Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens with or without tripod? Hello,U guys helped me when buying wide angle lens, hope U do the same great job in this case: pls tell me should I have to buy tripod when purchasing this lens? Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens with or without tripod? Hello,U guys helped me when buying wide angle lens, hope U do the same great job in this case: pls tell me should I have to buy... » Read More Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens with or without tripod? Hello,U guys helped me when buying wide angle lens, hope U do the same great job in this case: pls tell me should I have to buy tripod when purchasing this lens? « Show Less
500079
For the absolute sharpest images, by all means use a tripod with a remote shutter release (or use the timer). M. Anne is correct though, this thing focuses so fast that if you use a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second or faster you will get good, sharp shots without a tripod. Shoot in burst mode and take several shots of each subject, throw away the duds, keep the sharp ones.
500080
I rarely use a tripod with this lens; it focuses quickly and is fast enough that I use it for action shots of animals with no blurring.
500081
It depends. Common wisdom is that for hand-held on a lens like this you should be shooting 1/250 a second or faster on a full frame camera (Like a 5D) or 1/500 or faster on a crop sensor camera (like a rebel). If you are shooting outdoors than that is realistic, but indoors or nights it is not realistic on the crop sensor cameras unless you bump up the ISO unrealistically high.Shooting indoors or low light you will benefit from a tripod or a flash.
500082
A tripod always helps, but it is not mandatory if you employ good technique. I shoot this lens on a full-frame body, hand held, available light indoor shooting. The lens is so sharp that any softness is usually the fault of camera shake. It is fast to focus, but beware of razor thin depth of field. I brace myself whenever possible to help out.
500083
Just like a camera case, a prepared photographer should have always have an affordable, reliable tripod; especially if they can afford a $1000 lens. When they use the tripod, however, is completely up to them. I still have no idea why people feel the need to ask this question.
500084
This is a wonderful lens, but its length, especially on a crop camera (Rebel, XXD, 7D), limits its versatility in low-light situations relative to shorter primes. Don't even consider using it for shutter speeds of less than 1/200 handheld. Unlike some other lenses, it is not very forgiving. Fortunately, most of the current Canon bodies allow you to crank up the ISO without losing too much quality. So, unless you're shooting in a brightly lit setting, expect to shoot at 800 ISO and higher. Of course, you can resort to a tripod in such situations.
500085
"Should I buy a tripod" ? With this or any other lens there'll be times when a tripod is essential - having a tripod will extend the possibilities. Of course there are times when a tripod makes no sense and you'll want to rely on fast glass (and the right ISO setting) - in which case this lens is a great choice.
1273280
I used to own both these lenses, but sold the 200 f/2.8L. They are very similar lenses. The 200L is, in my opinion, superior if your goal is landscape photography. For all other uses, I'd recommend the 135L. Portraits are easier in small spaces at the shorter focal length. Events are easier since the shorter length and faster aperture equate to much lower-light capability. Ergonomically, the lenses are practically identical. The 200L accepts a tripod ring, which I doubt you'll ever use. Either way, you're not going to make a wrong decision.
729916
I have the same queation as D Goel...and what is the "UD"? i HAVE PURCHASED TWO 60D's with the 18-135 kit lens. Had to return the first because of a flaw in the front element, now am faced with exchanging this new one as well because of dust visible in the interior glass. Am considering buying just the camera body and getting the lens separately. Maybe the kit lens is being manufactured with a lower standard of QC?
313060
The first two answers are spot on. I bought this lens because it is far less expensive and I use a tripod most of the time.
2176757
Planning to but canon 70-200 L but confused now after reading the forums and comments. Which one I should buy ?canon 70-200 F4 L IS USM or f2.8 L USL (Non IS)Pls Suggest
1561300
So now I am wondering just what I am missing with regards to buying this lens for use on a DSLR like the Canon EOS 5D versus the much more expensive "EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM for EOS SLR"???
1263150
I must admit that using the monopod is difficult with that lens you have to be very steady. I found that using a normal tripod was sufficient you do not need both to use it.
405
Thanks everyone for your help. You've explained a lot and it really helps. After your explanations, I looked at my past photos. I'm thinking that maybe the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 will fill my needs. Thanks again.
873452
Another option is getting the 50mm 1.8 for about a hundred bucks. Takes great shots and you can still buy the 28-135. I bought my 28-135 used and love having both lenses.
2069167
Depends on what you want to use for. As the wide angle lens is an extra, you can always switch between them. For biking i would recommend the wide angle lens though.
944171
hi, I have a question.... I'm not a professional photographer and not want to be, but I would use as a hobby and will go to photography classes.... to take a good photos in the future... soooo... What should I choose... the kit with those lens (18-55mm and 75-300mm ) or only the body with 18-135mm lens ??? and another question... I want to take photos to my brother's surfing. its necessary to buy a 500mm lens??? thanks a lot!
1722260
This lens can be separated in two pieces (unscrewed): macro part and wide angle part. So you can use it both ways: like macro lens (without wide angle part) and like wide angle with macro together.
1759797
Bishop, I wouldn't use this lens for landscape work. I primarily use mine for portraits. I have a super wide zoom lens for my landscape give me that panoramic look (Canon's EF 11-24mm f4). If you want a great portrait lens, I'd go with the 135.
1088253
The threads on the lens prevent total freedom there. I think the macro lens is the smaller diameter one near the base and the wide angle lens is the one with the larger diameter. It is the macro lens that screws into your main lens so you can in principle use it alone. You cannot use the wide angle lens alone with your main lens because it has only female threading. You can flip the macro lens around because it has male-male threading. I use both together and the effect is different depending on which side of the macro lens is facing toward your main lens.
1907929
I did not buy the kit lens. I already have a full range of L lenses by Canon and did not need it. In general I find I prefer not to use kit lenses as they are of lower quality and do not suit my needs. For someone just starting in SLR photography, the kit may make sense, but if possible I think it's better to spend more and get a really good general purpose lens such as the 24-70 or 24-105.
1703577
Thanks Michael for sharing your experience. I myself ended up buying a 60d with 18-135 lens kit about a week ago from amazon and I am very happy both with the body as well as the Lens. I had a T2i with 18-55mm before this purchase, and I am not a pro but so far i haven't seen any degradation on the image quality between the two lenses. I like the 18-135 for its decent quality and a very practical zoom range. Not to mention that 60D is a far better body than T2i.
143456
It depends on your equipment and needs. My suggestion is to rent one from BorrowedLenses, they do have it and try it out before buying. I have done this with some recent L series lens purchases. It was much easier to make a decision on those fat lenses.