Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus: A Distinctive Artistic Telephoto

The Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus stands as a truly unique offering within Canon's extensive EF lens lineup. Launched in 1991, this full-frame telephoto prime lens distinguishes itself not merely by its optical quality, but by an integrated softfocus mechanism designed to imbue images with a distinctive, ethereal quality. Targeted primarily at portrait, artistic, and glamour photographers, it presents an optical tool for those seeking to move beyond conventional sharpness and explore a more painterly aesthetic directly in-camera.

Design, Build, and Handling

Weighing a mere 390 grams, the EF 135mm f/2.8 SF is remarkably lightweight and compact for a telephoto prime of its aperture. Its construction, while not boasting the L-series robustness, feels solid enough for regular use, featuring a mostly plastic exterior over a metal mount. The compact design makes it less obtrusive than many professional telephoto lenses, an advantage in situations where a more discreet presence is preferred.

The lens accepts a common 52mm filter thread, which is a practical consideration for photographers who use a variety of filters, as these are generally smaller and more affordable than those for larger-diameter lenses. As an EF mount lens, it is designed for Canon's DSLR systems, providing seamless integration with full-frame and APS-C bodies alike. On an APS-C sensor, its effective focal length becomes approximately 216mm, transforming it into an even more dedicated telephoto tool.

A significant point of consideration for this lens is the absence of image stabilization. For a 135mm focal length, particularly when shooting handheld in lower light or at slower shutter speeds, this necessitates careful shooting technique or the use of a tripod to mitigate camera shake. While many modern lenses incorporate IS, its omission here is typical of lenses from its era and contributes to its lightweight design and simpler optical formula.

Optical Performance (Without Softfocus)

Before delving into its signature feature, it's important to assess the EF 135mm f/2.8 SF as a standard telephoto prime. Without the softfocus mechanism engaged, this lens is capable of delivering surprisingly sharp images, particularly at its maximum f/2.8 aperture. Ken Rockwell, a respected authority on photographic equipment, notes its impressive sharpness wide open when the softfocus function is turned off, a testament to its underlying optical design (7 elements in 6 groups).

At f/2.8, the lens produces pleasing out-of-focus areas (bokeh). While its 6-blade diaphragm can sometimes render hexagonal highlights when stopped down significantly, at wider apertures, the bokeh is generally smooth and well-rendered, making subjects pop against a blurred background. Color rendition is natural, and contrast is generally good, consistent with Canon's prime lens philosophy. Chromatic aberrations are typically well-controlled for a lens of this type, and distortion is minimal, ensuring a clean optical foundation for imagery. Vignetting may be noticeable at f/2.8 on full-frame cameras, but it typically diminishes rapidly upon stopping down.

The Softfocus Mechanism: A Creative Differentiator

The true essence and unique selling proposition of the Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 SF lies in its distinctive Softfocus Control. This is not a digital effect applied in post-processing, but a purely optical mechanism that manipulates spherical aberration to create a controlled blur or "glow" within the image. The lens features a dedicated ring that allows the photographer to select between three settings: OFF, 1, and 2.

• OFF: The lens performs as a conventional, sharp 135mm f/2.8 prime.
• Softfocus 1: Introduces a subtle amount of spherical aberration, creating a gentle softening effect. This setting can produce a delicate, dreamy glow around highlights, often retaining good core sharpness in the subject. It's ideal for a nuanced, flattering effect in portraiture.
• Softfocus 2: Applies a more pronounced degree of spherical aberration, resulting in a significantly softer, more ethereal image. This setting yields a strong, almost painterly blur, where details are visibly softened, and highlights can bloom into a noticeable halo. It's suited for more dramatic artistic expressions or heavily stylized glamour photography.

This optical softfocus is fundamentally different from simply defocusing a lens. Instead of blurring the entire image, it selectively spreads light from bright areas, creating a distinctive halo or glow, while often preserving some underlying detail. This allows photographers to achieve a romantic, nostalgic, or surreal quality directly in-camera, offering immediate visual feedback through the viewfinder or live view.

Autofocus Performance and Manual Control

The lens is equipped with a Micro-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for autofocus. While not as lightning-fast or whisper-quiet as Canon's ring-type USM motors found in L-series lenses, it provides generally swift and accurate autofocus for its intended purposes. For static or moderately moving subjects, it performs capably. In challenging low-light conditions, or with very fast-moving subjects, its performance may not match that of more advanced systems, but for controlled environments like portrait studios or artistic shoots, it is perfectly adequate.

A valuable feature is Full-Time Manual Focus (FTM). This allows photographers to manually adjust focus even when the lens is in autofocus mode, without needing to switch to MF. This is particularly useful when using the softfocus function, as fine-tuning focus can be crucial for achieving the desired balance between sharpness and the soft effect. Precise manual control ensures that the photographer maintains absolute command over the image's creative rendering.

Use Cases and Creative Potential

The Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus truly excels in specific photographic genres where its unique optical signature can be leveraged to maximum effect:

• Portrait Photography: This is arguably its primary domain. The 135mm focal length is classic for portraits, offering a pleasing perspective compression and comfortable working distance. When combined with the softfocus effect, it can beautifully render skin tones, smooth out imperfections, and create a flattering, romantic, or ethereal look that minimizes the need for extensive post-processing in this regard. The gentle glow can add a timeless quality to images.
• Artistic Photography: For photographers aiming to create expressive and mood-driven images, the softfocus feature opens a world of creative possibilities. It can transform ordinary scenes into dreamlike landscapes, abstract compositions, or evocative still lifes. The ability to control the degree of softness provides a powerful tool for artistic interpretation, moving beyond simple documentary style.
• Glamour Photography: In glamour and beauty photography, the softfocus effect can be used to enhance allure and flatter subjects. It can soften harsh lines, create a radiant aura around the subject, and contribute to a polished, idealized aesthetic that is highly desirable in this genre. It can imbue images with a luxurious or sophisticated feel, complementing makeup and styling.

Beyond these specific categories, the lens also finds favor in areas like still life where a romantic or classical feel is desired, or even certain types of event photography (e.g., weddings) for creating artistic, memorable shots that stand apart from standard, clinical images.

Conclusion

The Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Softfocus is not a general-purpose telephoto lens, nor does it aim to be. Instead, it is a highly specialized, creative tool designed for photographers who appreciate and actively seek a distinct optical signature in their work. Its core strength lies in its unique, controllable softfocus mechanism, which, when combined with its capable underlying optical performance, offers unparalleled creative latitude for portraiture, artistic expression, and glamour photography.

While the lack of image stabilization and the Micro-USM autofocus might be considered drawbacks in certain modern contexts, they are outweighed by its compact size, lightweight design, and above all, its ability to produce images with a truly unique and appealing character. For photographers willing to embrace its specialty and integrate its optical softness into their vision, the EF 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus remains an invaluable and inspiring lens, carving out a well-deserved niche for itself in the pursuit of distinctive photographic artistry.