Canon 18-55 Vs 18-135 (Which Is Better?)

When I first started upgrading from my Canon 70D, the Canon 18-135mm lens was one of the first lenses I considered. Was a new lens essential? Not at all! I’m already in hot water with my wife since I’m a Canon-obsessed photographer, so I don’t need to buy more Canon lenses. But what are the differences between Canon 18-55 Vs 18-135?

What about you, then? Is the Canon 18-135mm lens suitable for beginning photographers? You’re asking about this. Is the 18-135 lenses a good stand-alone lens? That’s the question this post will answer. Using an 18-135mm zoom lens, you’ll be able to see a wide range of photography styles.

Canon 18-55 Vs 18-135

The maximum aperture from 18–24mm is the same for the 18–55 and the 18–135 lenses. The 18-55mm lens’s f/5.6 aperture is reduced to 55mm. At 55mm, the 18-135 is roughly half a stop faster, and it doesn’t start to narrow down to f/5.6 until nearly 85mm.

There is a clear distinction between 18-135 and 18-55 in that the former offers greater adaptability at a higher price. Think about your needs and other possibilities before purchasing a new camera lens.

It’s not enough to buy one of the three types of cameras you mentioned: landscapes, portraits, and macros. In my opinion, you should purchase an 18-55mm zoom along with a 50mm prime lens (both of which are less expensive than an 18-135, assuming the prime is 1.8) and a macro lens for a completely different purpose.

The advice above is subject to change based on the photographer’s personal preferences. In this case, changing lenses isn’t an issue because you’re photographing both landscapes and portraits simultaneously. While if you want to shoot both types of photography simultaneously, you may not have time to switch lenses, thus you should stick with the 18-135mm lens.

It would be best to think about your needs and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option before settling on one. Jay Wacker and Anuj Devgun have well discussed the technological differences between the two lenses if you’re so inclined.

The 18-135mm Is Not Suitable For

Long-Distance Sports

If you’re at a sporting event in a large stadium or another venue where the action is far from your vantage point, the 18-135mm will appear shortly. While it’s a capable zoom, the fully zoomed telephoto setting doesn’t have enough reach to capture those far-distant subjects.

Astrophotography

A lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, f/2.0, or more is required to picture the Milky Way or other nighttime landscapes. You’ll be able to take better images at lower ISO settings and faster shutter speeds with these new fast lenses. Prime (non-zooming) lenses are the best option for a challenging subject like this.

Wildlife

What’s going on? The 18-135 is capable of capturing wildlife, as previously noted. Only if the animals are not too close by. Except for birds, which are extremely small, shy, elusive, and far-reaching, wildlife is best photographed with telephoto lenses of at least 300mm.

Full Frame Cameras

Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm lens will not fit on a full-frame camera unless paired with a mirrorless camera like the Canon R and the Canon EOS R adapter. A full-frame sensor camera upgrade isn’t necessary if you don’t intend to use it.

Look into the Canon E.F. 28-135mm lens if you plan to upgrade to a full-frame sensor at some time in the future. Even though it’s an older model, it still includes image stabilization and a maximum focal length of 135mm.

Which Should You Get?

Both lenses function well for their intended purpose. What matters most is finding a lens that complements your artistic vision. The Canon 18-55 STM is an excellent all-around lens for the money. On the other hand, the Canon 18-135 STM Specs is a perfect choice for landscape and wildlife photography because of its excellent image quality and adaptability.

What Is An 18 135 Lens Used For?

The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS has a focal length range that is equivalent to 29-216mm in 35mm format, covering both angles that are wide enough for landscape photography and angles that are narrow enough for portrait and sports photography. It’s a significant upgrade from the typical kit lens for customers who want a more comprehensive zoom range.

What Is The Canon 18-55mm Lens Used For?

High-end standard zoom lenses are in demand, and the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II will appeal to photographers who want to pack light. The lens’s broad zoom range is appropriate for most general photography, with a focal length equivalent to 29-88mm in 35mm format.

Conclusion

You can see the improvement right away. It has to do with the focal length, of course. It’s not clear from your query what exactly you’re thinking. I like the 18–135mm for candid shots because it has a longer focal length that’s appropriate for portraiture and lets you stand back from your subjects a bit. That’s all we have on Canon 18-55 Vs 18-135.

Frequently Asked Questions