Samyang

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

4.6 (212 reviews)
f/2.0

Samyang's 135mm f/2.0 manual-focus telephoto delivers stunning bokeh and UMC-coated optics at a fraction of autofocus lens prices.

$359.00*$439.00Save 18%
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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 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras, compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensor bodies. Its optical design prioritizes image quality at wide apertures, with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that control chromatic aberration and Samyang's Ultra Multi-Coated lens surfaces that minimize flare and ghosting. The result is a lens that delivers sharp, high-contrast images with richly rendered color — qualities that have made it particularly popular among portrait photographers seeking professional-level bokeh without the professional-level price tag.

With a fast f/2.0 maximum aperture and 9 rounded diaphragm blades, the SY135M-C produces exceptionally smooth background blur that isolates subjects beautifully. The aperture range extends from f/2.0 to f/22, giving photographers full creative control over depth of field. At 135mm on a full-frame body (or an equivalent 216mm field of view on APS-C), this lens is well-suited for headshots, half-body portraits, compressed landscapes, and astrophotography. The included removable lens hood helps manage stray light in outdoor shooting. While the manual-focus-only design requires a more deliberate approach, the smooth focus ring makes precise adjustments straightforward, and many users find this perfectly aligned with the contemplative shooting style that a 135mm telephoto naturally encourages.

Key Features

Full frame compatible with an 18.8 degree angle of view on full frame cameras and a 12.4 angle of view on APS-C cameras

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

Specifications

Brand
Samyang
Model
SY135M-C
Focal Length
135mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.0
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Compatibility
Full Frame and APS-C
Angle of View (Full Frame)
18.8°
Angle of View (APS-C)
12.4°
Optical Coating
Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC)
Minimum Focusing Distance
2.6 ft
Diaphragm Blades
9
Includes
Removable Lens Hood

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The f/2.0 maximum aperture produces exceptionally smooth and creamy bokeh for portrait work.
  • Ultra Multi-Coated optics effectively reduce flare and ghosting in high-contrast lighting.
  • Nine diaphragm blades create pleasing, rounded out-of-focus highlights.
  • Full-frame and APS-C compatibility provides flexibility across Canon EF mount camera bodies.
  • Significantly more affordable than comparable autofocus 135mm lenses from first-party manufacturers.

👎 Cons

  • Manual focus only, which can be challenging for fast-moving subjects or event photography.
  • No electronic communication with the camera body means no EXIF data recording for aperture and focal length.
  • The 2.6-foot minimum focusing distance limits close-up framing compared to some competing 135mm lenses.
  • No image stabilization, so a steady hand or tripod is recommended at slower shutter speeds.
  • Build quality is primarily plastic, which feels less robust than metal-bodied alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a fully manual-focus lens. It features a smooth, well-damped focus ring that allows for precise manual focusing, which many portrait and astrophotography shooters prefer.
Yes, the SY135M-C uses the Canon EF mount and is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon cameras. On APS-C bodies, the effective field of view is equivalent to approximately 216mm.
UMC stands for Ultra Multi-Coated, which is Samyang's proprietary multi-layer coating designed to reduce flare and ghosting while improving light transmission and contrast.
The minimum focusing distance is 2.6 feet (approximately 0.8 meters), which is fairly standard for a 135mm telephoto and allows for reasonably close framing of subjects.
The lens features 9 diaphragm blades, which contribute to smooth, rounded bokeh in out-of-focus areas — especially noticeable in portrait and backlit shooting scenarios.