Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM.
Canon's modern 135mm with image stabilization. The longer-reach portrait option for R-system shooters who already own the 85mm L.
The Verdict.
Gavler Meta-Score
“The sharpest lens OpticalLimits says it has ever tested, and the only 135mm f/1.8 in its class with optical stabilization — a real handheld low-light edge for Canon shooters. You pay for it in size, price, and a slightly nervous transition-zone bokeh reviewers single out.”
The Gavler Verdict
Where to Buy.
Prices checked regularly
90-day price history
Price History
Steady at $2,099 for the entire 90-day tracking window — no increases, no discounts, across 67 tracked days.
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Precision Engineering
5.5-Stop IS (8 with IBIS)
The only 135mm f/1.8 with optical stabilization: PetaPixel measured 5.5 stops on its own, rising to roughly eight stops paired with an R6 Mark II's in-body IS.
Class-Leading Sharpness
17 elements in 12 groups with three UD elements produce what OpticalLimits called one of the sharpest results it has ever tested — edge to edge, wide open at f/1.8.
9-Blade Aperture, 82mm Filter
A 9-blade rounded diaphragm and Air Sphere Coating deliver smooth bokeh and strong flare control, though transition-zone rendering can look slightly busy.
Technical Specifications
The Scoreboard
Critics rate it at or near the sharpest lens they have tested, and its 5.5-stop IS (up to eight with IBIS) is unmatched in the class; the noted trade-offs are some 'technical' transition-zone bokeh, a comically oversized hood, and a high price.
Cast Your Vote
Do you think Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM deserves the #10 spot in Best Portrait Lenses?
Global Critique
“The Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is one of the sharpest - if not the sharpest - lens that we've ever tested.”
“The lens provides 5.5 stops of image stabilization and works in conjunction with the stabilization in the R6 Mark II to provide up to eight stops.”
“Unsurprisingly, the image quality from the lens is superb, featuring excellent color rendition, fantastic background defocus (bokeh), edge-to-edge sharpness, and no or next-to-no chromatic aberration or vignetting.”
“A curious flaw is the 'technical bokeh' in the focus transition zone.”
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