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

I finally received my copy of the 18-135 STM lens. I went back and forth for a while deciding between this lens, the 15-85 and the 24-105. I eventually opted for this lens for three reasons. First, the lens is the newest available and I assumed Canon fixed the shortcomings of the previous 18-135 optically (along with the new stepping motor). Second, I really didn't need the extra 3mm on the wide end but I truly did need the extra 50mm on the tele end. Third, as a general walk-around lens, the weight was about 20% less than the 15-85 and about 30% less than the 24-105 which really does make a difference around your neck.Onto my experience(s). From what little I could read from the sparse reviews out there, this lens was suppose to be very close optically to the 15-85 (since I don't have a copy of the 15-85, I have to rely on MTF charts). There is some barrel distortion at 18mm, appox. the same as the 15-85 at 15mm, but it goes away very quickly on my copy between the 18-24 range. One thing I do like about this lens is there's plenty of space between the 18 and 24, it's not crammed together like other lenses on the wide end. The lens is a 3.5-5.6 aperture. In its progression you'll hit 4.0 in the 25-35mm range, 4.5 40-50mm range, 5.0 in the 55-80mm range and 5.6 from 85-135. On the 60D, be sure to load the peripheral illumination correction and chromatic aberration profile from Canon to eliminate any fall-off.Physically, this lens is bigger than I thought it would be (I don't know why I was expecting anything different really). It's about a 1/4 of an inch shorter than the previous 18-135 and about a 1/2 inch longer than the 15-85. Weight is about 1 oz more than the previous 18-135 and about 3 1/2 oz less than the 15-85. Diameter is roughly the same for all these lenses. The overall feel of this lens is superb. You really feel like it has enough heft to not be considered a plastic piece of junk but not so much that it creates a "boat anchor" feeling around your neck. The zoom ring is very nice and smooth along with the electronic manual focus ring. Both feel extremely upscale with the ribbing and ease of use. About the manual focus ring, you can over-ride AF anytime by half-pressing the shutter and rotating the MF ring (negating the need to flip the switch to MF each time you want to focus yourself).Performance (in my opinion) is stellar. The lens is EXTREMELY quiet while focusing and zooming (I would say audibly non-existent). Fluid is the best way to describe it. Everything flows in a way that makes you appreciate what the lens is doing, it's really a very refined, artistic, sensory appealing and tactile accomplishment (again, in my opinion). Zooming is fast. Focus is fast and spot-on. This lens focuses almost instantaneously. One thing that surprised me was the bokeh of this lens. I was expecting a kit lens 18-55 type of bokeh but I have to say this lens is VERY good (when I say VERY, I mean VERY close to prime). I am truly impressed! This lens is extremely sharp in the center, I have found it is sharp throughout the focal range and exceedingly sharp in the 35-85mm range. The lens profile will correct for any fall-off you might get in the corners. I have not found any color fringes yet although I haven't "pixel-peeped" a lot of the close-ups and I haven't had it for that long to begin with. Color balance is VERY good. I truly enjoy the warm/vivid colors this lens captures.In closing, this lens has exceeded my expectations in every way. I think this lens is a bargain in the $400-$500 price range (although the MSRP is $549.00). With the optics, build quality, and performance I believe it is probably the best value for a lens with it's focus range. Obviously prime lenses and L glass are going to trump this lens but for the price/performance/ergonomic ratios, good luck. Canon really has produced a winner here. Feel free to comment or ask if you have any specific questions about the lens...

I am really happy I purchased this Cannon Lens. Its awesome!Shipping - this unit came in less than a week as indicated when I purchased the lens, so I was happy about that.Quality- The Quality on the lens is really nice, its a solid lens and just a bit heavier than my 55-250. However it feels better in the hand. The downside if any would be it can get heavy for taking pictures for a long period of time, though, I have not experienced this. But I also do not have to carry as many lens' with me, since this has a sweet range from 18-135.Used - Yes I did purchase a used lens, however this thing looks brand new! It was packaged so very carefully with bubble wrap and It takes some really nice photos which you can look up youtube. The factory Canon boxes are not packaged with as much protection. Though they're not being shipped across the country... or are they?Bottom line is I would definitely purchase from this seller again, and I recommend you do the same.Also this lens Does have a lock on it, to prevent creeping.Focusing at 3 feet or less does take a while to focus, I usually had to take a step back - the 55-250 is better at 3 feet range. But it doesn't matter if you have room to take a step back.

Already been using it. Love it.

I own a Canon EOS Rebel T6. This lens fits beautifully. I mainly shoot landscapes, nature and gardens. After one week, I can say that I am very pleased with this lens. It is not too heavy and meets my needs of not having to switch out lenses all of the time. So far, I am pleased with close-up photos and landscapes. The colors are much clearer and details are super sharp The end of the lens is 67mm, so you get more in your landscape photos without a wide angle lens. I like that. But keep this in mind for future purchases of lens hoods or lens filters. 58mm won't fit. There is a bit of a learning curve, of course with focusing as it works a bit differently than the kit lenses that came with my camera. The lens is very quiet when focusing as well. My white box lens is new with no warranty card included. Package arrived in time stated and was packaged well. I was glad that I had to sign for it and it wasn't just left at my doorstep. I had one question for the seller before purchasing and they were quick to respond. So far so good.

This is a great walk-around all purpose lens that gives you a superb image quality at all focal lengths. I have a Canon 77d and a Canon Rebel T6 plus a couple of prime lenses. I'll now keep the older 18-55mm on the T6 as my backup and use this 18-135mm as a main lens on my 77d. If needed for lower apertures I can always use my 35 or 50mm's. The first thing I noticed about this lens is the obvious heavier weight. I knew it would be a bit heavier, but I was surprised at just how much heavier it was than the 18-55mm lens. The auto focus is fast and since I don't use my camera for videos I can't comment on the lens for that. At the same time I ordered the lens I also ordered a 67mm UV filter and lens hood and they both arrived a day before the lens did which worked out perfectly. The lens locking mechanism only works when the lens is at the 18mm position although I wish it also worked at other positions like 35 or 50mm but it is what it is and I'm not complaining. The image stabilization is excellent and works like it should and at 135mm where lens and camera shake is normally noticeable It worked perfectly. For the price this is an excellent investment!