Canon EF-S 18-135mm STM Zoom Lens — main product image

Canon

Canon EF-S 18-135mm STM Zoom Lens

Name: Canon EF-S 18-135mm STM Zoom Lens
Brand: Canon

Versatile Zoom Lens for Everyday Photography The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a versatile zoom lens designed for Canon EF-S mount cameras. With a wide focal range, smooth and quiet autofocus, and effective image stabilization, this lens is ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, fro...

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Overview

Versatile Zoom Lens for Everyday Photography

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a versatile zoom lens designed for Canon EF-S mount cameras. With a wide focal range, smooth and quiet autofocus, and effective image stabilization, this lens is ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.

Key Features:

Focal Length: 18-135mm
Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
Lens Mount: Canon EF-S
Image Stabilization: Up to 4 stops of shake correction
Focus Adjustment: Inner focusing system

Specifications:

Lens Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
Closest Focusing Distance: 1.3 ft./0.39m
Filter Size: 67mm
Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.8 inch (76.6 x 96.0mm)
Weight: 16.9 oz. (480g)

Key Features

Inner focusing system

With one UD and one PMO aspheric lens

Zoom ring lock even prevents the lens from accidently extending

Focus Adjustment : Inner focusing system

Specifications

Lens Type

Zoom Lens

Brand

Canon

Model

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

Focal Length

18-135mm

Maximum Aperture

f/3.5-5.6

Mount Type

Canon EF-S Mount

Focusing System

Inner focusing system

Special Elements

1 UD lens, 1 PMO aspheric lens

Features

Zoom ring lock

Autofocus Motor

STM (Stepping Motor)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of the inner focusing system in this Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens?

The inner focusing system means the front of the lens does not rotate or extend during focusing, which is advantageous for using polarizing filters and maintaining balance.

Does this lens have any features to prevent accidental extension when carrying?

Yes, it includes a zoom ring lock mechanism that effectively prevents the lens barrel from accidentally extending, providing security during transport.

What special optical elements are incorporated into the design of this lens?

The lens design includes one UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens element and one PMO (Plastic Molded Optics) aspheric lens element to enhance image quality.

Is this Canon EF-S lens compatible with full-frame cameras?

No, EF-S lenses are specifically designed for Canon's APS-C crop sensor cameras and are not compatible with full-frame EOS bodies.

What autofocus motor technology is used in this 18-135mm lens?

This lens utilizes an STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system, which is known for its smooth and quiet operation, especially beneficial for video.

Strengths & Trade-offs

👍 Pros

Features an inner focusing system, which maintains the physical length of the lens during focus, improving handling and balance.
Equipped with a zoom ring lock, effectively preventing the lens from accidentally extending, especially during transport or when pointing downwards.
Incorporates one UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and one PMO (Plastic Molded Optics) aspheric lens element, contributing to reduced aberrations and improved image quality.
Offers a versatile focal range from 18mm wide-angle to 135mm telephoto, suitable for a broad array of shooting scenarios.
Utilizes an STM (Stepping Motor) for autofocus, suggesting smooth and quiet operation, which is particularly beneficial for video recording.

👎 Cons

The variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 can limit its performance in lower light conditions, necessitating higher ISO or slower shutter speeds.
As an EF-S lens, it is designed exclusively for APS-C crop sensor cameras and is not compatible with full-frame Canon EOS bodies.
While providing a zoom ring lock, manually engaging and disengaging this feature can add a small step to operation, potentially slowing quick changes.
The inclusion of Plastic Molded Optics (PMO) may indicate a compromise in build quality or optical performance compared to glass-only elements.
The 18-135mm range, while versatile, means it is a compromise lens; specialized primes or faster zooms might offer superior optical quality at specific focal lengths.