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Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS 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 RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

Telephoto Zoom | Canon RF

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Canon lenses lenses with different focal types: Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM for the RF Mount is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 135mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.8 whereas the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM for the RF Mount is a Telephoto Zoom lens with a 70-200mm focal range and max aperture of F2.8.

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 RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 1070g.
  • Diameter: 90mm
  • Length: 146mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.7m
  • Max Magnification: 0.23x

What type of photography are the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS 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 RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Bird/WildlifeAverageGood
SportsGoodGood
PortraitExcellentAverage
TravelFairFair
StreetAverageFair
WeddingVery GoodAverage
Walk AroundFairAverage
VloggingAveragePoor
LandscapeFairAverage
MacroAverageFair

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 146mm. The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM with a length of 130mm, is 16mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 90mm compared to the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM's 89mm diameter.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Size and Weight

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 RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM weighs 935g, which means it is 135g (12%) lighter than the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM which has a weight of 1070g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has the same Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon RF lenses are Canon R8, Canon R50 and Canon R6 II.

Focal Range

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 135mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 216mm.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 320mm.

Reasons to choose Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM over Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 935g vs 1070g 135g lighter
Diameter 89mm vs 90mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Length 130mm vs 146mm 16mm shorter
Max Magnification 0.26x vs 0.23x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM over Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM

Focal Length - Wide 70mm vs 135mm 65mm Wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele 200mm vs 135mm 65mm more Tele coverage
Optical Zoom 2.90x vs 1.00x More flexible focal coverage
Filter Thread 77mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust


**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 RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Canon
Lens Type Prime Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Canon RF Canon RF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 135mm 70-200mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour Black White
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No Yes
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 2.9X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F22
Aperture Ring Yes No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 17 17
Optical Groups 12 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.7m 0.7m
Max Magnification 0.26X 0.23X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No -
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No -
Focus Distance Limiter No Yes
Physical Specs
Weight 935g 1070g
Diameter 89mm 90mm
Length 130mm 146mm
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 82mm 77mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Canon ET-88B -
Tripod Collar No Yes
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