Canon FD 135mm f/2 Review: A Legendary Vintage Portrait Lens

The lens at a glance

This fast telephoto prime is known for striking background separation, razor-thin depth of field, and distinctive vintage character. The all-metal body feels as solid as a small brick, so expect some weight in your setup.

Using it on film and mirrorless cameras

The FD mount works with Canon’s older FD film cameras. Inexpensive adapters also make it easy to use on modern mirrorless mounts, including Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L, and Micro Four Thirds.

Choose the adapter for your camera’s exact mount: Fotasy Canon FD to Canon RF adapter or Fotasy Canon FD to Sony E adapter. These are mechanical adapters, so focus and aperture remain manual.

Two different looks at f/2 and f/2.8

At f/2, the lens produces an extremely soft, dreamy image with notable flare and low contrast. That classic vintage charm can feel too soft for everyday shots, but it suits an artsy or romantic aesthetic. The wide aperture also gives striking background blur and strong low-light performance.

Stop down to f/2.8 and the image becomes sharply detailed while retaining some vintage warmth. Flare drops, contrast improves, and the lens becomes more useful for images that need critical detail.

You effectively get two lenses in one: an ultra-soft, flare-prone look at f/2, and a sharper, more balanced look at f/2.8 and beyond.

Why 135mm works for portraits

The 135mm focal length is ideal for portraits and situations that need longer reach. It is particularly good for headshots and half-body portraits, with attractive background compression and separation.

Paired with the wide aperture, it can produce striking, professional-grade portraits on modern digital cameras. Manual focus can be challenging with fast-moving subjects, but it is manageable for controlled portraits and staged scenes.

Used prices and finding a copy

The lens is somewhat rare, so you may not find many listings at once on eBay, KEH, or MPB. The used-price references in my original video ranged from $200 to $800 or more, depending on condition, demand, and timing.

Around $300–$400 was typical for a clean copy. Above $400–$500 could be too steep unless you are a dedicated collector or the lens is in mint condition. These are price references from the original video, rather than current quotes.

Who will get the most from it

• Portrait and video enthusiasts who want a soft, cinematic, romantic vintage look that is hard to replicate with modern glass.
• Vintage lens collectors: the FD 135mm f/2 is one of the more sought-after FD primes and can be a centerpiece in a collection.
• Low-light telephoto shooters who are comfortable with manual focus. The f/2 aperture is bright enough for indoor events and nighttime cityscapes.

If you need quick autofocus for sports or fast-paced events, look elsewhere. Once the price rises above $400–$500, consider a modern lens for sharper wide-open performance and built-in autofocus or stabilization.

My verdict

The Canon FD 135mm f/2 lives up to the hype for a dreamy, vintage telephoto look. Its soft, flared character wide open and crisp, contrasty results when stopped down give it remarkable creative flexibility.

It can be expensive or difficult to find, but it is a prime example of why photographers and videographers turn to vintage lenses for a timeless, magical look.