Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE
When comparing Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE and Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM features a Canon EF while the Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE features a Sony E — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.8 compared to the 2 aperture of Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Autofocus Comparison
Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
4. Macro Comparison
Neither Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM or Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE are macro lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding macro: Macro lenses can focus much closer to your subjects and might be suitable when photographing flowers, insects, wildlife and nature.
5. Full Frame Comparison
Both Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE and Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM cover a full frame sensor and can be used on full frame cameras as well as cameras with smaller sensors.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding full frame coverage: All lenses do not cover full frame sensors, but not all cameras are full frame cameras either. If a lens covers a full frame sensor it can be used on all cameras with a matching lens mount, both full frame and crop sensors, except for medium format cameras.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE:
| Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM | Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Canon | Samyang |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 135 mm | 135 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2 | 1.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | Missing |
| Type | Prime | Missing |
| Image Stabilization | No | Missing |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | No |
| Weather Seal | Yes | Missing |
| Full Frame Coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Yes | Yes |