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Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Canon EF 135mm f2.0L USM

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Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon RF

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
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Canon 135mm f2.0L USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 135mm f2.0L USM
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Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Canon 135mm f2.0L USM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM for the RF Mount and the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM for the EF Mount, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Canon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 135mm but different max apertures: Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has a max aperture of F1.8 while the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM has a max aperture of F2.0.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Key Specs

  • 135mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 935g.
  • Diameter: 89mm
  • Length: 130mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.7m
  • Max Magnification: 0.26x

Canon 135mm f2.0L USM Key Specs

  • 135mm Focal Range
  • F2.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 750g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 112mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.9m
  • Max Magnification: 0.19x

What type of photography are the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Canon 135mm f2.0L USM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Canon 135mm f2.0L USM
Bird/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsGoodGood
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelFairFair
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingVery GoodVery Good
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingAverageAverage
LandscapeFairFair
MacroAveragePoor

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 130mm. The Canon 135mm f2.0L USM with a length of 112mm, is 18mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM's 83mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon 135mm f2.0L USM weighs 750g, 19% (185g) lighter than the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM's weight of 935g.


Lens Mounts

The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R8, Canon R50 and Canon R6 II for the Canon RF Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 135mm but while Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has the fastest aperture of F1.8, the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM's widest aperture value is F2.0.

Reasons to choose Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM over Canon EF 135mm f2.0L USM

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 0.7m vs 0.9m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.26x vs 0.19x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon EF 135mm f2.0L USM over Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM

Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Weight 750g vs 935g 185g lighter
Diameter 83mm vs 89mm 6mm smaller in diameter
Length 112mm vs 130mm 18mm shorter
Filter Thread 72mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Canon 135mm f2.0L USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon RF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 135mm 135mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F2.0
Min Aperture F22 F32.0
Aperture Ring Yes No
Diaphragm Blades 9 8
Optics
Optical Elements 17 10
Optical Groups 12 8
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.7m 0.9m
Max Magnification 0.26X 0.19X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Rear
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 935g 750g
Diameter 89mm 83mm
Length 130mm 112mm
Materials - Metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes No
Filter Thread 82mm 72mm
Hood Supplied Yes -
Hood Code Canon ET-88B ET-78 II
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - Hard Case LH-D16 II Soft Case LP1219
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