Specification
| Main Feature | ||
| Focal Length & Maximum Aperture | Focal Length: 18 to 135mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 29 to 216mm) Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 to 5.6 |
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| Lens Construction | 16 elements in 12 groups | |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 74° 20′ to 11° 30′ | |
| Focus Adjustment | Inner focusing system | |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 1.3 ft./0.39m | |
| Filter Size | 67 mm (Front) | |
| Compatible Format | APS-C | |
| Max. Diameter x Length | 3.02 x 3.78″ / 76.71 x 96.01 mm | |
| Weight | 16.9 oz / 480 g | |
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Choosing the right lens can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Enter the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. This versatile zoom lens is designed specifically for APS-C format Canon DSLR cameras.
It offers a wide range of focal lengths, making it suitable for various shooting situations. From capturing expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups, this lens has got you covered.
The lens also features an Image Stabilizer for shake correction and a Stepping Motor for smooth, quiet autofocus. These features make it an excellent choice for both still photography and video recording.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and value of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you decide if this lens is the right choice for your photography needs.
Overview of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm Lens
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens is a versatile powerhouse. Designed for Canon’s APS-C DSLR cameras, this lens covers an impressive focal length range.
From 18mm wide-angle shots to 135mm telephoto captures, it’s perfect for many photography styles. Versatility is its standout feature, catering to amateurs and seasoned photographers alike.
Its f/3.5-5.6 aperture range provides decent low-light performance and depth of field control. This range makes it a robust option for various lighting scenarios.
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Ideal for travel, portraits, and landscapes, the lens is lightweight and easy to carry. This makes it perfect for those on the go. Its construction promises durability, making it a reliable companion for every shooting adventure.
Key Features and Technologies
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens boasts impressive features. Designed to enhance both stills and video, it integrates several advanced technologies.
One of its key elements is the Image Stabilizer (IS), which offers up to four stops of shake correction. This is crucial for handheld shots, especially in low-light conditions.
The lens uses an STM (Stepping Motor) for smooth, quiet autofocus. This is particularly beneficial for video recording, ensuring seamless transitions and minimal noise interference.
Key features include:
- Versatile focal length range: 18-135mm
- IS with four-stop shake correction
- STM motor for silent autofocus
- Dynamic IS for video stability
Its optical design incorporates one UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) element and one PMo (Precision Molded) aspherical element. These features help minimize chromatic aberration, improving image clarity.
Canon’s lens coatings reduce flare and ghosting. This enhancement ensures vibrant colors and sharp contrasts, essential for high-quality images.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens boasts a robust and thoughtful design. Its build quality is often commended for durability, catering to regular use.
Weighing around 515g, it remains lightweight and easy to handle, even for extended periods. This feature makes it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
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The lens construction includes a metal mount, adding to its overall sturdiness. Despite its robust build, it’s compact enough to fit easily into most camera bags.
While it doesn’t have weather sealing, users praise its solid feel and reliable performance. The zoom and focus rings operate smoothly, offering precision control.
Performance: Autofocus and Image Stabilization
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens excels in delivering swift and precise autofocus. Its Stepping Motor (STM) technology ensures autofocus transitions are smooth and nearly silent. This feature is particularly beneficial for video shooting, where noise can be distracting.
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Fast autofocus makes capturing quick-moving subjects easy and efficient. The system works accurately across a wide range of photography applications, from sports to wildlife.
Image stabilization is another standout feature of this lens. It provides up to four stops of shake correction, which greatly enhances the clarity of handheld shots. This is especially useful in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths.
The Dynamic IS feature is tailored for video creators. It stabilizes footage when recording video while walking or moving. This dynamic functionality ensures smoother and more professional-looking videos.
Together, autofocus and image stabilization make this lens a reliable tool for both still photography and video projects. These performance features cater to both beginners and seasoned photographers alike.
Image Quality and Optical Performance
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens offers impressive optical performance. Its construction includes one UD lens element and an aspherical lens. These elements reduce chromatic aberration and enhance image sharpness.
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The lens provides consistent sharpness throughout its focal range. Users praise its ability to deliver clear, detailed photos from edge to edge. Its optical quality competes well with more expensive lenses.
Color reproduction and contrast are standout features of this lens. Photographs display vibrant colors and strong contrast, making images pop. These qualities enhance the appeal of both landscape and portrait shots.
The lens also produces pleasing background blur, or bokeh. Its seven-blade circular aperture contributes to a smooth and aesthetic blur effect. This is desirable for portrait and close-up photography.
Flare and ghosting are minimized thanks to advanced lens coatings. These coatings improve image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions. The result is consistently high-quality photos without distracting light artifacts.
Versatility in Photography: From Portraits to Landscapes
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens shines in its versatility. Its focal length covers most photography needs, from wide-angle to telephoto. This makes it ideal for capturing a broad range of subjects.
Portrait photographers will appreciate the lens’s ability to blur backgrounds. It can isolate subjects beautifully, making them stand out crisply. This feature is especially useful for creating compelling portrait images.
For landscape photography, the lens performs admirably. Its wide-angle capabilities allow for capturing expansive scenes with ease. Rich details and vivid colors enhance the beauty of natural landscapes.
The lens also adapts well to action photography. Its fast autofocus can capture moving subjects with precision. This flexibility makes the lens a favorite for various creative projects and adventures.
Video Capabilities with STM Motor
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens excels in video recording, thanks to its STM motor. This technology ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, which is crucial for capturing high-quality videos. Viewers will appreciate the seamless transitions without distracting noise.
Dynamic IS further enhances its video capabilities. It reduces camera shake significantly while moving, ensuring stable footage. This feature is particularly valuable for videographers on the go.
The lens’s smooth zoom operation enhances creative possibilities. You can adjust framing smoothly without jerky movements, producing professional-looking results. This makes it an excellent choice for filmmakers and vloggers alike.
Overall, the lens offers impressive video performance. It combines advanced technology with ease of use, making it a practical tool for capturing engaging video content. Whether you’re documenting events or creating short films, this lens delivers.
Comparisons with Other Canon Lenses
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens stands out due to its versatile zoom range. It covers both wide-angle and telephoto settings, reducing the need for multiple lenses. This makes it a convenient choice for many photographers.
In comparison to the Canon 18-55mm lens, the EF-S 18-135mm offers greater focal length flexibility. This enhanced range is particularly beneficial for capturing diverse scenes. Photographers can transition smoothly from landscapes to close-up shots.
When compared to the Canon 55-250mm lens, the EF-S 18-135mm offers similar telephoto capabilities but includes wide-angle functionality. This dual function makes it an ideal all-in-one option. It is suitable for users who prioritize versatility over specialized focal lengths.
Ultimately, this lens offers a well-rounded alternative within Canon’s lineup. It successfully combines the strengths of other lenses while reducing the need for frequent lens changes. This makes it a preferred choice for those seeking convenience without sacrificing quality.
Pros and Cons for Photographers
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offers many benefits. Its versatility allows photographers to handle various shooting scenarios seamlessly. However, it’s essential to consider both its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Versatile focal range from 18-135mm
- Effective Image Stabilization for handheld shots
- Smooth and quiet autofocus with STM motor
Cons:
- Not weather-sealed for harsh conditions
- Limited aperture range in low-light situations
- Compatibility restricted to APS-C Canon cameras
Photographers appreciate the lens for its compact design and user-friendly features. It is also praised for its cost-effectiveness in the Canon lineup. However, some find its performance in low-light conditions somewhat limited.
This lens remains a popular choice among users who value versatility. Despite a few drawbacks, its strengths in image stabilization and autofocus make it a solid investment.
Conclusion: Is the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Right for You?
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is a strong contender for those seeking a versatile option. It adapts well to various photography styles, offering flexibility with its extensive focal range.
For photographers prioritizing portability, this lens is an excellent choice. Its lightweight build ensures it won’t weigh you down during travel. The lens’s features like Image Stabilization and STM motor make it suitable for both stills and video.
However, consider your specific needs before deciding. If low-light performance is crucial, the aperture might be limiting. This lens shines for those who shoot in diverse environments and need reliable image stabilization.
In summary, the lens offers a balanced mix of performance and convenience. It remains popular among Canon users, making it a worthwhile addition to your gear. Evaluate your needs to determine if it aligns with your photography aspirations.
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