Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2012.
The lens belongs to the category
standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2012 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM:
"Designed to exceed expectations and ideal for video and still images alike, the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM marks a new standard for EF-S lenses. It features a refined Image Stabilization system that delivers up to four equivalent stops of shake correction throughout the zoom range; and offers a maximum magnification of 0.28x at the telephoto end, while remaining even more compact in size. This EF-S lens supports the Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR´s Movie Servo AF feature for smooth and quiet continuous AF during movie shooting by utilizing a new six-group zoom system and the adoption of a stepping motor and focus mechanism. High-speed autofocus is achieved thanks to an Inner focusing system, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithm. Appearing for the first time in a Canon lens is Dynamic IS (Movie Shooting Mode only) that uses a wide image stabilization correction range to help ensure steady video while shooting when walking.
Whether shooting movies or stills, image quality is phenomenal, with one UD and one PMo aspheric lens providing high resolution and high contrast images with reduced chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range. A 7 blade, circular aperture ensures beautiful, soft backgrounds and optimized lens coatings ensure excellent color with minimized ghosting and flare. A zoom ring lock even prevents the lens from accidently extending.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
All-purpose STM zoom for owners of EF-S mount EOS cameras shooting movies and stills.
An all-purpose 18-135mm zoom lens with STM technology. STM provides smooth quiet auto focusing for movies, and Dynamic Image Stabilizer reduces vibrations in video footage.
Benefits
- Versatile 18-135mm zoom range – perfect for travel.
- Smooth, quiet STM focusing when shooting movies on compatible cameras.
- Dynamic Image Stabilizer for smooth movie footage.
- Fast autofocus with full-time manual override.
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.39m.
Detailed Features
Versatile and powerful zoom
A compact, versatile lens suited to a variety of subjects and ideal for travel photography. A 18-135mm zoom range offers the same angle of view as a 29-216mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Shoot with AF in movies using STM technology
Movie Servo AF uses STM stepping-motor technology for smooth quiet focusing when shooting video with compatible cameras.
Image Stabilizer for shooting movies and stills
Dynamic Image Stabilizer technology smoothes out vibrations and camera movements when shooting video. Image Stabilizer technology allows hand-held photography in low light without using flash or a tripod. Shutter speeds up to four stops longer than normal may be used without blur from camera shake.
High speed auto focus
Fast autofocus locks onto subjects quickly and accurately. Full-time manual override is available without changing focus mode.
Get close to your subject
Focus down to 0.39m at any zoom setting for a close-up view of your subject."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is designed and meant for Canon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 18-135 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-216 mm on your Canon camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 135 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 67 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "EW-73B") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Images of Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- Light weight (480 gr)
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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