My favorite lens (so far) - the EF 135mm f/2L USM

Jonathan Brady wrote:

Agree wholeheartedly! That's why I mentioned the 1920 pixel width.

I do dislike the automatic resize that DPR enforces. You'd think a photography-focused forum would be more lenient.

Also I had the 200mm f2.8 II and I think I would have liked the 135mm f2 more and used it more.  It is faster and shorter while the 200mm f2.8 requires more light and shutter speed.  The 200mm f2.8 is really for event shooting like outdoor activities, school assemblies, graduations, or music/bands, etc.

I just sold my 200mm f2.8 II for $550, so they are pretty cheap.  Both the 135mm f2 and 200mm f2.8 are IMO very cheap for the quality and utility you get and is a 'Canon' exclusive in some ways.  They are old but the AF is very fast, etc and sharpness holds up (you can see Horshack's 50MP resolution tests on any of these lens to see that both of them hold up well even to 50MP wide open!).

Really being able to buy either of these lenses in mint condition for good pre-owned or refurb (or just CPW street price) and the price performance is off the charts.

If I get back into a Canon system, the 135mm f2 would be on my short list.  I find that if you do family shooting, your focal lengths tend to go wider the younger your kids are, and go longer as they grow up ;p (as you give them more space).  Its not even possible for me to use the 200mm f2.8 with my kids without having my wife around and I'm basically shooting from a good distance, etc.

If I were to build a Canon system again I'd get the 35mm f2 IS, and the 135L, and a 50 1.8 STM (I'd skip trying to get a good copy of the 85mm 1.8, it's really a PITA).  If Canon ever revamps the 85 then I'd consider it again.  The 100mm f2.8 L IS Macro is not shabby either.