The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 135mm f2.8 SF and the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is the longer of the two lenses at 128mm. The Canon 135mm f2.8 SF with a length of 98mm, is 30mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Canon 135mm f2.8 SF's 69mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 135mm f2.8 SF weighs 390g, which means it is 530g (57%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 which has a weight of 920g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon 135mm f2.8 SF has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 135mm f2.8 SF:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 135mm f2.8 SF and the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
135mm but while Canon 135mm f2.8 SF has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135's widest aperture value is
F2.0.