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

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 compared with EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 ISCanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2009June 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–135 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–36
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups16 elements in 12 groups with a six-group zoom design
Special elementsUD and glass-moulded aspherical elementsOne UD and one high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; Canon UK's table lists f/22–38 with f/36 qualified for one-third stops
DiaphragmSix blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Horizontal 64°30′–9°30′; vertical 45°30′–6°20′; diagonal 74°20′–11°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S mount APS-C camerasCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Image circle detailCanon quotes a full-frame angle-of-view equivalent of 29–216 mmCanon quotes a full-frame angle-of-view equivalent of 29–216 mm
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailDC micromotor; no full-time manual focus; switch to MF before turning the focus ring (Bob Atkins)STM; manual override after autofocus without changing focus mode
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; front filter thread does not rotate during focusing or zooming (Bob Atkins and ePHOTOzine)Electronic manual focus; adjustments in single autofocus mode after focus locks; non-rotating front filter thread (ePHOTOzine)
Stabilisation detailApproximately four-stop optical Image Stabilizer claimFour-stop optical Image Stabilizer claim for still photographs
Video features–Dynamic IS for video; smooth Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras, including EOS 650D
Design
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter75.4 mm76.6 mm
Length101 mm96 mm
Weight455 g (better)480 g
Controls–Focus and zoom rings; zoom lock lever
Zoom designBarrel extends when zoomed towards 135 mm (Bob Atkins)–
Dimensions detail75.4 mm maximum diameter × 101 mm length76.6 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length in the retracted state
Lens hoodOptional EW-73B; hood and case not supplied (Bob Atkins)Optional EW-73B; LP1116 pouch available separately
In the boxLens caps and instructions (ePHOTOzine)–
Release detailMarketed in October 2009 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed in June 2012 according to Canon Camera Museum

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