Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM
CanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2016March 2005
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–135 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–36
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups11 elements in nine groups; Canon's EF Lens Work III records exterior design changes from type I while optical performance remains the same
Special elementsOne UD and one aspherical elementOne precision aspherical element; Canon's EF Lens Work III identifies the tenth element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings–
Aperture detailMinimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view–Diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to Canon's EF Lens Work III
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; equivalent angle of view to approximately 29–88 mm on full frame
Adaptor supportCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.39 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.28×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailNano 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 viewfinderCanon Micro USM II ultrasonic motor
Focus distance detailElectronic 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)Front-group rotating extension focusing; minimum distance 0.28 m throughout the zoom range according to Canon's EF Lens Work III
Magnification detailMaximum 0.28× at 135 mm–
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection–
Video featuresOptional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter77.4 mm68.5 mm
Length96 mm66 mm
Weight515 g190 g (better)
ControlsFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)–
Zoom designExtends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)–
Weather resistanceNo full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)–
Dimensions detail77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length; 190 g according to Canon
Lens hoodOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)–
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual–
Release detailMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum records March 2005 marketing; no first-sale day is given by this source

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