Used Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

2019-01-15T19:00:00

I had this lens 2 months and I am happy with the pictures taken so far.

HowieBklyn

Originally posted at

2019-01-15T19:00:00

I bought this lens as a vacation lens. It has good versatility, and isn't so heavy as to be uncomfortable hanging from the neck.

Sander

Originally posted at

2018-12-19T19:00:00

Bought it a few weeks ago and have used it mostly as my primary all round lens. Seems to be better than my former kit lens pluse greater focal zoom! Still getting used to it.

David H.

Originally posted at

2017-09-30T20:00:00

Solid, smooth zooming, smooth focusing, fairly accurate lens. Good value for the price paid. Not the sharpest or fastest lens in my bag, but a good, reliable every day lens with a very useful zoom range. Lens feels well made and durable. As evidence whereof, I once dropped my sample, and smashed a UV filter. After removing the broken shards of filter glass, and prying the bent filter ring off ... I fitted a second filter, and have continued to use the lens as usual, with no worries, no problems, and it continues to work as new. I am well satisfied with the quality and performance of this lens. Just MY take... your mileage may vary. JR

J R.

Originally posted at

2016-07-01T20:00:00

This is a great lense. This one pretty much lives on my SL1 for a walk around combo- on a wrist strap. It's very easy to carry. IQ is really good for the price and it is very light and versatile.

Dave67

Originally posted at

2016-04-12T20:00:00

I'm continually impressed with the image quality and sharpness of this lens. Auto focus is very fast and works flawlessly on my SL1 body and Sony a7r II with the Metabones Adapter.

tominabf

Originally posted at

2016-01-23T19:00:00

This is a perfect "do everything" lens. Wide enough to get the big group shots, long enough to get distant subjects or tight close-ups. On my 7D, autofocus is very quick. I photographed a helicopter flying overhead, and the autofocus nailed 9/10 shots. Sharpness is also very good. This competes very well with the EF-S 15-85 (actually matches overall according to DxOMark, and also the EF-S 17-55 (only one point less according to DxOMark). The plus is that you get much more range! Of course, inside with low light is not this lens' friend, but for most situations, this is going to stay on your camera more often.

Daniel

Originally posted at

2015-12-16T19:00:00

I bought this lens to replace my 18-200 EF-S lens which was great except for the bulk and weight. This lens is far lighter, and to my surprise, much faster focusing and extremely sharp. The 135mm limit is not that much difference from my previous lens at 200mm. This lens is much lighter, smaller frame and yet, very sturdily built. It is my new everyday carry on my APS-C DSLR's. My only gripe, as with all STM lenses, is that you can't play with the focus unless the power from the camera is on. THIS IS NOT A DEFECT, IT IS BY DESIGN. Still, as a traditionalist, I like to manually focus on anything as I walk, without turning the camera on. I guess I will just have to get used to these new STM characteristics. But other than that, as a lens, this lens is faster than any other in my collection. There are no "L" lenses in the EF-S class, this one is as good as it gets, and it doesn't have an "L" class price either. Like it enough, that I'll probably buy another to carry on my second body. By the way, I have bought Canon products for over 30 years. In the last 5 years I've been buying refurbished. They all come looking and performing "like new", I have never had a problem. Love 'em.

RobA

Originally posted at

2015-09-13T20:00:00

I got one of these lenses with a 7D Mark II. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised - especially for the small up-charge I paid adding it as a "kit lens". Significantly better than the last kit lens I received (which was a 18-55mm IS II - not worth having IMO). I have been using this lens for a wide variety of shots and it is worth having - the wide zoom range, quick focus, and quiet operation are all beyond my expectations. I like the STM focus better than the USM in standard (non-L) lenses. Well done Canon.

Tarmack

Originally posted at

2015-08-24T21:00:00

I had great expectations on that lens according to the reviews I have read before I got it. unfortunately I had troubles with the focusing of the lens, especially the manual one. I felt it is loose and difficult to control. I tried the lens in different locations, at different timings and under different circumstances but the results was not wow as I expected. Adorama as usual is a great company and they are always there for help!

sherif s.

2015-06-26T20:00:00

I got this lens in a kit with my 70D. I wasn't sure about it at first, but I actually like it. The stepper motor (STM) is amazing and completely changes the lens. It operates differently from any lens I've owned before. First, the focus ring is not mechanically connected to anything - so when the camera is off, it doesn't move. This is neither good nor bad, just different. The lens focuses very quickly and completely silently (good for movie shooting if you're recording audio on the camera). It seems like the lens elements are very close and they don't move very much - resulting in fast focus. It operates more like the focus system in a camcorder than a still camera. I took it to iceland and shot 500+ pictures with it. Overall it worked well. The picture quality wasn't as nice as my f/2.8 lenses, but it did well and the zoom range is solid - wide enough and just enough length for most things. For the price, it really can't be beat. The IS is also pretty amazing. Again, for shooting video it operates as well as a camcorder lens system. Pretty impressive. In the end, it is definitely 1) a step up from the 18-55 kit lens, 2) an awesome lens for video and a must for folks doing it, 3) it isn't as good as an L or comparable lenses, but it costs a heck of a lot less, and 4) it is a reasonable all-in-one and a must if you only want to buy one lens.

stu

Originally posted at

2015-05-17T21:00:00

This is an outstanding all purpose lense. It is all you will ever need for most situations. For everything else get the new 100-400 LS II. Wgat a great lense

J D.

2015-04-30T20:00:00

There are a few things that are not right which are unacceptable from a camera of this level and cost. HDMI output does not support 1080"p" nor "24p". So if you recorded in 1080 24p, while it will record it in that format correctly, it will not output faithfully. It will output it in 1080 60i ! Which is completely opposite of what this camera and brand stands for and that is good quality reproduction of images! Also I am quite disappointed about the Auto White Balance. Especially in artificial lighting. Again something that indoor/studio photographers need to be aware of as you Will need a gray card all the time.

a1000words

Originally posted at

2015-04-03T20:00:00

This lens came with the camera but is one that I didn't own. Nice to have versatile. If you don't have it buy it.

clifford

Originally posted at

2015-01-22T19:00:00

I am extremely happy with the performance of this lens. I am an advanced amateur with decades experience with many lenses. This lens is sharp throughout the F Stop range. The zoom range from wide to short telephoto allows me to compose most of what I want to photograph in camera. The image stabilization works. It is mounted on a Canon D70 and focus is instantaneous and reliable. Contrast which is my true measure of a lens is perfect.

gunsmokeray

Originally posted at

2015-01-16T19:00:00

I wanted to have more capability than the kit 18-55 lens. This lens will allow me to have more zoom plus still have wide angle. I plan to use this lens as my primary lens. I also have the 55-250 lens to use for shooting my grandson's baseball games. Canon products are of high quality, which makes for a good value.

Ed

Originally posted at

2015-01-02T19:00:00

I love this lens, it's so much better than the lens that came with my Canon. It shoots better close up photos, and has more zoom capabilities. That's what makes it so great as a regular go to lens.

MICHELLE H.

2014-12-25T19:00:00

The SPM series of lens are extremely quite and smooth focusing... You can not hear the focusing motor at all!... These are sometimes known as kit lens, 18-135 is matched with the 7D Markll and I'm using it for video filming I think it's a must, it's slightly and I mean slightly slower focusing but still very sharp not the greatest for sports ... It's an overall good lens but a must for video

Los

Originally posted at

2014-12-18T19:00:00

I bought the 7Dii as my back up camera and the kit lens was this lens. I normally don't shoot with a kit lens, but my first shoot was in Death Valley and I didn't want to haul a lot of gear, so I decided to shoot 1 full day with only the 7Dii and the 18-135 lens. I was amazed at the performance of this lens...silent, quick to focus and really sharp images. This will be my standard lens on this camera...maybe forever.

ProShooter

Originally posted at

2014-10-22T20:00:00

After reading the reviews , I was expecting excellent performance. Not so. My copy of this lens failed to perform in every category except noise where it excelled and zoom/focus that was very good. Took it back.

picboy8

Originally posted at

2014-10-02T20:00:00

I've had this about a week and have taken over a thousand shots. Most are outdoors in the mountains but some are in town Quietest lens motor I've ever owned. Fast to focus in good light - manual is better in dark environment. Manual took about 15 minutes to learn. Light weight and an inch shorter than the non-STM model. All shots were in RAW, with Daylight, AV setting on f 8. Most settings were on AUTO. About 95% of shots are usuable. The other 5% were my errors - not the lens. Color is very good. Sharpness is better than 18-55 or 55-250. Wiidest and longest settings do a good job - from 25 - 100 the shots are excellent everywhere. When shooting trees the edge issues don't even show up. Excellent choice for a budget minded photographer. I highly recommend the 18-135 STM lens.

Blank

Originally posted at

2014-07-04T21:00:00

Fast and accurate auto focus. This is my first STM lens and I could not be more pleased. It is relatively compact and light considering the 135mm length. Without a doubt this would be recommended highly as a 'first' lens rather than the other kit lenses. I purchased this for my second EOS body, but now use it with my 60D and use the 17-85 on the 30D. Very good quality and excellent sharpness.

ROBERT D.

2014-06-16T21:00:00

Very sharp and versatile lens for both pictures and video.

chuck

2014-05-03T20:00:00

Full time manual focus works and works GREAT. You just need to understand it uses the STM motor to focus NOT a set of focus gears. Prove it for yourself. Put the 70d into Live View shooting mode, cause the camera to focus, use the +/- key on the top back of the camera to enlarge the image and THEN use the manual focus ring -- WORKS GREAT; very very vernier focusing is possible with this lens! I have had my 70d and 18-135STM for about a month now and I would NOT part with it. LOVE IT I started with a T2i, upgraded to a T3i then finally a T4i. After holding a 70d and reading the reviews I sold my other four camera (sold my SX40 HS too and bought the 70d. Have NOT looked back with any hesitation since it arrive in the brown truck. Yes, I paid extra to have it in 2 days cause I no longer could wait, patiently. If you're in the market; buy it now - make yourself a happy Canon owner! You will not be disappointed!

Grusum

Originally posted at

2014-04-02T20:00:00

I upgraded from the T3i to the 70D and got this lens in the kit. I had the 18-135 IS on the T3i, and enjoyed that lens as it turned out to be my daily walk around lens. Same thing here with a few bonuses! With the focusing system of the 70D, it's much quicker and slient. That makes a huge difference when shooting video! It's light weight, easy to carry and quick! Images are sharp, vibrant and colorful. Now I'm not a pro by any strecth of the imagination, and I don't look for the extreme details of a picture. But if you'd like a good, quiet, solid walk around lens that has a wide angle, some zoom, and takes great pictures .. this one is sure worth taking a look at!

bigron452

Originally posted at

2013-11-03T19:00:00

Bought this lens as a Kit lens with the EOS 70D. I highly recommend this lens when it is available in a kit, since it is really good value for the money. I shoot about 2000 pics with it now and the overall performance is quite good. - Video If shooting Video, this lens is a must have for all STM optimized cameras. Unlike my EF 40 F2.8 STM this lens is ABSOLUTELY SILENT! You litrally have to press your ear on it to hear the STM at all. - IQ The Image Quality overall is good, but definitely not excellent. At 18mm Vignetting and Distortion are extreme, but get better at 24mm. Same on the long end on 135mm. I try to avoid this focal lengths but this for sure is an disadvantage. - Build Quality The lens is made of plastic and it feels like such, although it does not feel cheap. The barrel has absolutely no tolerance which is good. Mount and focus rings are feeling solid and have no tolerance which makes this lens a good build quality for the money. - AF Speed The one thing I was really surprised is the speed of the STM compared to an USM driven lens. I don't feel it focusing any slower than my USM lenses, though it focused much more smooth owed to the video optimization of this lens. Big pro! - The STM focus ring On thing I really don't like is the manual focus ring of the STM lenses. This endless non mechanical ring gives you no indication whether or not you have reached the end of the range. And FTM is also not possible since it only works if AF is already pressed. But since the AF is very good and I did not have significant out of focus images right now, this is not a big con. - Lens speed F3.5 to 5.6 seems common to such super zoom lenses, but it is the main reason I am also carrying a Tamron 17-50 2.8 with me. The 3.5 just lasts for 18mm which is the lenses weak focal length and starting with 24mm it is already F4. But faster means also bigger and more expensive, so I'd take this as state-of-the-art rather than a con. - IS The IS allows me up to 4 steps as advertised, which is more than I expected. Pretty good for a non L lens! Overall good lens, excellent STM, nice focal length with some weaknesses, good IS and build quality.

aschneid

2013-04-15T20:00:00

This lens offers an equivalent 28-200 zoom range on a 60D with low distortion levels and very quick, silent focusing. It lacks sufficient magnification for bird photos, excellent for any other use. Although the manual focusing ring is computer driven, you hardly ever need to use it as autofocus is excellent

87004

Originally posted at

2013-03-01T19:00:00

Finaly I can record Video with out the noise of the lens that came with the T4I I purchaced, that lens was a Joke!!!! I would have purchaced the body only if I knew Canon was going to put a cheap plastic lens on a higher end camera! as far as the reviewer that said the manual focus ring is fake it's not fake the camera needs to be on and the lens switch set to MF for it to work it is not a mecanical focus ring it causes the focus motor to move like a volume knob. this lens is worth way more than I paid for it!!!!!! as for the plastic len's I don't know if I am going to sell it, trash it or make art out of it? maybe use it for target practice? if your buy a T4I get the body only and buy this lens or any othe STM lens you wont be sorry.

saboken

Originally posted at

2013-01-01T19:00:00

I have had this lens for about 6 months now, and it has performed impressively. It is the only lens I have now, having sold several others to make things simpler. I spent four years basically collecting gear instead of learning to take pictures. Thankfully, that futile endeavor is over. I am very confident that this lens can make 99% of the pictures I can imagine in my head. The pros: --lightweight compared to L series --very practical zoom range covering everything most of us could need --excellent image quality for a zoom, especially non L --excellent IS --plenty sharp, even wide open The cons: --marked barrel distortion at 18mm and moderate pincushion distortion at other focal lengths -- "slow" max aperture at the telephoto end (f/5.6 from 85mm to 135mm) I can fix the barrel/pincushion distortion in 15 seconds with software, so that's a non issue. The larger aperture at the tele end is just not an issue for me, as I don't do much low-light photography. Unless you plan to enlarge your photos to fill walls, the technical aspects of this lens are not going to limit you in any meaningful way. If you want to peep at pixels at 200%, get a few L series primes and knock yourself out. If you just want to concentrate on making interesting pictures, this lens will get out of your way so you can do that.

iguy

Originally posted at

2012-09-30T20:00:00

I bought this lens as a standalone to use with my Rebel t3i, so I cannot comment on the integrated movie mode image stabilization available with the t4i. Aside from that, though, the lens is quite sharp across all the ranges I have tested. It is noticeably a little soft around the edges at the extreme focal lengths, unsurprisingly, but this softness requires you to look for it, and for a skilled photographer, it should be expected and not matter much anyway. This is much Much nicer optically than, for instance, the 18-55 kit lens. The zoom barrel is a little tight for my taste, but the grip is wonderful, and the focal lengths are laid out so that the spacing is very intuitive and easy to precisely control all the way from 18-135. Also, a tight zoom does mean that the zoom lock isn't really necessary, which is good, I guess (though I don't understand why such a feature is necessary in the first place... seems like a band-aid fix in most cases) The silent stepper motor is truly SILENT. As in, with my ear pressed up against the lens as it focuses, I still cannot hear it, unless I am in a still room by myself with no air conditioning on. And again, that's only if my ear is jammed up against it. Under normal circumstances, it just focuses with absolutely no noise, as if by magic. Very amusing, and of course, perfect for videography (although the video focus still pales in comparison to a camcorder, when used on the t3i, but that was expected). Focus SPEED is about average for a mid range canon lens. So all in all, great optics, good usability, and a very useful lens for the crop sensor. Also absolutely silent. On the negative side, though... two points: 1) The build quality is very poor for the price. yes, it has a metal bayonet, but other than that, it looks really cheap, and feels pretty cheap. This is probably mostly an aesthetic thing (it does not affect performance, and plastics can be as strong as metals nowadays), but it is annoying and make me less satisfied using the lens. So sue me, I'm a little shallow like that. 2) More importantly, the manual focus is not actually a manual focus!!! This is just a little electronic sensor attached to a ring. When you change the focus, it takes a split second for the motor to catch up to you. And the focus (and therefore the lens) won't work if the camera is off or not attached to EFS powered signals. Not only is this annoying and weird to work with under normal circumstances, but it makes this lens almost completely useless if you do a lot of work with non-Canon extension tubes, or a macro reverse ring, or on a non-EFS Canon camera with adapters, or duct taping lenses onto bellows, or other non-standard setups like that (which all amateurs should try at some point! And that is obviously who this is marketed at). Considering that this is obviously a "one-stop-shop, do-everything" lens, not being functional in situations like this is a significant drawback. Not being able to use a reversing ring on a 300mm prime lens? Well fine, obviously that wouldn't be a problem. Here, it is a problem. However, if you're not a very experimental person, or if you have other lenses on hand to mess around with in that way, then it's fine. Still annoying to not have instant manual focus control, though.

GavJ

Originally posted at