C100: RE: Between 18-55mm STM and 18-135mm STM

J

Joshua_G

Well-known member
RE: Between 18-55mm STM and 18-135mm STM

This is a copy of what I posted on 'Canon APS-C - Lens discussion' forum which got no replies.

According to some reports I read, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is reported to have a better IQ (Image Quality [which stems from the optical quality]) than the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.



  1. To what degree the IQ differences are noticeable in shooting videos?
  2. Is there any difference in focusing speed and accuracy between those 2 lenses?
 
In case you didn't know, the 18-135 stm has Canon's best IS for video. If you are trying to compare these lenses for video use, I don't know why you would ever choose the 18-55 over the 18-135. Of the criteria for choosing a lens for shooting video, IQ should not be a very high priority. And if IQ is your highest priority, neither one of these lenses is the right choice.

I know that this doesn't answer your question, but I doubt you will find anybody on this board that has tested these lenses back to back. Also, the cinema cameras don't have the type of auto focus that would allow somebody to answer question 2. I rely on http://www.the-digital-picture.com/ for lens comparisons.
 
Joshua_G said:
  1. To what degree the IQ differences are noticeable in shooting videos?
  2. Is there any difference in focusing speed and accuracy between those 2 lenses?
Click to expand...

I have both, 18-55mm STM as a kit in the 700D and 18-135mm STM I bought alone for general purpose video after breaking my 24-105mm F4L, believe it or not, it's a better lens for s35.

Answering your questions:

1- No image quality difference.

Identical from 18-50mm and the 135mm is markedly sharper when both 55mm. So identical aside from higher res. on the 18-135mm at 55mm. This is only in 6K stills, Canon 1080p, No difference, same image (Res/CA/shading/contrast/colour/even flare)

2- No, both are virtually identical.

AF for both stills and DPAF. The 18-55mm just makes a tiny bit more noise whilst focusing. Both virtually non-audible.

Both are the same virtually with the 18-135mm being a MUCH more versatile lens just due to the added 55-135mm range, as it gives it a whole other aesthetic (shallow DOF and tele compression instead of the very limited 55mm). It's also quite a lot more solidly built in handling versus the smaller/lighter 18-55mm. However, it is more expensive and heavier to justify that extra range.

I'd never get the 18-55mm if budget allows, the 18-135mm is a terrific lens for canon video due to coverage from wide to tele with a twist of a ring and being able to handhold it steadily all the way to 135mm. One of the best IS implementations of Canon. It's sold as a kit lens with the Canon C100 and even matches that camera extremely well.
 
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