Canon 18-135mm
EF-S Nano USM IS (2016-)
Sample Images Intro Format Compatibility
Specifications Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
Canon EF-s 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (67mm filters, 18.2 oz./515g, 1.3'/0.4m close focus, about $599). bigger. I got mine at B&H. I'd also get it at Adorama, at Amazon, or at Crutchfield.
This all-content, junk-free website's biggest source of support is when you use those or any of these links to my personally-approved sources when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Canon does not seal its boxes in any way, so never buy at retail or any other source not on my personally approved list since you'll have no way of knowing if you're missing accessories, getting a defective, damaged, returned, non-USA, store demo or used lens. Get yours only from the approved sources I use myself for the best prices, service, return policies and selection. Thanks for helping me help you! Ken.
January 2018 Canon Reviews Canon Lenses Canon Flash All Reviews
Sample Images
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Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
Zoey and Sofie riding in the back seat, 14 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 35mm at f/4.5 at 1/50 at Auto ISO 400, Perfectly Clear. bigger.
Instant autofocus: Ryan's orange drone, 31 December 2017. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 91mm at f/5.6 at 1/250 at Auto ISO 160, Perfectly Clear. bigger or camera-original © file.
Spanish Tile, 01 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 62mm at f/8 at 1/200 at Auto ISO 100, Perfectly Clear. bigger or full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Cactus, 14 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 79mm at f/16 at 1/50 at Auto ISO 100, as shot. bigger or camera-original © file.
Sky Mural, 14 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 18mm at f/3.5 at 1/13 at ISO 100, Perfectly Clear. bigger or full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Note that there is very little in focus at this large (f/3.5) aperture.
Golf Clubhouse, 14 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 50mm at f/8 at 1/200 at Auto ISO 100, as shot. bigger or camera-original © file.
Power Pole against Blue Sky, 14 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 121mm at f/8 at 1/400 at Auto ISO 100, as shot. bigger or camera-original © file.
Weird Art Thing on Concrete, 18 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 71mm at f/8 at 1/640 at Auto ISO 100, as shot. bigger or camera-original © file.
Sharp enough?
Red Roof Tiles against Blue Sky, 18 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 135mm wide-open at f/5.6 at 1/400 at Auto ISO 100, as shot. bigger or camera-original © file.
Palm Trunk, 18 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 59mm at f/11 at 1/100 at ISO 100, Perfectly Clear. bigger or full-resolution or camera-original © file.
Sharp enough?
Introduction
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Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
I buy only from these approved sources. I can't vouch for ads below. |
This 18-135mm Nano USM lens is magnificent, with instantaneous autofocus, ultra-close macro focussing and great optical performance covering an ideal do-everything zoom range. This could be the only lens you need for everything for your Canon APS-C camera.
Canon has made three different EF-S 18-135mm IS lenses, differing mostly in how fast they focus. This newest (2016-) Nano USM version is the fastest-focussing and best. It snaps focus between far and near with no perceptible delay.
The older 18-135mm STM (2012-2018) was also an excellent lens, with fast, but not instantaneous, autofocus.
The original 18-135mm (2009-) was an excellent lens, but its autofocus makes a little bit of sound, you have to move a switch back and forth to go between auto and manual focus, and the zoom range between 18mm and 24mm is cramped on the zoom ring.
New
● Nano USM focus motor for instantaneous autofocus.
Good
● Great optical quality.
● Instantaneous autofocus.
● Small.
● Light.
● Perfect zoom range to cover just about everything.
● Super-close macro focus.
● Reasonably priced.
Bad
● Nothing.
Missing
● Nothing, unless you're expecting a focus lock button.
Format
Top Sample Images Intro Format
Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
This is only for Canon APS-C cameras. It won't mount on any full-frame camera.
Compatibility
Top Sample Images Intro Format
Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
This EF-S lens mounts only on Canon's APS-C DSLRs. It won't fit Canon's full-frame cameras.
It work flawlessly on every Canon APS-C DSLR, except the very oldest 10D from 2003, the D60 from 2002 and the D30 from 2000. It works great on the original Digital Rebel from 2003 and every other Canon APS-C DSLR.
It works on Canon's mirrorless EOS-M cameras, but only if you use the EOS-M adapter.
It won't mount on any Canon full-frame or 35mm camera.
Canon 18-135mm IS USM. bigger.
Specifications
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Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
Name
Canon calls this the Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.
EF: Electronic Focus, as all Canon's lenses have been since 1987.
-S: Only fits Canon's APS-C DSLRs.
IS: Image Stabilization.
USM: Ultrasonic Autofocus Motor.
Optics
Canon 18-135mm USM internal construction. UD, Image Stabilizer and Aspherical elements.
16 elements in 12 groups.
One UD extra-low dispersion element, which helps reduce secondary axial chromatic aberration.
One aspherical element.
Multicoated.
The focus is electronically compensated as zoomed; the camera needs to be on for it to stay in focus as zoomed.
Diaphragm
Canon 18-135mm IS USM (EF diaphragm not visible). bigger.
7 rounded blades.
Stops down to f/22-38.
Focal Length
18～135mm.
When used on Canon's APS-C cameras, it sees the same angle of view as a 28～200mm lens sees when used on a full-frame or 35mm camera.
See also Crop Factor.
Angles of View
74.3º ～ 11.5º diagonal.
64.5º ～ 9.5º horizontal.
45.5º ～ 6.3º vertical.
Autofocus
Internal focus.
No external movement as focussed, so no air or dust is sucked in.
Focus Scale
No.
Infinity Focus Stop
No.
Depth of Field Scale
No.
Reproduction Ratio Scale
No.
Infrared Focus Index
No.
Close Focus
1.3 feet (0.4 meters).
Maximum Reproduction Ratio
1:3.6 (0.28 ×).
Image Stabilizer
Rated 4 stops improvement.
Caps
Canon E-67II front cap, included.
Canon EOS "E" rear cap, included.
Filters
Plastic 67mm filter thread.
Hood
EW-73D, not included.
Case
LP1116, not included.
Size
3.05" maximum diameter × 3.78" extension from flange.
77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm extension from flange.
Weight
18.150 oz. (514.6g) actual measured weight.
Canon specifies 18.2 oz. (515 g).
Quality
Made in Taiwan.
Announced
17 February 2016.
Included
Lens.
Canon E-67II front cap.
Canon EOS "E" rear cap.
USA warranty paperwork.
Instruction sheet.
Canon's Model Numbers
EF-S18-135ISUSM.
1276C002 (1276C001 in Japan).
JAN: 4549292-061383.
Price, USA
$599, January 2018.
Packaging
Corrugated cardboard box holding the lens wrapped in a few layers of bubble wrap.
Box, Canon 18-135mm IS USM. bigger.
Optional Accessories
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Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
Teleconverters
It won't work with any teleconverters.
Extension Tubes
At the 135mm setting, you can get a magnification range of 0.09~0.43 with the Canon Extension Tube EF12 II, and a magnification range of 0.21~0.61with the Canon Extension Tube EF25 II.
Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1
The Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 attaches to the bottom of the lens and allows it to focus and zoom by remote control — or with the electronic lever on the adapter.
This is mostly for video applications where you want smooooooth zooms.
This motorized gizmo attaches to the bottom of the lens and zooms the lens via teeth in the zoom ring:
Bottom, Canon 18-135mm IS USM. bigger.
EW-73D hood.
LP1116 sack case.
Getting a Legal USA Version
(applies in USA only)
Top Sample Images Intro Format
Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
In the USA, be sure your box includes a warranty card marked "For USA," and that the serial number on this card matches the one laser-engraved in black-on-black on the bottom of your lens.
If you don't have the warranty card — or the serial number doesn't match — you got ripped off with a gray market version from another country. This is why I never buy anyplace other than from my personally approved sources. You just can't take the chance of buying elsewhere, especially at any retail store, because non-USA versions have no warranty in the USA, and you won't even be able to get firmware or service for it — even if you're willing to pay out-of-pocket for it when you need it!
If a gray market version saves you $300 it may be worth it, but for $100 or less I wouldn't risk having no warranty or support.
Always be sure to check yours while you can still return it, or just don't buy from unapproved sources or at retail so you'll be able to have your camera serviced and get free updated firmware as needed.
Get yours from the same places I do and you won't have a problem, but if you take the risk of getting yours elsewhere, be sure to check everything while you still can return it.
Performance
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Performance Usage Recommendations
Overall Autofocus Manual Focus Breathing
Bokeh Distortion Ergonomics Falloff Filters
Lateral Color Fringes Macro Mechanics
Sharpness Stabilization Sunstars
Overall
This is a great lens, so great that I wish Canon made one like it for full frame! This lens is sharp and responds instantly to whatever I need it to do. I wish everything worked this well.
Autofocus
Autofocus is instantaneous.
It pops from near to far faster than I can see; it just snaps from one distance to the next instantly, and it does it silently.
Bravo!
Manual Focus
Manual focus is entirely electronic.
Just grab the focus ring at any time you have the shutter half-pressed for instant manual-focus override.
Focus Breathing
Focus breathing is the image changing size as focused in and out. It's important to cinematographers because it looks funny if the image changes size as focus gets pulled back and forth between actors. If the lens does this, the image "breathes" by growing and contracting slightly as the dialog goes back and forth.
I can't see any focus breathing; the image doesn't change size as focussed.
Bokeh
Bokeh, the feel or quality of out-of-focus areas as opposed to how far out of focus they are, is OK. It's not usually distracting:
Davis 6250 weather station, 18 January 2018. bigger or camera-original © file to explore on your computer (mobile devices rarely display full resolution images properly).
Davis 6250 weather station, 18 January 2018. bigger or camera-original © file to explore on your computer (mobile devices rarely display full resolution images properly).
As always, if you want to throw the background as far out of focus as possible, shoot at 135mm, get as close as possible and shoot at f/5.6.
Distortion
This lens has strong barrel distortion at 18mm and pincushion distortion at most other settings, but you'll probably never see it because most Canon cameras correct it automatically by default.
We're not shooting film today. All zoom lenses distort, and with automated in-camera correction it isn't important anymore.
Ergonomics
It's a very well-designed, straight-ahead lens: the middle is all zoom ring. It zooms with one strong finger, and it's always easy to set a precise focal length quickly.
The focus ring is an electronic encoder. It easily moves with a fingertip.
All the switches are conveniently under my left thumb.
|
|
At 18mm. bigger. |
At 135mm. bigger. |
Falloff
Whatever falloff it may have is compensated automatically in the camera, so it's always invisible.
Filters, use with
There's no need for thin filters.
Go ahead and use your standard rotating polarizer and grad filters. You can stack a few on top of each other without vignetting.
Lateral Color Fringes
There are no color fringes as shot on Canon's cameras, which by default correct for any that may be there.
Macro
Macro performance is superb. It gets super-close:
Kienzle Flieger Automat 800/2843 at close-focus distance, 18 January 2018. Canon SL2, Canon 18-135mm USM IS at 135mm wide-open at f/5.6 at 1/1,250 at Auto ISO 100, as shot. bigger or camera-original © file.
1,200 × 900 pixel crop from above. bigger or camera-original © file to explore on your computer (mobile devices rarely display full resolution images properly).
If this crop is about 6" (15cm) wide on your screen, then the complete image printed at this same extreme magnification would be about 20 × 30" (50 × 75cm).
If this crop is about 12" (30cm) wide on your screen, then the complete image printed at this same extreme magnification would be about 40 × 60" (1 × 1.5 meters).
This is shot wide-open at f/5.6. It gets sharper as stopped down.
The texture you're seeing is on the watch itself.
Mechanical Quality
Canon 18-135mm IS USM. bigger.
It's well made out of mostly plastic.
Optional Hood
Plastic bayonet EW-73D.
Front Bumper
None.
Filter Threads
Plastic.
Hood Bayonet Mount
Plastic.
Front Barrel
Plastic.
Focus Ring
Rubber-covered plastic.
Zoom Ring
Rubber-covered plastic.
Rear Barrel
Plastic.
Identity
Printed around front of lens, also printed on top of barrel.
Internals
Plastic.
Moisture Seal at Mount
No.
Mount
Dull chromed metal.
Markings
Paint.
Serial Number
Laser engraved in black-on-black on bottom of barrel.
Date Code
None found.
Noises When Shaken
Almost no clunking.
Made in
Taiwan.
Sharpness
It's super sharp at almost every setting, although in the lab it's just a little softer wide-open at 135mm. As you can see at the Sample Images, for actual picture taking it's still super sharp wide-open at 135mm, and it gets even sharper stopped down.
The only limitation to picture sharpness will be your skill as a photographer.
MTF wide-open (black) and at f/8 (blue), at 10 cyc/mm (bold) and 30 cyc/mm (light). Sagittal (solid) and meridional (dashed).
Image Stabilization
It locks-down the hand-held image and lets me shoot at very slow speeds, eliminating any need for a tripod except for astronomical use.
Sunstars
With a rounded diaphragm, the Canon 18-135mm Nano USM makes sunstars only at the smallest apertures. Click any to enlarge:
Click any to enlarge.
Usage
Top Sample Images Intro Format
Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
Canon 18-135mm IS USM. bigger.
AF - MF Switch
Leave this at AF, which is Auto Focus. You may move the focus ring at any time the AF system is active for instant manual focus override.
Use the MF, Manual Focus, position only if you want to lock the focus, or only use manual focus.
Stabilizer
Leave this on all the time.
Only turn it off if you're using a tripod.
Lock
This locks the zoom at the 28mm setting.
I don't use it.
Recommendations
Top Sample Images Intro Format
Compatibility Specs Accessories USA Version
Performance Usage Recommendations
Get one! This is the best all-purpose lens for any of Canon's APS-C cameras. It covers the perfect zoom range, focuses instantly and focuses super close, it's super sharp and lightweight and reasonably priced. You can't ask for better; it would weigh a lot more if more than just its mount was metal.
I never use a hood; it's not needed.
I use a clear (UV) protective filter instead of a cap at all times. I throw it in my bag or luggage this way, and I shoot right through it. I don't want to miss pictures fumbling with caps.
The very best protective filter is the Hoya multicoated HD3 67mm UV which uses hardened glass and repels dirt and fingerprints.
For less money, the B+W 67mm 010 is an excellent filter, as are the multicoated version and the basic multicoated Hoya filters, but the Hoya HD3 is the toughest and the best.
Filters last a lifetime, so you may as well get the best. The Hoya HD3 stays cleaner than the others since it repels oil and dirt.
I got my 18-135 at B&H. I'd also get it at Adorama, at Amazon, or at Crutchfield.
This all-content, junk-free website's biggest source of support is when you use those or any of these links to approved sources when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Canon does not seal its boxes in any way, so never buy at retail or any other source not on my personally approved list since you'll have no way of knowing if you're missing accessories, getting a defective, damaged, returned, non-USA, store demo or used lens. I use the stores I do because they ship from secure remote warehouses where no one gets to touch your new camera before you do. Buy only from the approved sources I use myself for the best prices, service, return policies and selection.
Thanks for helping me help you!
Ken, Mrs. Rockwell, Ryan and Katie.
© Ken Rockwell. All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
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