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

The main novelty for this 7.5x zoom is its autofocus, christened STM (Stepping Motor Technology), that allows fingertip editing, but especially the ability to provide continuous tracking of moving objects both rapidly and quietly, making it perfectly able to answer the exigencies of video. According to Canon, this type of motor eliminates the “pump effect” that one sometimes encounters with other systems.

Videographers will particularly appreciate its quietness, along with its electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) that allows for accurate and swift shutter control. The shutter consists of 7 circular leaves.

The EF-S 18-135mm IS STM is stabilizated by Canon’s latest IS “intelligent” system that detects when the photographer is trying to create a spinning effect. In this case, the stabilization system locks itself along the vertical axis, something that normally has to be done manually with Canon IS lenses (mode 1 vs mode 2). Active stabilization works in video.

As for optics, the formula integrates one UD (ultra-low dispersion) glass element as well as a high-precision-molded optics (PMO) lens element to optimize correction of chromatic aberrations. The lens elements are treated with a Canon Super Spectra coating to avoid the appearance flare and imaging phantoms.

Available the end of June 2012, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will be sold at a price of 549 € (tax included).

Principal characteristics of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

• Image size: APS-C
• 35mm film equivalent focal length (mm): 29-216
• Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 64° 30' - 9° 30', 45° 30' - 6° 20', 74° 20' -11° 30'
• Lens construction (elements/groups): 16/12
• No. of diaphragm blades: 7
• Minimum aperture: 22 - 38(36)
• Closest focussing distance (m): 0,39
• Maximum magnification (x): 0,28
• Image stabilizer: 4-stops
• AF actuator: STM
• Filter diameter (mm): 67
• Max. diameter x length (mm): 76.6mm x 96mm
• Weight (g): 480g