Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 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

EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM compared with EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
CanonEF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2006March 2016
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–55 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon JapanOne UD and one aspherical element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKSuper 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 aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–88 mm on full frameCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatible–
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapterCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UKNano 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 keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneElectronic 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 detailMaximum 0.17× at 55 mm according to Canon Japan; EF12 II extension tube and 500D close-up lens supported, 250D close-up lens not supportedMaximum 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detailCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBISFour-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 resistantNoNo
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm77.4 mm
Length110.6 mm96 mm
Weight645 g515 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ringFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzineExtends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
Weather resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistanceNo full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodEW-83J hood and LP1219 pouch are optional accessories; Canon UK's box list includes neither. Canon Camera Museum's price table says case and built-in hood, conflicting with the UK package and separately listed removable EW-83J hoodOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the boxLens, E77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UKLens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records May 2006 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 22 February and Japanese first sale on 31 May 2006; a separately established UK first-sale day is not published in these sources.Marketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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