The Canon 135 f2L - More Magic than the Drainpipe...

[jamison55]

So my first L is not gone more than a day, and I'm already in love again. Who knew she'd be this easy to replace...

In anticipation of an upcoming 70-200 IS purchase, I felt it was time to let the drainpipe go. A few unexpected checks to the photo biz account made it so I wouldn't have to apply the funds from the 80-200 sale to the new lens, which is the position I wanted to be in (since the drainpipe was optically perfect, but just a tiny bit worn on the outside, and I probably would have taken a big hit on the sale).

In my constant perusing of the PBase photo boards, one of the lenses that has most consistently impressed me was the Canon 135 f2L. Used 135's looked to be going for about the same as used drainpipes, so I offered a trade on the FM boards. Someone bit, and I have a new lens (and when I say new, I don't think she ever mounted it - it's pristine).

So by now you're bored with the story, how does the new lens shoot? I don't know, you tell me (all of these are at f2 - no flash, room light only):

http://static.flickr.com/42/98820052_59d776ea89_o.jpg



http://static.flickr.com/42/98820065_33ee8c613e_o.jpg



http://static.flickr.com/42/98820056_df0038d757_o.jpg



http://static.flickr.com/25/98820650_0b5a853cf2_o.jpg



http://static.flickr.com/41/98820652_00a09736be_o.jpg

[jamison55]

So how does it stack up to the other Canon L Prime I own (the 35 f1.4)?

Both straight from the camera (except for resizing)

Here's the 35:
http://static.flickr.com/21/98820660_f4faf2b76e_o.jpg

Here's the 135:
http://static.flickr.com/26/98820655_eb2594ab8b_o.jpg


Excuse the slightly different angle. With the 35 I had to move closer, and wa blocking the light!

[jamison55]

Oh, and in case anyone is interested, that cool blue background in the first pic is the result of custom white balance. I set it for the tungsten room lights and as a result it made the natural light through the sliding door appear more blue...

[cdifoto]

Looks like it pairs up with your 35 quite nicely. Both look to be beautiful lenses and your boy is growing up nicely too.


Are you working towards covering everything with all primes?

[jamison55]

Looks like it pairs up with your 35 quite nicely. Both look to be beautiful lenses and your boy is growing up nicely too.

Hey, thanks. He's my new favorite model!



Are you working towards covering everything with all primes?

Nope, I just want to have as flexible a setup as possible. I still shoot most events with zooms (I'm not good enough for all primes), but I want to make sure I can still perform my job when the light is terrible and flash is not an option. Besides, one of the reasons I started to do this as a business was so I can afford all the toys :D, and I need some new tax write-off's for the 2006 tax year! :D :D

[cdifoto]

Sounds like a good plan. I'm figuring on adding the 50 f/1.4 and 85 f/1.8 to my lineup once I can afford 'em. I don't have the means to go all L but like you I want to be able to perform in extremely low light too.


PS: Are you shooting full time now or do you have a "real job" as well?

[jamison55]

Nope, still have a "real job" to pay the bills, the photo biz pays for the toys :D .

Actually, if things continue to go as they have been I will probably be bringing in enough income in '07 to replace my current salary. I haven't yet decided if I will jump into the biz full time in 07. I may take a few years to pad my 401k...

[cwphoto]

Nice pick-up Jamie, and good to see you're coming over to the dark side (ie; no flash)...:p

When's your next wedding?

[TheObiJuan]

Your pictures aren't visible, but I know all about the magic this lens produces. It's so sharp and the bokeh so sweet. The power trio would be my ideal tele setup. The 85,135, & 200L's.
I regret selling my 135L but money was tight. :(

As soon as I get the 35D or whatever it will be called I will purchase this lens.
My wife will hate me, but oh well. :p

[jamison55]

Nice pick-up Jamie, and good to see you're coming over to the dark side (ie; no flash)...:p

When's your next wedding?

Actually, I just used the 35 f1.4 at a friends BDay party the other night with no flash in a dark restaraunt, and was pretty happy with the results. I think the fast glass will definitely make me look for more opportunities to turn it off!

[24Peter]

Jamie - the new lens looks great - but it's the photos of the little guy (Master Luke) that make it priceless! He's adorable. :)

[jamison55]

Thanks Pete - he certainly does photograph better than a jar of peanut butter!

[cdifoto]

Thanks Pete - he certainly does photograph better than a jar of peanut butter!


Yeah and generic PB at that. Who does the grocery shopping in that house anyway? Choosy moms choose Jif... :eek: :D :p

[aparmley]

Congrats on your new lens. She looks like a dream.

[24Peter]

Yeah and generic PB at that. Who does the grocery shopping in that house anyway? Choosy moms choose Jif... :eek: :D :p
LOL. Don - U R 2 fUN E :D