Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 50mm f/1.8 II compared with EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 IICanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1990March 2016
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical design16 elements in 12 groups
Special elements–One UD and one aspherical element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmFive bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF mount for full-frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras (DPReview)Canon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)Nano USM; Canon claims up to 4.3× the STM predecessor's focus-lens driving speed when focusing from minimum distance to infinity at 135 mm through the viewfinder
Focus distance detailSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocusElectronic manual focusing requires an awake camera; manual override in One-Shot AF requires a half-pressed shutter and enabled electronic manual focusing (The Digital Picture)
Magnification detail0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to CanonMaximum 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)Four-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
Video features–Optional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter52 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter68.2 mm77.4 mm
Length41 mm96 mm
Weight130 g (better)515 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)Focus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom design–Extends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
Weather resistance–No full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
Filter detailOne 52 mm front filter; with the optional hood, mount the filter on the hood adaptor–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front of the lens, excluding caps77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Weight detailApproximately 130 g lens only–
Lens hoodOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storageOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the boxFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by regionLens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons