Ultra-affordable Canon FD portrait telephoto, sharp 135mm optics in a compact and lightweight package.
The Canon FD 135mm f/3.5 is a compact telephoto portrait lens available in both breech-lock and New FD bayonet versions, produced throughout the FD system's lifespan from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. The 135mm focal length provides a classic portrait perspective with flattering compression and comfortable working distance from the subject.
Optically, the lens delivers sharp images with Canon's characteristic clean colour reproduction. The f/3.5 aperture is modest but provides adequate background separation at portrait distances, and the lens sharpens up nicely by f/5.6 for excellent performance across the frame. The simple optical design keeps weight and size to a minimum.
Build quality is solid with earlier versions featuring more metal construction and later New FD versions using a lighter mix of materials. The compact dimensions make this one of the most portable 135mm options in the FD system, and the smooth focusing ring provides precise control for manual focus portrait work.
The Canon FD 135mm f/3.5 is one of the most affordable telephoto lenses on the used market, offering genuine portrait capability for pennies. While it lacks the speed of the f/2 and f/2.5 alternatives, the significant price advantage makes it an excellent choice for photographers who want telephoto reach without financial commitment.