EF 135 f2.8 soft focus good or bad

[Rebel t3i]

is it a good lens bad or mediocre
or is it a cheap way of getting a 2.8 lens
they don't fetch huge amounts used

 

[HoppyUK]

is it a good lens bad or mediocre
or is it a cheap way of getting a 2.8 lens
they don't fetch huge amounts used

As a regular 135/2.8 it's pretty average and I found the soft focus effect limited to a couple of stops at best. I opted for a soft focus filter instead, but haven't used that for a few years either! I rather like soft focus, but nobody else seems to these days

 

[Phil V]

As a regular 135/2.8 it's pretty average and I found the soft focus effect limited to a couple of stops at best. I opted for a soft focus filter instead, but haven't used that for a few years either! I rather like soft focus, but nobody else seems to these days

Snap, on all counts (I think I've just about finished 'cleaning' all the SF shots from my portfolio).

It's quite a good lens used 'normally' and is indeed a bargain effective 200mm 2.8 on a crop. If that's what you're considering it for, go for it.

 

[Rebel t3i]

It's quite a good lens used 'normally' and is indeed a bargain effective 200mm 2.8 on a crop. If that's what you're considering it for, go for it.

So a cheap f2.8 they seem to fetch around £130 used

 

[Canon Bob]

I sold mine on here for £100 a couple of months back. It's not a bad lens and nor is it a one trick pony. It can't compete with the 135/2 until you're up at f/5.6 and it can't take a hood unless you go for one that mounts on the filter thread. Focus is a little ponderous but only if you're going from near to far or far to near.
Like Richard, I use filters to achieve the SF effect so it had little left to offer given that I have three more 135's.

Bob

 

[PitaDaVespa]

I sold mine on here for £100 a couple of months back. It's not a bad lens and nor is it a one trick pony. It can't compete with the 135/2 until you're up at f/5.6 and it can't take a hood unless you go for one that mounts on the filter thread. Focus is a little ponderous but only if you're going from near to far or far to near.
Like Richard, I use filters to achieve the SF effect so it had little left to offer given that I have three more 135's.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Actually, Canons 85mm f1.8 hood fits perfectly.


Tony,
It's a nice (old and cheap) lens. It's not the 135mm f2, obviously.

Regards,
Luis

 

[LongLensPhotography]

I'd rather get 100 f/2 or 85mm f/1.8. You get USM with that, and softness is now doable in post. Perhaps Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II at 200mm if that is what you are after

The biggest issue with 135 SF is slow and noisy AF motor.