Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
The Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a 18–135mm f/3.5 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
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Lens Overview — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Key Features — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
18–135mm Zoom Range: Covers wide-angle through moderate telephoto in a single lens, making it practical for landscapes, portraits, street, and travel shooting without changing glass.
APS-C Format Coverage: Designed specifically for Canon's APS-C DSLRs; the EF-S mount restricts use to crop-sensor bodies only and is not compatible with full-frame Canon bodies.
f/3.5–5.6 Maximum Aperture: Opens to f/3.5 at the wide end for reasonable light gathering, though aperture narrows to f/5.6 at the telephoto end as is typical for this zoom class.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in IS system compensates for camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer focal lengths where motion blur is more pronounced.
Canon EF-S Mount: Mounts natively on Canon APS-C DSLRs including Rebel, 7D, and 90D series bodies with full electronic communication for autofocus and metering.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus and manual focus operation, giving photographers flexibility to switch modes depending on the shooting situation.
Lens Specifications — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Landscape, Portrait, Video / Cinematography |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | APS-C |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 18–135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
Description — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a standard-range zoom lens built for APS-C format Canon DSLR bodies, mounting via the Canon EF mount. It spans a focal length range of 18mm to 135mm, providing genuine versatility across a wide variety of shooting scenarios without the need to carry additional glass. The maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end steps down to f/5.6 at 135mm, which is standard behavior for a variable-aperture zoom. Optical image stabilization is integrated into the lens design, offering assistance during handheld shooting.
Both autofocus and manual focus modes are available, and the lens weighs 455g, keeping it manageable for day-to-day use. A 67mm filter thread allows for easy use of standard circular filters. This is a practical all-in-one option for Canon APS-C DSLR shooters who want broad focal length coverage in a single, portable package.
Pros — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
- ✓Wide 18–135mm focal length range covers everything from wide-angle to moderate telephoto in a single lens
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end offers reasonable light gathering for a zoom of this range
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting
Cons — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
- ✗Maximum aperture narrows to f/5.6 at 135mm, limiting light intake at the telephoto end
- ✗APS-C format lens (Canon EF-S) cannot be used on Canon full-frame EF-mount bodies
- ✗Variable aperture across the zoom range can complicate exposure consistency when zooming
Reviews — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Videos — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens review (with samples) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
What camera bodies is this lens compatible with?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount and is designed for APS-C format DSLRs. It is compatible with Canon's APS-C DSLR camera lineup. It cannot be used on Canon full-frame DSLR bodies due to its EF-S designation.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization. This helps reduce the appearance of camera shake during handheld shooting, which is particularly useful at the longer end of the 18–135mm focal length range.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS uses a 67mm filter thread. This is a common filter size, so circular polarizers, ND filters, and other 67mm accessories are widely available.
Can I use manual focus with this lens?+
Yes. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. You can switch between the two depending on your shooting needs or subject matter.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/3.5, available at the 18mm wide end of the zoom range. As you zoom toward 135mm, the maximum aperture narrows to f/5.6, which is typical for variable-aperture zoom lenses in this category.