Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2012April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–135 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups with a six-group zoom design12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne UD and one high-precision aspherical elementAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detailMinimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; Canon UK's table lists f/22–38 with f/36 qualified for one-third stops–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–9°30′; vertical 45°30′–6°20′; diagonal 74°20′–11°30′Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S mount APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Image circle detailCanon quotes a full-frame angle-of-view equivalent of 29–216 mm–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.39 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.28×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM; manual override after autofocus without changing focus modeLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailElectronic manual focus; adjustments in single autofocus mode after focus locks; non-rotating front filter thread (ePHOTOzine)Manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical Image Stabilizer claim for still photographsFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Video featuresDynamic IS for video; smooth Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras, including EOS 650D–
Design
Filter diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter76.6 mm66.5 mm
Length96 mm61.8 mm
Weight480 g215 g (better)
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
ControlsFocus and zoom rings; zoom lock lever–
Dimensions detail76.6 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length in the retracted state66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodOptional EW-73B; LP1116 pouch available separatelyEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailMarketed in June 2012 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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