Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 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 compared with EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8CanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1987March 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 groups16 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
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF lens for full-frame and APS-C cameras (Bob Atkins Photography)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 stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailMicromotor autofocusNano 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 detail–Electronic 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 detail–Maximum 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detail–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 diameter67.4 mm77.4 mm
Length42.5 mm96 mm
Weight190 g (better)515 g
ControlsFocusing-distance window and separate manual-focus ring; metal lens mount and infrared focus index (Bob Atkins Photography)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)
Dimensions detail67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hood–Optional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the box–Lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailReleased alongside the EOS 650 in March 1987, confirmed by Canon's retrospective EOS anniversary releaseMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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