Freemont

Hello again,
I started a topic about the Nikon 5500 vs the Canon T6s back in June and it got moved and buried to the Nude Photography, Boudoir Photography section because I posted (what I thought were) tasteful models.
I am still considering the Canon T6s, but I have been saving all this time and now may have the budget for the Canon 80d 18-135. My main question is, STM vs USM lens. I don't plan on using it for video, but who knows what the future might hold?
So, $599.00 for the USM and $279.00 for the STM. With the difference in price I might be able to pick up a used 50mm or 85mm lens specifically for portrait work.
Maybe the T6s would still be the most budget friendly and have extra money for better optics.
What are your thoughts on this?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Since you say you are not concerned about video, the USM lens focuses noticeable faster than the silent motored STM lens which was specifically designed to be quieter when focusing during video operations. Optically they are pretty much equals.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

If you budget permits, you will more than likely be happier with the 80D. The two bodies are similar but the T6 is a Rebel series body and the 80D is not, not that there's anything wrong with Rebel series bodies, it's just that the xxD series bodies are better. If you're not going to be doing a lot of video with the onboard microphone, the gen 2 18-135 lens is a nice lens. I have all 3 generations of the lens and optically I see no difference between the USM and the STM. I've even done quite a bit of video with the STM lens and the focus noise isn't really an issue, plus you can always use an external microphone, as I do most of the time. Get the 80D, you won't be sorry... and yes, I have an 80D, and a 70D and a 60D...

SportQue

I have a 70D and love it.

Freemont

Thanks for the info.
I think there is only about $300.00 difference in the two if equipped the same.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I have found, for my purposes that the STM version of the 18-135 lens has better image quality than the non-STM lens. I have an 80D and I love it.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I had a 18-135 STM on my 70d and it was a great lens. Very fast, very quite and took great images. Wish it would have worked with FF.

Bill

Donita

I started with a Rebel xti and later upgraded to a 60D. While I am not unhappy with my 60D, I found the Rebel was lighter and I thought, a bit more user friendly. I do love the 18-135mm lens, which works on either camera.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

I have the 80D and love the ease of use, low noise level and the pictures it takes. An awful lot of value for the money. Talking about money, why not go with the Sigma 18-200, 250 or 300? Also, a lot of value for the money.

Mistermark31

I have an 7D, 5D mkii and 80D. All of my lenses are usm with the exception of 50mm F1.8 STM. It is super quiet, but if you are not shooting video you don't need an STM lens.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

Get the 80D. You will be better off than with the T6s. I went from the Xti to the T1i; then when I was considering the T3i, I decided to buy the 60D. Got the body only (I had lenses) for about $200 more and was very pleased.
Bud

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Canon STM and USM lenses both are faster, smoother and quieter than basic "micro motor" lenses. Canon micro motor lenses are typically the least expensive and are simply "unmarked"... don't have either the STM or the USM designation on the lens. STM lenses cost about $50 more than comparable micro motor.... and USM typically cost about $50 more than comparable STM (or $100 more than micro motor). Canon's most premium L-series almost exclusively use USM focus drive.

The EF-S 18-135mm "USM" is a newly developed lens that was introduced at the same time as the 80D. It seems optically the same or very similar to the earlier "STM" version. They both also have comparable image stabilization, are about the same size and weight... The only real difference between them is their focus speed and performance... both acquiring and tracking. USM is at least twice as fast as STM, according to Canon's own press releases and info about the new lens. This can be important when shooting sports or other types of action photography... where you need the lens to lock onto the subject as quickly as possible, and to track the subject's movements.

But, you mention video and in general you wouldn't want USM lenses for that. USM is not as quiet or as smooth running as STM, so the latter has been preferred for videography, in particular.

HOWEVER, the new EF-S 18-135mm USM is an exception. It uses a new "Nano USM" focus drive that's been developed to be the "best of both worlds"... both fast and good at tracking, and quiet and smooth enough to use for videography.

IN ADDITION, Canon is for the first time offering an accessory power zoom module specifically for the EF-S 18-135mm IS USM lens. To the best of my knowledge this module - which videographers might want - is not yet usable with any other Canon lens. Maybe it will be... or maybe not.

The price of the EF-S 18-135mm IS USM is comparatively high only because the lens has just been introduced and is still being sold for the full MSRP. Actually the STM version originally sold for only $50 less. But after being available for several years and frequently being offered as a "kit" lens, the STM version's "street price" has dropped significantly. There just hasn't been any drop price of the new USM version yet... and it may or may not, over time. Not sure where you found the STM version for $280... It's $400 at reputable dealers like B&H. (Be sure you aren't accidentally looking at the lower prerformance "micro motor" version, at that lower price. The 18-135mm is one of very few Canon lenses that's been offered with all three types of focus drive.)

You might find the EF-S 18-135mm IS USM offered "in kit" with 80D somewhere, at a bit better price. Check with the major retailers to see if anyone is offering it.

Alternatively, you might find it "refurbished" at the Canon USA online store, at some discount. Often refurbs are demo units with little or no actual "mileage", and it's likely the new lens has been demoed at various trade shows and retailers. So it might come available as a refurb, for a bit of savings.

Note: Like most Canon lenses other than their L-series, neither of the 18-135s comes with the matching lens hood. I'd recommend buying that, too, in either case. It helps protect the lens.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Here's what comes to mind, 80D versus T6s (760D)...

- 1/8000 top shutter speed and 1/250 flash sync versus 1/4000 and 1/200 in T6s (and most other Rebel series)
- 80D shutter is durability rated to 100,000 clicks versus an unrated shutter in T6s (probably 75,000 clicks like most Rebel series).
- 45-point AF with up to 27 f8-capable vs 19-point with no f8-capable
- AF possible at -3EV (moonlight) versus AF possible at -0.5EV
- Four AF patterns (Auto, Single, Large Zone, Small Zone) versus three AF patterns (Auto, Single & Zone).
- 100%, .95X viewfinder & pentaprism versus 95%, .82X viewfinder & penta-mirror (i.e., 80D's viewfinder is brighter and bigger)
- Micro Focus Adjustment (up to 40 lenses) versus no MFA
- 7 frame per second continuous shooting vs 5 fps
- 25 RAW file buffer versus 8 RAW buffer (however, T6s can buffer more JPEGs, almost unlimited... 80D is rated for 110 JPEG)
- 60ms shutter lag versus 75 ms
- LP-E6N battery rated for 960 shots per charge versus LP-E17 rated for 440 shots
- 26 Custom Functions vs 14 Custom Functions.

Both are 24MP and use Digic 6 processors. However, 80D sensor is a newer design that gives slightly higher usable ISO.
Both have an ISO 100 to 12800 range, expandable to ISO 25600.
Both have LCD screens similar in size and resolution, and articulated. Both are "touch screens" and have Dual Pixel Live View focus (much faster than previous models' Live View focusing).
Both use SD memory cards and have a single card slot.
They have pretty similar control layouts, but the 80D has a few additional buttons that give more direct access to various functions.
80D is slightly larger and weighs about 25% more (a lot of the difference in weight is due to the true pentaprism vs penta-mirror).
80D costs $1200 and T6s costs $850 (both "body only", look for extra value in kits with lenses).

Have fun shopping!

Freemont

Thanks guys for all the specs and comparisons between the two cameras and lenses.
I will be on the lookout for the 80D with the bundled STM lenses.