Considering the new Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens? As a full time Detroit based headshot photographer, here’s my quick take on this lens. I tested it in my headshot studio, on the soccer field, and at a dog park. Let's explore its performance and versatility in different photography scenarios.
Headshots
While much of my corporate headshot work is photographed with the Canon 24-105, I love the tighter frame this 135 provides with simple prime lens solution.
Compared to the standard 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, the 135mm f/1.8 lens is slightly shorter and lighter. It features autofocus and stabilization switches, along with custom function buttons on the barrel. With its sweet spot focal length for headshots and the ability to shoot wide open at f/1.8, this lens offers creative possibilities, although depth of field can be extremely shallow.
Sports
Despite its shorter focal length, the 135mm lens performed well for soccer photography. Shooting at f/1.8 near the sidelines, along with Canon's excellent autofocus tracking, produced impressive results. Will every shot be perfect at such a shallow depth of field? No, but I found the hit rate more than acceptable given the extreme situation. The lens's custom buttons can be used to take advantage of the 1.6x crop factor on full-frame Canon bodies—a great option for this scenario.
Pets
I also took the lens to a dog park for some action shots. The shallow depth of field added impact to the images, turning ordinary snapshots into visually striking images.
Final Thoughts
As a headshot photographer, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens is a valuable addition to my kit. While it may overlap with some of my existing lenses, its focal length and performance make it a worthwhile investment. Combined with other lenses like the 24-105mm and 50mm f/1.2, this lens offers versatility and the ability to capture stunning bokeh. The custom buttons on the barrel are a welcome addition, and the lens's price of around $2000 makes it reasonably priced. Just be aware that it may be currently back-ordered at most retailers.
If you're in the market for a versatile lens for headshots, sports, and even pet photography, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens is definitely worth considering. Don't forget to share your thoughts and let me know if you'll be upgrading in the comments section.
