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Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM

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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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Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM

Telephoto Prime | Sony E

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
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Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM for the RF Mount and the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM for the E Mount, two Telephoto Prime lenses from Canon and Sony. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 135mm and F1.8 so they are very comparable in this regard.

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

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Key Specs

  • 135mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 950g.
  • Diameter: 90mm
  • Length: 127mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.7m
  • Max Magnification: 0.25x

What type of photography are the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM 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 Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Bird/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsGoodGood
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelFairFair
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingVery GoodVery Good
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingAverageAverage
LandscapeFairFair
MacroAverageAverage

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 Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM with a length of 127mm, is 3mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM 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 Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.

Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM vs Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM 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 15g (1%) lighter than the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM which has a weight of 950g.


Lens Mounts

The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM has the Sony E 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 Sony A7R V, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 IV for the Sony E Mount.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 135mm and the fastest aperture of F1.8.

Reasons to choose Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM over Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Weight 935g vs 950g 15g lighter
Diameter 89mm vs 90mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Max Magnification 0.26x vs 0.25x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM over Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM

Diaphgragm Blades 11 vs 9 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Length 127mm vs 130mm 3mm shorter

Common Strengths of Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs Yes able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Distance Scale No vs No No Distance Scale assist


**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 Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Sony
Lens Type Prime Prime
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Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon RF Sony E
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 F1.8
Min Aperture F22 F22
Aperture Ring Yes Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 11
Optics
Optical Elements 17 13
Optical Groups 12 10
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.7m 0.7m
Max Magnification 0.26X 0.25X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Linear Motor
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No No
Focus Distance Limiter No Yes
Physical Specs
Weight 935g 950g
Diameter 89mm 90mm
Length 130mm 127mm
Materials - Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 82mm 82mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Canon ET-88B -
Tripod Collar No No
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