Canon FD 135mm f/2 Review | This Lens Is Magic!
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Introduction
Few vintage lenses carry the legendary status of the Canon FD 135mm f/2. A fast telephoto prime from the early 1980s, it’s known for stunning background separation, razor-thin depth of field, and a distinctive vintage character. If you’re after a truly special portrait or tele lens—and you don’t mind manual focus—this hidden gem might be exactly what you need. Below, we’ll explore why it’s considered “magic,” along with practical tips on where to find one.
Lens Overview
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Canon FD Mount:
- Compatible with Canon’s older FD film cameras.
- Easily adapted to modern mirrorless mounts (Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L, Micro Four Thirds, etc.) using inexpensive adapters.
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Focal Length & Aperture:
- 135mm is ideal for portraits or any scenario requiring longer reach.
- An f/2 max aperture delivers striking background blur and great low-light performance.
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Build & Design:
- All-metal construction, hefty feel, and a built-in lens hood that slides out.
- Feels as solid as a small brick—expect some weight in your setup.
Optical Performance
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Wide Open at f/2:
- Produces an extremely soft, dreamy look with notable flare and low contrast—classic “vintage lens” charm.
- Some might find it “too soft” for everyday shots, but it’s perfect for an artsy or romantic aesthetic.
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Stopped Down to f/2.8:
- The lens becomes sharply detailed while retaining a touch of that vintage warmth.
- Considerably less flare, better contrast, and increased usability for more critical images.
Bottom Line on Image Quality:
You effectively get “two lenses” in one—one that’s ultra-soft and flare-prone at f/2, and another that’s sharp and more balanced at f/2.8 and beyond.
Portrait Prowess
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Why 135mm?
- Great for headshots or half-body portraits, offering beautiful background compression and separation.
- Paired with that wide aperture, it can create truly striking, professional-grade portrait images—even in modern digital setups.
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Limitations:
- Manual focus might be challenging for fast-moving subjects, but for controlled portraits or staged environments, it’s manageable.
Pricing & Availability
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Rarity Factor:
- Considered somewhat rare, so you won’t find many listings at once on eBay, KEH, or MPB.
- Prices can vary widely—from $200 to $800+—depending on condition, demand, and timing.
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Fair Price Range:
- Around $300–$400 is typical for a clean copy.
- Going above $400–$500 might be too steep unless you’re a dedicated collector or the lens is in mint condition.
Who Should Buy It?
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Portrait & Video Enthusiasts:
- Craving that soft, vintage feel? This lens offers a cinematic, romantic vibe you can’t easily replicate with modern glass.
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Vintage Lens Collectors:
- The FD 135mm f/2 is one of the more sought-after FD primes, so it’s a centerpiece in many collections.
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Low-Light Tele Shooters:
- Aperture f/2 means it’s bright enough for indoor events or nighttime cityscapes if you’re comfortable with manual focus.
Who Might Skip It:
- Needing Autofocus: If you require quick AF for sports or fast-paced events, look elsewhere.
- Budget Constraints Over $400–$500: Once the price creeps too high, consider a modern lens for sharper wide-open performance and built-in AF or stabilization.
Conclusion
The Canon FD 135mm f/2 truly lives up to the hype for those seeking a dreamy, vintage telephoto lens. Its dual nature—soft and flared wide open, crisp and contrasty when stopped down—gives you remarkable creative flexibility in one piece of glass. Though it can be pricey or hard to find, it’s a prime example of why many photographers and videographers turn to vintage gear for that timeless, magical look.