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Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,380Lens mount:Canon EFMaximum focal length:135 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):4Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:18 °

Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of camera-lenses
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

35%

6.7

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.2

Build & Handling

20%

4.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 75% of camera-lenses
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £2,380

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components:

35%

6.7

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.2

Build & Handling

20%

4.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

5.7
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 91.7% of camera lenses.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
4.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

60%

5.7

Overall score

40%

1.0

Price

4.3
Lens type
tilt-shift
Lens mount
Canon EF
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
82 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
135 mm
Maximum focal length
135 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
18 °
Minimum angle of view
18 °
Show more
Focus motor
N/A
Minimum focus distance
0.486 m
Minimum focus distance
0.486 m
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.486 m, which is farther than 69.5% of camera lenses and equal to 0.5% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.5xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.5x
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.5x, which is higher than 91% of camera lenses and equal to 2.8% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Manual-focus-only lens.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
1,152 g
Weight
1,152 g
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 1,152 g, which is heavier than 86.2% of camera lenses.
Lens length
139.1 mm
Lens length
139.1 mm
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 139.1 mm long, which is longer than 83% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
88.5 mm
Lens diameter
88.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 88.5 mm, which is wider than 82% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.5 x
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.5 x vs 0.192 x
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.5 x
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.5 x vs 0.192 x
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    4 vs 2.8
  • 642 g heavier
    Weight
    1,152 g
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1152 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    1,152 g vs 510 g
  • 46.85 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    139.1 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (139.1 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    139.1 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 11.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    88.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (88.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    88.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 0.19 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.486 m
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.486 m vs 0.3 m
  • 61.1% worse value for money
    Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (4.27 vs 6.9).
    4.27 vs 6.89
  • 4.49x more expensive
    Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro is more expensive than the average camera lens (£2,380 vs £530).
    £2,380 vs £530
  • 7.29x less popular
    Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 4.5% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro
    the average camera lens
    Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro has a lower user score than the average camera lens (8.00 vs 8.360).
    8 vs 8.36
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    4 vs 2.8
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    Manual-focus-only lens.
  • 0.19 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.486 m
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.486 m vs 0.3 m
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 642 g heavier
    Weight
    1,152 g
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1152 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    1,152 g vs 510 g
  • 46.85 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    139.1 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (139.1 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    139.1 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 11.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    88.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (88.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    88.5 mm vs 77 mm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
the-digital-picture.com
10/03/2018
Summary of the review
Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Macro Lens Review
E
ephotozine.com
16/02/2018
Summary of the review
Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro Review - ePHOTOzine
N
northlight-images.co.uk
07/03/2018
Summary of the review
Canon TS-E 135mm F4L macro lens review - Northlight Images
P
pcmag.com
31/07/2018
Summary of the review
Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro Review | PCMag
P
photodo.com
No specific date listed
Summary of the review
Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro Review
F
fredmiranda.com
10/12/2017
Summary of the review
Canon TS-E 135/4L rolling review Northlight Images
F
fotowissen.eu
03. April 2026 (Update)
Summary of the review
Canon Tilt-Shift Lenses TS-E (Review & Practical Experience)
(Translated)Show original
E
eoszine.nl
01/03/2018
Summary of the review
Review of the TS-E 50mm, 90mm and 135mm Macro Lenses
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro

  • Outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness even at f/4
  • Virtually zero distortion and minimal chromatic aberration
  • Versatile 1:2 macro magnification capability
  • Independent tilt and shift rotation for advanced perspective control
  • Robust L-series build quality with smooth manual focus
  • Excellent flare resistance and pleasant bokeh
  • Large, easy-to-operate adjustment knobs

What we don't like about Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro

  • Very high price point makes it a niche professional tool
  • Heavy and bulky, often requiring a tripod for best results
  • Purely manual focus with no autofocus option
  • Noticeable vignetting at maximum shift or tilt settings
  • Awkward locking catches in certain lens orientations
  • Maximum aperture of f/4 is slower than standard 135mm primes
  • Short focus throw at longer distances makes precise manual focus tricky

Verdict

The Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro is a professional EF-mount telephoto tilt-shift lens designed for studio, product, and portrait photography, featuring an 11-element optical design with two UD elements and Subwavelength Coating (SWC). Key characteristics include a ±10° tilt range for focal plane control, ±12mm shift for perspective correction, and a 0.5x (1:2) macro magnification with a minimum focus distance of 49cm. Its main pros are exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, a 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh, and independent rotation of tilt and shift axes for maximum creative flexibility. However, potential cons include its heavy 1,110g weight, lack of autofocus, and a relatively high price point.

Compare Canon TS-E 135mm F 4L Macro with other products in the Camera lenses category

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