Mark Ellington
Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED Telephoto Lens
Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens Review: Perfect for Portraits & Low-Light Photography
Introduction
The Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is a remarkable piece of glass manufactured by Rokinon, a brand known for producing high-quality yet affordable lenses. This telephoto lens is specifically designed for Canon EF cameras, making it an excellent choice for photographers seeking versatility in portrait and low-light photography. With its impressive specifications and user-friendly design, the Rokinon 135mm lens aims to enhance your photography experience without breaking the bank.
Product Overview
The Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is a full-frame compatible lens that features an 18.8-degree angle of view on full-frame cameras and a 12.4-degree angle on APS-C cameras. It boasts Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) optics and is designed to minimize chromatic aberrations, making it ideal for capturing sharp and vibrant images. This lens is perfect for those who want to create stunning portraits or work in challenging lighting conditions.
Appearance and Build Quality
This lens features a sleek and professional aesthetic, finished in a classic black color that exudes sophistication. It is constructed with high-quality materials that ensure durability while maintaining a lightweight profile. The lens barrel is robust yet comfortable to hold, and the manual focus ring is smooth, allowing for precise adjustments. A unique design element is the removable lens hood, which enhances the lens’s versatility and protects against flare when shooting in direct light.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 135mm
- Aperture Range: f2.0 – f22
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.6 ft.
- Angle of View: 18.8 degrees (full frame), 12.4 degrees (APS-C)
- Optical Design: Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) optics with one extra-low dispersion (ED) lens element
- Diaphragm Blades: 9 blades for smooth bokeh
- Compatibility: Full frame and APS-C format Canon EF cameras
- Part Number: 135M-C
- Warranty: Limited 1-Year Manufacturer
Experience Using the Product
During testing, the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED lens performed admirably in various scenarios. In portrait photography, the lens delivered stunningly sharp images with beautiful bokeh, effectively isolating subjects against a soft background. The fast f2.0 aperture proved invaluable in low-light situations, allowing for clear and detailed shots without excessive noise.
While using the lens for landscape photography, the clarity and color accuracy were impressive, showcasing the lens’s ability to handle various lighting conditions. The manual focus system may take some time to adjust to for those used to autofocus lenses, but it encourages a more deliberate approach to composition and framing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional image quality with sharp details and vibrant colors
- Fast maximum aperture (f2.0) ideal for low-light conditions
- Beautiful bokeh, perfect for portrait photography
- Solid build quality with a professional finish
- Removable lens hood included
Cons
- Manual focus may be challenging for beginners
- Limited compatibility with non-Canon EF cameras
- Not weather-sealed, which may limit outdoor use in adverse conditions
Conclusion
Overall, the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is an outstanding option for photographers looking to elevate their portrait and low-light photography. Its combination of sharpness, bokeh quality, and fast aperture makes it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. While there are some minor drawbacks, particularly regarding the manual focus system, the lens’s strengths far outweigh these concerns. At a price point of $399, this lens offers exceptional value for those seeking professional-level performance without a hefty investment.
