Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS Specifications and Review
Brief Review
As would be expected in a relatively inexpensive wide to tele zoom, there are some compromises which have to be made. The EF-S 18-135/3.5-5.6 IS shows vignetting wide open throughout the focal length range and distortion and CA at the wide end of the zoom range. Center sharpness is generally quite good, but the lens needs to be stopped down a stop or two at most focal lengths to maximize edge and corner image quality. The IS is very good and my tests showed it can give the claimed 4 stops of stabilization, which is excellent performance.
If you're looking for a single lens to do a lot of jobs, then the EF-S 18-135/3.5-5.6IS is a decent choice. I've seen the EF 18-135/3.5-5.6 offered as a kit lens with EOS bodies, for example with the Rebel T1i (kit) and the EOS 50D (kit), though be aware that sometimes you can get the same combination cheaper by buying the lens and body separately! The alternatives to the 18-135 are lenses like the EF-S 18-200/3.5-5.6is which has an even greater zoom range, but has to make even more optical compromises, costs more and is larger and heavier. If you're willing to use two lenses, then the combination of the EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6is and the EF-S 55-250/4-5.6is gives you a very wide zoom range for about the same cost as the 18-135is. Although they aren't the best lenses in Canon's lineup either, they're both pretty useful lenses and capable of yielding good images. Again, as with most lenses in this class, stopping down a stop or two from full aperture often produces the best results.
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| Model | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS |
| Link to Current Pricing | EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS |
Production Dates  |
2009 - current |
| Comments | A pretty decent wide to telephoto zoom for crop sensor DSLRs with a very effective (4 stop) IS system. A full review of the 18-135/3.5-5.6is can be found HERE |
| Format Restrictions |
APS-C (crop sensor) only |
| Field of View
(degrees) Horizontal,Vertical, Diagonal Full Frame - 36x24mm APS-C - 22.5x15mm |
APS-C Wide : H - 64 : V - 45.2 : D - 73.8 APS-C Tele : H - 9.5 : V - 6.4 : D - 11.4 |
| Full Frame FOV equivalent with lens on APS-C body |
28.8-216 mm (1.6x multiplier) |
| Image Stabilization |
up to 4 stops |
| Length | 101 mm (3.98 inches) |
| Weight | 455 gm (15.39 oz.) |
| Maximum Diameter | 75.4 mm (2.97 inches) |
| Lens Mount Material |
Metal |
| Lens Color |
Black |
| Filter Size | 62 mm |
| Filter Rotation |
no information |
| Internal Zooming |
No (extends on zooming) |
| Focusing |
no information |
| Focus Range Setting(s) |
no information |
| AF motor |
MM |
| Distance Scale | No, does not have distance scale |
| Closest Focus | 0.45 m (1.48 ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x |
| Canon TC compatibility |
No, Canon TCs can not be used |
| Weathersealing |
Not weathersealed |
| Lens Hood | No information |
| Tripod Mount |
|
| E-TTL II Support |
No information |
| Elements/Groups |
16/12 |
| Aspheric Elements |
Yes, 1 aspheric element |
| Special Glass Elements |
Yes, 1 UD element |
| Diaphragm Blades |
6 (circular) |
|
Check Current Pricing and Availability at Amazon.com |
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With the large number of entries contained in the Canon EOS Lens database it's inevitable the some of presented here may not be complete and/or may contain errors. If you find an error or missing data, please contact me and I will add or revise the data as necessary
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