Canon EF-S 18-135 Lens for T5i: I'm considering buying a Canon T5i with a 18-135 lens. Have had a Pentax K7 with 18-55 and 50-200(I think) but its gotten cranky, and want to upgrade to...

jbyrns

I'm considering buying a Canon T5i with a 18-135 lens. Have had a Pentax K7 with 18-55 and 50-200(I think) but its gotten cranky, and want to upgrade to newer tech and a lens that I don't need to swap out. I have a Sigma 18-250 for the K7, but resolution at longer ranges wasn't that good. I take both indoor and landscapes. Anyone have comments on the 18-135 lens and/or the T5i? Any particular weaknesses off the lens? Thanks in advance.

keithet58 Loc: Western Colorado

I bought a T5i in February and have loved it. I moved up from a Rebel xt. 2 months ago I turned the dial to M and have been learning daily ever since. I bought a EF 28-135mm IS USM years ago to compliment a 70-300 zoom. It is a nice lens. Sorry I don't know much about the EF-S

jbyrns wrote:

I'm considering buying a Canon T5i with a 18-135 lens. Have had a Pentax K7 with 18-55 and 50-200(I think) but its gotten cranky, and want to upgrade to newer tech and a lens that I don't need to swap out. I have a Sigma 18-250 for the K7, but resolution at longer ranges wasn't that good. I take both indoor and landscapes. Anyone have comments on the 18-135 lens and/or the T5i? Any particular weaknesses off the lens? Thanks in advance.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

jbyrns wrote:

I'm considering buying a Canon T5i with a 18-135 lens. Have had a Pentax K7 with 18-55 and 50-200(I think) but its gotten cranky, and want to upgrade to newer tech and a lens that I don't need to swap out. I have a Sigma 18-250 for the K7, but resolution at longer ranges wasn't that good. I take both indoor and landscapes. Anyone have comments on the 18-135 lens and/or the T5i? Any particular weaknesses off the lens? Thanks in advance.

The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is well reviewed and an excellent walk around lens for a T5i. I'm pleased with mine on a T3i.

If you are thinking about video consider the STM version.

There are, of course, lots of other good choices.

Good luck

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Canon has 2 EF-S 18-135mm lenses. Both get good to excellent reviews, but the STM version gets higher user reviews then the non-STM. The STM is also the preferred lens if you plan to do any video.

jbyrns

Lfingar, What is the functional difference between the STM & non-STM versions?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

jbyrns wrote:

Lfingar, What is the functional difference between the STM & non-STM versions?

I'll take a stab at that. STM stands for Stepping Motor, which provides smooth and relatively silent autofocus, very useful for video.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_is_stm

Hope that helps. If cost is not a problem, get the STM.

jbyrns

Ahh - makes sense. Need to check on the STM pricing. Thanks

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

jbyrns wrote:

Ahh - makes sense. Need to check on the STM pricing. Thanks

B&H, naturally, has both. $549 for the STM and $499 for thr non-STM. In my opinion, spend the extra $50. Make sure to get the US version, not the imported. (Another way of saying Grey Market). The US version has Canon's factory US warranty, which is what you want. Adorama probably has the exact same deal, as well as several other reputable dealers.

jbyrns

Got it LFingar. Think I may try the refurbishers too.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

jbyrns wrote:

Got it LFingar. Think I may try the refurbishers too.

I didn't see any refurbs at Canon or B&H but B&H does have a used one listed. Personally, I would have no qualms about buying any item B&H sells.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801112500-USE/canon_6097b002_ef_s_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_is.html

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

LFingar wrote:

I didn't see any refurbs at Canon or B&H but B&H does have a used one listed. Personally, I would have no qualms about buying any item B&H sells.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801112500-USE/canon_6097b002_ef_s_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_is.html

B&H etc., Amazon, others, unless $50 is an issue for you go buy the sucker and use it!

How many beers is that?

keithet58 Loc: Western Colorado

I just bought a lens from Andorama, the lens was in great condition and they have refurbished and used lens EF-S 18-135 available http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=canon+EF-S+18-135

Philipschmitten Loc: Texas

Both myself and my wife use the 18-135 and it works great for us. Keeps my old butt from having to run all over the place. The 18 is nice for working in tight spaces and the 135 has a nice bokeau or how ever you spell it. We use it for Portraits, Weddings..everything

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

jbyrns, I suggest that you consider the 18-200. The extra reach is certainly nice. I doubt that you will ever regret it. I have the Canon 18-200 and it is sharp for normal viewing. You might also consider Sigma whose quality is generally comparable but for less money. I tried the new Sigma 24-105 and it was enough sharper than the Canon 18-200 to keep. Sigma has a new 18-300 macro for $579 plus the 18-250 macro being discontinued at $349.

Wherever you buy, avoid 42nd Street Photo. They do not reveal that they sell only gray market Sigma and will lie if you ask.

Plenty to think about.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

I have the lens 18-135 and I like it a lot. The picture quality is very good and it is lighter than some others that I have. I do believe it would be a good walk around choice.