I tried using my old Canon 28-135mm lens on a new Canon mirrorless camera. It worked fine with an adapter, but the autofocus wasn’t as fast as with RF lenses. It’s good for everyday use, but RF lenses perform better for quicker shots.
Wondering if your old Canon 28-135mm lens will work on a new Canon camera? With the right adapter, it will fit, but it may not be as fast or sharp as native RF lenses.
Stay tuned as we explore if your old Canon 28-135mm lens fits on new Canon cameras. We’ll talk about how it works and whether you need to upgrade in our next post!
Canon 28-135mm Lens – Overview!
The Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a zoom lens made for Canon DSLR cameras with an EF mount. It is a good all-around lens because it covers both wide-angle and telephoto shots. Many photographers like it for everyday use, travel, and portraits.

What Is It Good For?
- Portraits: Gives a nice background blur at 135mm
- Landscapes: 28mm setting captures wide shots
- Travel & Street Photography: Lightweight and easy to carry
- General Use: Covers many types of shots in one lens
Can You Use It on New Canon Mirrorless Cameras?
Yes! The Canon 28-135mm lens can work on new Canon EOS R-series cameras like the R5, R6, and R7, but you will need an EF to RF adapter. The lens will still have autofocus and image stabilization, but new RF lenses work faster and better.
The Impact of Adapting EF Lenses on Camera Features – Discover Impact!
Autofocus Speed:
EF lenses tend to have slower autofocus when used with mirrorless cameras. This is because they were designed for DSLRs and don’t fully take advantage of mirrorless technology. The autofocus may lag in fast-moving scenes or low-light conditions.
Burst Shooting Speed:
Using EF lenses with an adapter can limit burst shooting to around 6 frames per second. In contrast, native RF lenses can achieve up to 12 fps. This can affect high-speed photography, like sports or action shots.
Image Stabilization:
EF lenses don’t work as efficiently with the camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This can lead to less smooth stabilization compared to native RF lenses. While you’ll still get some stabilization, it won’t be as effective.
Size and Weight:
EF lenses are generally bulkier and heavier than RF lenses. Adding an adapter makes the setup even larger and more cumbersome. This can be less convenient for photographers who prefer a lightweight, compact system.
Lens Features:
Advanced features like fast video autofocus or quick adjustments via the lens may not perform as well with adapted EF lenses. RF lenses are built to maximize these features. As a result, some modern camera functions may be slower or less reliable with EF lenses.

Image Quality:
Image quality remains strong with adapted EF lenses, but you might notice slight differences. There may be a reduction in sharpness or contrast compared to RF lenses. However, for most photography, these differences are subtle and don’t significantly affect your final images.
Read Also: 28mm or 50mm for General Purpose Lens – Which One is Right for You?
Canon Lens Mounts – EF vs. RF!
Understanding Lens Mount Differences
Canon has transitioned from EF (DSLR) to RF (Mirrorless) mount, meaning:
Mount Type | Compatible Cameras | Adapter Needed? |
EF | Canon DSLRs (5D, 6D, 7D, etc.) | No |
EF-S | APS-C DSLRs (Rebel Series, 90D) | Yes, but only on APS-C RF cameras |
RF | Mirrorless (R5, R6, R7, etc.) | Not required |
What This Means for the Canon 28-135mm Lens
Since the Canon 28-135mm is an EF lens, it physically won’t mount on RF-mount cameras without an adapter. But with the right adapter, it can be used effectively.
Will the Canon 28-135mm Lens Fit New Canon Mirrorless Cameras? – Check Compatibility!
Yes, the Canon 28-135mm lens can work with new Canon mirrorless cameras, but you need an adapter. The new mirrorless cameras (like the Canon EOS R) have a different lens mount than older DSLR cameras. To use your Canon 28-135mm lens, you’ll need an EF to RF lens adapter.

This adapter lets you attach your old lens to the new camera. Canon offers different adapters, and some have extra features.Keep in mind, the autofocus might be slower, and burst shooting could be a bit slower too. But if you’re not ready to buy new lenses, this is a good way to keep using your old Canon lens.
Read Also: Canon Lens Price Increase Feb 1 – Understanding the Changes!
Pros & Cons of Using Canon 28-135mm on New Cameras – Evaluate Performance!
Aspect | Pros | Cons |
Compatibility | Can be used with an EF to RF adapter | Requires an adapter to fit on new cameras |
Cost | Cost-effective way to use old lenses | Not as cost-effective as upgrading to RF lenses |
Performance | Works well for general photography | Autofocus may be slower than native RF lenses |
Convenience | No need to buy new RF lenses | Burst shooting speed is slower |
Size | Image quality remains decent | Bulkier setup due to the adapter |
Are Canon 28-135mm Lenses a Good Fit for Professional Photographers? – Professional Choice!
The Canon 28-135mm lens is a good option for many photographers, but whether it’s suitable for professionals depends on their needs. It provides decent image quality, but may not be sharp enough for detailed or critical work. The autofocus is slower compared to newer RF lenses, which can be a downside for fast-paced photography like sports or wildlife, though it works well for portraits or landscapes.
The lens is solidly built, but not as durable as L-series lenses. For event photography or travel, its zoom range is versatile and useful. It’s also a budget-friendly option, but professionals who need top performance might prefer RF or L-series lenses for better autofocus, image quality, and durability.
Alternatives – Should You Upgrade to RF Lenses Instead?
Performance
- Better Quality: RF lenses are usually sharper and have less distortion than EF lenses.
- Faster Autofocus: RF lenses focus faster and more accurately, especially in low light.
- Lighter and Smaller: Many RF lenses are more compact, making them easier to carry around.
Cost
- Higher Price: RF lenses are generally more expensive than EF lenses, plus you may need an adapter.
- Existing Gear: If you already have good EF lenses, using them with an adapter can save you money.
Individual Needs

- Type of Photography: If you photograph fast-moving subjects or work in tough conditions, RF lenses may be worth the extra cost. For regular photography, EF lenses can work well.
- Future-Proofing: Buying RF lenses prepares you for future camera upgrades since Canon is focusing on RF technology.
FAQs:
Will my Canon 28-135mm lens fit on a new Canon mirrorless camera?
Yes, with the right adapter, your Canon 28-135mm lens can work on newer Canon mirrorless cameras, though it may not perform as well as native RF lenses.
Do I need an adapter to use my old Canon EF lenses on a mirrorless camera?
Yes, you will need a Canon EF to RF adapter to use older EF lenses on a Canon mirrorless camera.
Are RF lenses worth the higher price?
If you need faster autofocus, better image quality, and a more compact setup, RF lenses are worth the investment. However, EF lenses can still provide good performance for general photography.
Can I use my old EF lenses for professional photography?
Yes, EF lenses can still work well for professional photography, especially for portrait, landscape, or general-purpose shooting. However, for fast action shots or advanced features, RF lenses might offer better performance.
Do RF lenses perform better in low-light conditions?
Yes, RF lenses usually perform better in low light due to improved autofocus speed and better light transmission compared to EF lenses.
Conclusion:
The Canon 28-135mm lens can fit on new Canon mirrorless cameras using an EF to RF adapter, but it may not deliver the same performance as RF lenses. RF lenses offer better autofocus, sharper image quality, and a more compact design, making them ideal for fast-moving subjects and professional work. If you already own EF lenses, using them with an adapter is a cost-effective solution.
However, for improved performance and future-proofing your setup, investing in RF lenses is a smart choice. Weigh your needs, budget, and the type of photography you do before deciding to upgrade.
Read Also: