Samyang

Samyang SY135M-C 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC Canon EF Lens

4.6 (190 reviews)
f/2.0

A fast f/2.0 manual-focus 135mm telephoto with ED glass and beautiful 9-blade circular bokeh for Canon EF shooters.

$389.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC is a manual-focus telephoto prime built for Canon EF-mount cameras that prioritizes optical performance at an accessible price. Its fast f/2.0 maximum aperture paired with a 9-blade circular diaphragm creates beautifully smooth background blur, making it a favorite among portrait, wedding, and fine-art photographers who want dramatic subject separation. The inclusion of ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements effectively controls chromatic aberration, while the proprietary UMC anti-reflective coating minimizes ghosting and flare for clean, high-contrast results even in backlit scenarios.

With a minimum focusing distance of just 2.6 feet, this lens allows tighter framing than many telephoto primes in its class, opening up creative possibilities for detail-oriented portraiture and close-up work. The long-throw manual focus ring provides fine, precise control — an asset for photographers who prefer the tactile feedback of manual focusing or who work in studio environments where speed is less critical than accuracy. While the lack of autofocus and stabilization requires a more deliberate shooting approach, the Samyang 135mm f/2.0 rewards patience with images that showcase exceptional sharpness wide open and rendering quality typically associated with far more expensive glass.

Key Features

Samyang Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) Optics

Minimum Focusing Distance of 2.6 ft. with fast apertures of f2.0 - f22

Features 9 diaphragm blades and includes a removable lens hood

Includes lens pouch, front and rear lens caps, removable lens hood and 1 year Samyang warranty

Specifications

Focal Length
135mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.0
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Diaphragm Blades
9 (Circular)
Optical Elements
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Coating
UMC (Ultra Multi-Coating)
Minimum Focusing Distance
2.6 feet (0.8m)
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Compatibility
Canon EF Digital SLR Cameras

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Wide f/2.0 aperture provides excellent subject isolation and strong low-light performance at 135mm
  • Nine circular diaphragm blades produce smooth, rounded bokeh in out-of-focus areas
  • ED glass elements and UMC anti-reflective coating deliver sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration and flare
  • Close minimum focusing distance of 2.6 feet for a 135mm telephoto lens
  • Significantly more affordable than comparable autofocus 135mm f/2.0 lenses from Canon or third parties

👎 Cons

  • Manual focus only with no autofocus motor, making it challenging for fast-moving subjects
  • No image stabilization, requiring higher shutter speeds or a tripod to avoid camera shake at 135mm
  • Manual aperture ring means no electronic aperture control or EXIF aperture data on most Canon bodies
  • Heavier than some competing 135mm lenses due to the all-glass optical design with ED elements
  • Focus confirmation accuracy can vary by camera body, occasionally requiring micro-adjustment

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a fully manual focus lens. It features a smooth, long-throw focus ring designed for precise manual focusing, which many portrait and fine-art photographers prefer for controlled shot composition.
Yes, the Samyang 135mm f/2.0 mounts on any Canon EF-mount camera, including APS-C bodies, where it provides an equivalent field of view of approximately 216mm.
The Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) is Samyang's anti-reflective lens coating that reduces flare and ghosting, improving contrast and color accuracy especially when shooting in challenging backlit conditions.
The minimum focusing distance is 2.6 feet (approximately 0.8 meters), which is reasonably close for a 135mm telephoto and allows for tightly framed portrait compositions.
No, the Samyang 135mm f/2.0 does not include optical image stabilization. At 135mm, a tripod or monopod is recommended in lower light when shooting at slower shutter speeds.