Canon's legendary 135mm portrait prime — cult following for its extraordinary bokeh and f/2 speed at 135mm.
The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM was released in 1996 as a constant f/2 medium telephoto prime in the L-series lineup, providing maximum aperture performance at 135mm without IS — optimised for subjects where fast shutter speeds make stabilisation unnecessary. At 750g and 72mm filter thread it is moderate for an f/2 full-frame prime. Ring USM provides fast, quiet AF. L-series dust and moisture sealing is built throughout. Two UD elements minimise chromatic aberration at wide apertures.
The optical design uses 10 elements in 8 groups including 2 UD elements. Eight aperture blades produce smooth bokeh. The 72mm filter thread is consistent with Canon fast telephoto L-series primes. At 750g the lens is moderate. Minimum focus distance of 0.9m. No IS — stabilisation relies on technique or body IBIS (Canon RF mirrorless bodies). Ring USM provides fast, quiet AF with full-time manual override. f/2 maximum aperture. L-series dust and moisture sealing.
The f/2 at 135mm delivers the deepest background separation available from Canon EF telephoto primes: at standard portrait distances of 3-5m, the 135mm focal length compression and f/2 aperture combination is widely used for head-and-shoulders portraiture — providing strong background blur and the flattering telephoto compression that shorter lenses cannot achieve. The 2 UD elements reduce chromatic aberration wide-open on full-frame, where longitudinal CA is most visible on high-contrast edge transitions.
On the used market the EF 135mm f/2L USM is consistently in demand for portrait and event work, available at premium used L-series pricing. Condition checks: ring USM AF response, L-series sealing at barrel seams, and 72mm front element for marks. No IS — the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM provides wider aperture and IS for RF bodies. Compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR and R bodies via EF-RF adapter.