The AFD motor, coupled with its traditional looking design as opposed to the modern single focal length EF lenses utilizing Ring USM, causes potential users to doubt whether this SF lens can deliver the goods whenever the soft focus effect is not needed. Most people have the misconception that this EF 135mm lens is only designed for soft focus shooting and the mechanisms employed for the SF function will also cause a significant drop in image quality if it is to be used for general shooting. To be honest, testing this lens for this issue also marks the first time I am actually using it since investing in the EOS System over a decade ago. The reason why I did not have this SF telephoto in my collection is not due to any doubts about its image quality but whether a single focal length lens is necessary since I already have two L-series zooms that cover the 135mm position. The EF 80-200mm f/2.8L AFD and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM. Soft focus effect is not something I need for most of my photographic work. As these four photos can attest, the EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus lens is capable of producing sharp images when it is also used for general photography. Right, the first photo is no big deal, just another view of Kuala Lumpur's famed Jamek Mosque while the second is of pedestrians walking past an LRT (Light Rail Transit) sign not far from the Jamek station. Basically, it is not really about showing the amazing clarity one can achieve with this EF 135mm SF lens but to demonstrate its ability as a general-purpose telephoto whenever the SF function is not needed. Jamek Mosque Pedestrians along LRT sign     Hawkers at work Building facade The photo of the two hawkers is another example of the 135mm SF lens' versatility - in this shot, you can see more details, from the crispness of the food to the expression of one of them, the ability to distinguish the contrast between highlight and shadow areas (a little bit to do with the film used, too). If this still does not convince you, perhaps the shot of the architectural facade of the colonial building, which now houses a Muslim restaurant on the ground floor (not shown except for the sign), will give you an idea of the lens' ability in achieving sharp images. However, one thing for sure is having this EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus telephoto is definitely much better than using a softmat filter attached to the front of any lens. Text and photos by Philip Chong. Copyright 2000 by Canon Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 .