Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens (SEL135F18GM)

[mark.s]

Is anyone currently using this lens?
I'm looking at getting one for insect photography and butterflies, etc.
I'm not after macro, just to clarify that, in case someone tries to help with that as a suggestion.
Thanks.

 

[Jeff A]

I have one but not used too much as yet. What would you like to know? Some test shots here.

 

[AlphaWorld]

I have owned one since 2019. It is an extremely sharp lens, and exceptionally fast to focus. One caveat - it is not light! 950g, from memory.

I have used it photographing rose, and surprised myself by getting a variety of bugs in the images - not just bees, but smaller insects, too. I was using it on an A7RIV first - it easily handles 60Mp.

You might enjoy reading Roger’s opinions:

Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM Early MTF Results

As is sometimes the case, I got access to a couple of pre-release copies of the new Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM lens. Of course, if I get access, it gets MTF bench tested. I mounted the first one, sipped my coffee and then lost my mind and started shouting various expletives, enough to bring [...]

www.lensrentals.com

Disassembling the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM

When we optically tested the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM we were mighty impressed. Then I threw up in my mouth a little when I read a couple of reviewers comment on the build quality. Because holding a lens gives you not the slightest idea about the build quality. So I was excited when a 135mm [...]

www.lensrentals.com

 

[mark.s]

I have one but not used too much as yet. What would you like to know? Some test shots here.

Hi Jeff, thank you for replying. I've decided to buy one and see if it does what I want it for.

 

[mark.s]

I have owned one since 2019. It is an extremely sharp lens, and exceptionally fast to focus. One caveat - it is not light! 950g, from memory.

I have used it photographing rose, and surprised myself by getting a variety of bugs in the images - not just bees, but smaller insects, too. I was using it on an A7RIV first - it easily handles 60Mp.

You might enjoy reading Roger’s opinions:

Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM Early MTF Results

As is sometimes the case, I got access to a couple of pre-release copies of the new Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM lens. Of course, if I get access, it gets MTF bench tested. I mounted the first one, sipped my coffee and then lost my mind and started shouting various expletives, enough to bring [...]

www.lensrentals.com

Disassembling the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM

When we optically tested the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM we were mighty impressed. Then I threw up in my mouth a little when I read a couple of reviewers comment on the build quality. Because holding a lens gives you not the slightest idea about the build quality. So I was excited when a 135mm [...]

www.lensrentals.com

Thank you for replying. I'm not worried about weight, I usually roam around with the 600f4 attached, so it's a small option to carry for when needed and have bit the bullet and bought one this morning.

 

[Gaz]

It’s definitely a favorite of mine. You won’t regret the purchase. I’ve used it for “macro style” shots though I do enjoy the Sony 90 macro lens for all kinds of shots. They’re nearly interchangeable… but not quite. The 135 is amazingly versatile.

• ILCE-7M4
• 90.0 mm
• ƒ/11
• 1/80 sec
• ISO 125

• ILCE-7M4
• Sony FE 135mm F1.8
• 135.0 mm
• ƒ/5
• 1/800 sec
• ISO 125

• ILCE-7M4
• 135.0 mm
• ƒ/11
• 1/2000 sec
• ISO 800

 

[Deleted Member 5003]

The 135 mm f1.8 GM lens is extremely sharp and very useful at middle range focal lengths.

It does have a long minimum focus distance at 70cm and 0.25 maximum magnification so to get
Detailed bug shots you will ideally need a high resolution camera and crop in as necessary.