The CP.2 135 is ideal for portrait shots. The long focal length allows a working distance that avoids distortion and a narrow angle of view that can focus in on the foreground. A shallow depth of field native to telephotos further isolates the foreground from the background.

The optics and mechanics are superior too. The lens incorporates two aspheric lens elements and two special types of glass with abnormal partial dispersion that exceptionally corrects for chromatic aberration. ZEISS-famous T* anti-reflective coating along with internal light traps provide advanced flare suppression. Fourteen high-precision iris blades open up consistently circular across all T-stops, allowing impressive highlights in out-of-focus areas and producing smooth bokeh.