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

A relatively modest zoom range for a superzoom

apopular kit option sold with the likes of the 750D and 80D, this lens represents a significant upgrade over Canon’s original 18-135mm, with more refined handling, mainly due to it having an STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system rather than a basic electric motor. Advantages include the focus ring remaining fixed rather than rotating during autofocus, and the addition of manual focus override without having to switch from auto to manual focusing mode. Autofocus transitions when shooting movies are also much smoother, and the AF system is almost silent in operation.

The lens feels well engineered but, typical of this class of Canon lens, it lacks weather-seals and you have to buy the hood separately, as an optional extra. There’s no focus distance scale, either. Despite having the joint smallest zoom range among the lenses on test, along with Canon’s revised ‘USM’ edition, it’s actually bigger and heavier than the Sigma 18-200mm, which boasts rather greater telephoto reach. The Tamron 18-200mm is about the same size as the Canon, but nearly 20 per cent lighter in weight.

Performance

The inclusion of a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element helps to increase sharpness and contrast while keeping colour fringing at bay. A plus point of the relatively limited zoom range is that wide-angle barrel distortion at 18mm is less noticeable than in some of the other lenses on test, even though it’s telephoto reach that you’re really missing out on.