Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 vs Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM
When comparing Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM and Sony FE 35mm f/1.8, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is the winner with a weight of 281 g compared to the 935 g that Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM weighs.
Winner: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
Regarding weight: The weight of a lens is something you need to consider, since you have to carry it around on the camera as long as you're shooting. It adds to the total weight of your camera and it's important to keep the weight low if you get tired in your arms when taking photographs or filming.
2. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 features a Sony E while the Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM features a Canon RF — 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.
3. Largest Aperture Comparison
Both lenses share the same aperture of 1.8 — this means that you may buy both Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM in this regard; they''re the same.
Winner: Tied
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.
4. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM or Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
5. Focus Distance Comparison
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 features a minimum focus distance of 22.1 cm while Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM has a minimum focus distance of 70 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 might be a better choice.
Winner: Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
Regarding minimum focus distance: The minimum focus distance of a lens is the smallest distance from the lens to the subject you want to be in focus; subjects closer than the lens' minimum focus distance will not be in focus. Whether or not this is important to you is up for you to decide, but some want to take close photos and videos and in those cases it's important to have a lens with a low minimum focus distance.
6. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
7. Filter Thread Comparison
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 feature a filter thread diameter of 55 mm while Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM feature a diameter of 82 mm. Depending on your current gear (like other lenses or filters) one of them might be favorable over the other.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding filter thread diameter: The filter thread diameter is the size of which the lens is compatible with screw-on filters, such as CPL, ND or IR filters. If you have several lenses of a certain size, it might be a good idea to keep the same filter thread size to make sure your filters work on all your lenses. If not, then you may buy step up rings to adapt from a certain diameter to the filter thread diameter of your other lenses.
8. Aperture Blade Comparison
Both Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM have 9 aperture blades, which means they should both have a similar bokeh shape and roundness.
Winner: Tied
Regarding aperture blades: The number of aperture blades makes a difference because the bokeh is smoother the more aperture blades the lens has. Of course, this does not mean the lens is better in other regards, but it can be an interesting aspect when deciding of a lens.
9. Stabilization Comparison
Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM features built-in image stabilization and Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM instead of Sony FE 35mm f/1.8.
Winner: Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
10. 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.
11. Macro Comparison
Neither Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 or Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM 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.
12. Weather Seal Comparison
Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM features a weather sealed design while Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 does not. This means that Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM is a much better choice if you know that you'll use the lens in harsh environments, where moist, rain or dust is present.
Winner: Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM
Regarding weather seal: A lens that is weather sealed will perform better over time if you're using the lens in harsh conditions where it's wet or dusty. It may not matter if you're merely using your lens in a studio or in your home.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM:
| Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 | Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Canon |
| Weight | 281 g | 935 g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Canon RF |
| Focal Length | 35 mm | 135 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 22.1 cm | 70 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.8 - 22 | 1.8 - 22 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 55 | 82 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 12 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 17 |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | No |
| Weather Seal | No | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |