Compact Canon FD 135mm f/2.8 telephoto prime for portraits and event photography.
The Canon FD 135mm f/2.8 is a compact telephoto prime lens for the Canon FD mount, offering a classic portrait and telephoto focal length at a reasonably fast aperture. The 135mm f/2.8 combination provides effective subject isolation with a comfortable working distance for candid portraits and event photography.
Optical quality is good with sharp centre performance and pleasant rendering at wider apertures. The lens delivers natural-looking images with adequate contrast and colour accuracy. Stopped down to f/4 and beyond, sharpness becomes excellent across the frame. The multi-coating handles flare reasonably well in most conditions.
Build quality is solid with the all-metal construction typical of Canon FD lenses. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped for precise manual focusing at this telephoto focal length. The compact dimensions for a 135mm lens make it practical for extended shooting sessions without excessive weight or bulk.
On the used market, the Canon FD 135mm f/2.8 is one of the most affordable quality telephoto options available. The Canon FD mount's difficulty with digital adaptation keeps prices low, making it excellent value for film photographers building FD lens collections and for those willing to accept the adaptation limitations.