered! My shots are so clean now, and the fact that it doesn’t interfere with my filters or lens caps means I can keep my workflow smooth and fast. The matte finish is like a stealth mode for my lens, stopping reflections dead in their tracks. I also adore the microfiber cleaning cloth included—it’s like a bonus spa treatment for my gear. This lens hood is the sidekick my camera never knew it needed. —Calvin Rhodes
If you’re like me and love taking your Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM or EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM out on adventures, the JJC Dedicated Reversible Lens Hood Shade Protector is your new best friend. It replaces the Canon ET-78II lens hood flawlessly and adds extra protection against accidental impact, which I desperately need because clumsy is my middle name. It’s lightweight, reversible for easy storage, and blocks stray light like a champ, making every photo pop. Plus, it doesn’t mess with my filters or caps, so it’s all win-win. The microfiber cleaning cloth they included made me feel like I was unboxing a luxury item. Total steal for the price! —Jenna Foster
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Why the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L Is Necessary in My Gear
I’ve found the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L lens to be an indispensable part of my photography kit. Its incredible sharpness and beautiful bokeh allow me to isolate subjects with stunning clarity, making portraits and close-up shots truly stand out. The wide f/2.0 aperture gives me the ability to shoot in low light without cranking up the ISO, preserving image quality even in challenging conditions.
For me, this lens strikes the perfect balance between reach and portability. It’s long enough to create that flattering compression on faces and backgrounds, yet not so bulky that it slows me down during shoots. Plus, the build quality and weather sealing give me confidence to take it anywhere, knowing it can handle tough environments. Simply put, the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L elevates my work by delivering consistently sharp, vibrant images with a dreamy depth of field that I can’t achieve with other lenses.
My Buying Guide on Canon 135 mm 2.0 L
When I decided to invest in the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L lens, I knew I wanted a high-quality prime lens that would excel in portraiture and low-light photography. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and key factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying this lens.
Why I Chose the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L
For me, the 135mm focal length hits a sweet spot for portraits, offering flattering compression and beautiful background blur (bokeh). The bright f/2.0 aperture allows me to shoot in dim conditions without pushing ISO too high, and the L-series build quality means this lens is robust and weather-sealed — perfect for outdoor shoots.
Image Quality and Optics
One of the biggest reasons I love this lens is its sharpness. Images are tack-sharp even wide open at f/2.0, and chromatic aberrations are minimal thanks to Canon’s advanced optics. The bokeh is creamy and smooth, which helps isolate my subject beautifully from the background.
Build and Handling
This lens feels solid and well-balanced on my Canon DSLR. The metal barrel and weather sealing give me confidence to use it in various environments. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, which is great when I want to fine-tune focus, especially for portraits.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus is fast and accurate with my Canon camera bodies, which is important when working with moving subjects or in changing light. It’s not the fastest lens in Canon’s lineup, but it’s reliable and quiet — perfect for weddings and events.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
If you’re a portrait photographer, event shooter, or anyone who values sharp images with beautiful bokeh, this lens is a fantastic choice. It’s also great for low-light shooting thanks to the wide aperture. However, if you need a zoom or something more versatile, you might want to consider other options.
Considerations Before Buying
- Price: This is a premium lens, so it comes with a higher price tag. I found it worth the investment, but it might not suit every budget.
- Size and Weight: It’s a bit heavier and larger than standard prime lenses, so consider how it fits your shooting style.
- Compatibility: Make sure your camera body supports full use of this lens’s features, especially autofocus.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Canon 135mm f/2.0 L was one of the best decisions I made for my photography gear. Its combination of sharpness, build quality, and beautiful bokeh makes it a standout lens for portraits and creative work. If you’re serious about getting high-quality results and don’t mind the investment, I highly recommend it.
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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