Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens: a telephoto lens that blurs reality

The Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens is the first softfocus lens to be tested at DxOMark.  Because it is not possible for DxOMark to compare this unique feature, we contrasted the EF 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens against lenses with similar focal-lengths including the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM. 

Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus Lens Advantages:

• Vignetting is most controlled in the 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens, at least compared to its Canon relatives.

• With a quick twist of the lens, photographers can utilize the lens’ softfocus feature, which is not available on the 135mm f/2L or 100mm f/2.8 Macro.

• The 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens is most affordable of the three lenses.  It can be found on photography retail websites for about $500.00 (USD).

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Advantages:

• The EF 135mm f/2L USM has the highest sharpness of the group, measuring 14P-Mpix

• It best limits distortion, standing out in the group with a distortion rating of 0.1%.

• The lens has the widest aperture at f/2 and a transmission rating of 2.3 T-stop.

• Tied with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM for best limiting chromatic aberration.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Advantages:

• The lens has good sharpness at 15P-Mpix

• Distortion is well controlled at 0.2%, just behind the EF 135mm f/2L USM

• Performs well at correcting chromatic aberration. Tied with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM – both registered chromatic aberration scores of 4 µm.

• Its macrophotography capabilities are great for photographers who love to snap detail pictures.