Fast Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 for Canon FD, better portrait bokeh than f/3.5 alternatives at budget pricing.
The Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 is a fast telephoto prime in Canon FD mount, offering a full stop more speed than the common f/3.5 135mm lenses. The f/2.8 aperture provides better subject isolation, brighter viewfinder, and improved low-light capability at the classic portrait telephoto focal length.
The fast f/2.8 creates noticeably more background blur than f/3.5 alternatives, making this a more capable portrait lens. Vivitar lenses at this specification were typically manufactured by quality Japanese optical companies, and the optics deliver good results when stopped down slightly from maximum aperture.
Build quality is standard Vivitar with an all-metal barrel and adequate mechanical precision. The Canon FD mount provides direct compatibility with all FD system cameras, and the lens adapts to mirrorless cameras for digital use. Multi-coating provides basic flare protection.
The Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 offers faster portrait telephoto capability than standard f/3.5 lenses at affordable used prices. The extra stop of speed provides meaningful practical advantages for portraits and low-light work, making it a genuine upgrade over slower alternatives.