Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Sigma Art 270101 70mm
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
Sigma Art 270101 70mm
The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art macro lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, image quality, and value. Users praise its compact, lightweight design and versatility for macro, portrait, and product photography. While autofocus speed is a common criticism, especially at macro distances, most reviewers find it acceptable given the lens's price and optical performance. Some minor issues include focus hunting, lack of image stabilization, and a firmware bug affecting focus retention.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile for macro and portraits
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Slow autofocus
- Focus hunting at macro distances
- No image stabilization
- Lens extends when focusing
- Firmware bug with focus retention
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | Sigma Art 270101 70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 135 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 13 |
| Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating | Super multi-layer lens coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.52 kg★ | 0.53 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Coreless DC motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 390 mm | 258 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x | 1:1★ |
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)
Sigma Art 270101 70mm
- Strong bokeh (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong optical (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong af (78th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.