Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Yongnuo YN 23mm f/1.4 DA DSM WL Pro 23mm
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
Yongnuo YN 23mm f/1.4 DA DSM WL Pro 23mm
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent build quality. Users highlight its performance in low light and video work, with many noting it as a significant upgrade. A few Q&A entries address concerns about internal movement when off, which is confirmed as normal stabilizer behavior.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Great low-light performance
- Internal zoom mechanism
Cons
- Internal movement when off (normal but concerning)
- Heavier than similar lenses
- Not parfocal
- Focus-by-wire system
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | Yongnuo YN 23mm f/1.4 DA DSM WL Pro 23mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 135 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 11 |
| Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating | nano-multilayer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.52 kg | 0.37 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | NANO USM★ | Digital Stepping Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 390 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x | 1x★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Yongnuo YN 23mm f/1.4 DA DSM WL Pro 23mm
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 87 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
