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Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM 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

CanonEF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2009March 2016
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–85 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–36
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon JapanOne UD and one aspherical element
CoatingsCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flareSuper Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frameCanon 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 distance0.35 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital PictureNano 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 detailInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and The Digital PictureElectronic 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 detailCanon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 mmFour-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 diameter72 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter81.6 mm77.4 mm
Length87.5 mm96 mm
Weight575 g515 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance windowFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to PhotozoneExtends 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 detail81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon JapanOptional 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 detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.Marketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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