Why the Sony 135mm f1.8 Lens Is Always In My Bag

Apr 26

Having spent fourteen years of my life photographing a wide variety of subjects, I have had some time to use many different lenses and develop my own personal style. I enjoy photographing subjects at a distance with a longer lens; for many years, that lens was the 70-200mm f2.8. When I switched from Canon to Sony in 2020, the 135mm f1.8 was one of my first purchases and is always on one of my cameras when I am photographing. This post is my love letter to the Sony 135mm f1.8 and includes images from many different sessions, all captured in various lighting scenarios so you can see for yourself the beauty of this lens.

I have used this telephoto prime lens for everything from weddings to CrossFit to travel. It is speedy and sharp, and the background blur "bokeh" is beautiful. It does come with a pretty hefty price tag, but it's one that has been worth every penny for me as it is still my primary workhorse lens. Compared to the 70-200mm f2.8, it's lighter weight at 33.6 ounces and takes up less room in my camera bag. This lens is designed for Sony's E-mount cameras, such as the Alpha series mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless integration and full compatibility with camera features like autofocus and in-body image stabilization.

Flowers

*Tulips in Korea with the Sony 135mm f1.8*

*Lotus flower in Korea captured mid morning in dappled sunlight. Photographed with the Sony A7R3 & 135mm f1.8*

One of the lens's standout features, which I've come to appreciate during my travels and wedding shoots, is its ability to bring me closer to my subjects without intruding. This, combined with the silent shutter on my Sony A1, allows me to capture moments discreetly, without disrupting the natural flow of events. It's like having a secret weapon in my photography arsenal.

Weddings & Bridal

Above: First dance at wedding reception. Sony 135mm f1.8, Profoto A1 on a light-stand to the right with one on camera for fill. Below: Bridal session on a cloudy evening at sunset with the 135mm f1.8

*Afternoon bridal session with the Sony 135mm f1.8*

*Early afternoon fall portraits backlit in the woods*

*Bright evening engagement session on the beach, backlit and diffused by the pier*

Family Portraits

*Family photography with the 135mm f1.8*

It seems silly calling a lens that doesn't zoom versatile, but I consider it highly versatile. I am not joking when I say I would go from photographing portraits and weddings to photographing sweaty CrossFitters in all kinds of lighting scenarios. This lens has stood by my side and has never let me down. And, if you think athletes are moving around quickly, have you ever photographed toddlers running away from you on the beach?

CrossFit

*Inside a dark gym with multiple color light sources*

When I switched from Canon to Sony, I was immediately blown away that I could photograph a wedding processional and sports with a 135mm prime at 1.8 (in low light conditions) AND have tact sharp images; this wasn't the case with my Canon 135mm f2.0. It usually stayed in my bag unless I was photographing portraits of adults who weren't moving around quickly. This isn't a dig at Canon because I loved my Canon gear, but simply my experience with some of their prime lenses.

High School Senior Portraits

I’ve said it before but it bears repeating, just look at those beautiful backgrounds. From the woods in the fall to cherry blossom season in the spring, the results are a creamy and smooth background thanks to the perfect combination of lens compression and the f1.8 aperture.

Street & Travel Photography

When you talk to many professional street photographers, you will find that typically, they use 35mm to photograph street scenes. I also use that lens when I want to tell a story with a broader scene, but when I want to isolate my subject a bit more from the scene around them, then the 135mm is what I am photographing with.

Photographed in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Left: Quang Phu Cau Incense Village in Vietnam

Right: Eagle hunter/nomad taking a cigarette break at an eagle festival in Mongolia

Food & Drink

*Photographed with the Sony A1 + 135mm f1.8. One gridded Profoto A1 to the right on 1/64 power.*

I hope this post has shown you the incredible range this lens provides. I would encourage you to rent it and see for yourself how it performs in your genre of photography, you might just fall in love like I have.