Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Pentax DA 21987 35mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one walk-around lens for APS-C cameras. Users consistently highlight its silent and smooth STM autofocus, effective image stabilization, and useful zoom range that covers wide-angle to short telephoto. While image quality is considered very good for a kit-level zoom, some reviewers note softness at extreme focal lengths, barrel distortion at 18mm, and a variable aperture that limits low-light performance. Build quality is described as mostly plastic but adequate, though the focus-by-wire manual ring and occasional stiff zoom ring draw criticism.
Pros
- Silent and smooth STM autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Versatile 18-135mm zoom range
- Good image quality for a kit lens
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons
- Softness at extreme focal lengths
- Barrel distortion at 18mm
- Variable aperture limits low-light use
- Focus-by-wire manual ring
- Plastic build feels cheap
Pentax DA 21987 35mm
This Pentax 35mm f/2.4 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, color rendition, and value for money. Users consistently note that it outperforms its price point, with many calling it a bargain and a great walk-around lens. The main criticisms are the plastic build and mount, lack of a lens hood, and limited manual focus control, but these are often seen as acceptable trade-offs for the price. Overall, it's highly recommended for Pentax DSLR users seeking an affordable prime.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Excellent value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Good color rendition
- Fast autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build and mount
- No lens hood included
- Limited manual focus control
- No aperture ring
- Not weather-sealed
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | Pentax DA 21987 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 135 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 6 |
| Groups | 12 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating | PENTAX Super Protect (SP) coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | 6 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Pentax K |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.52 kg | 0.13 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 390 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x★ | 0.17x |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pentax DA 21987 35mm
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Pentax DA 21987 35mm offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
