Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this ultra-wide zoom lens, praising its sharpness, minimal distortion, and fast autofocus. It pairs well with various Nikon bodies, including the D850, D780, D6, and Z9, and is particularly favored for landscape and real estate photography. The moderate price and lightweight design are also appreciated, though some note it's not an f/2.8 lens. Overall, it's highly recommended for those seeking a wide-angle option.
Pros
- Sharp and crisp images
- Minimal distortion
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight design
- Moderate price
Cons
- Not f/2.8 aperture
- Limited use so far
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
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 135 mm |
| Elements | 17 | 16 |
| Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal Coat | Super Spectra Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF-S |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.68 kg | 0.52 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 2.5 stops | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 290 mm★ | 390 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:4★ | 0.28x |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong versatility (75th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
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)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.