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Is Canon EF-S 18-135 STM lens too soft in large apertures?

Started Feb 28, 2013 | Questions
Pacific462
Pacific462 Regular Member • Posts: 122
Re: Is Canon EF-S 18-135 STM lens too soft in large apertures?

I have exactly the same situation as this. MFA has addressed some focusing issues, but undoubtably, the lens requires stopping down by a couple to get sharp results. i also find that using the centre point and adjusting the focus manually helps greatly ( although I think that this applies to most, if not all lenses). The results are there, as with everything, they need work.

 Pacific462's gear list:Pacific462's gear list
Canon EOS 30D Canon EOS 70D Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM +3 more
Abu Mahendra Veteran Member • Posts: 5,312
Re: Is Canon EF-S 18-135 STM lens too soft in large apertures?

I have exactly the same situation as this. MFA has addressed some focusing issues, but undoubtably, the lens requires stopping down by a couple to get sharp results. i also find that using the centre point and adjusting the focus manually helps greatly ( although I think that this applies to most, if not all lenses). The results are there, as with everything, they need work.

Nothing of the foregoing discussion is surprising. It is, after all, a 7x+ Zoom lens,

 Abu Mahendra's gear list:Abu Mahendra's gear list
Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM +5 more
Luke J New Member • Posts: 1
Re: Is Canon EF-S 18-135 STM lens too soft in large apertures?

My copy of 18-135mm STM is very soft at the wide end.

I tried the MFA on my 7D and it looks like +7 cleans it up somewhat.

On the tele-end, after 100mm, it's acceptable, but not satisfying. I thought I had a lemon in my hands but after reading this thread I feel like a bunch of them has the same flaws.

Maybe I should look for a replacement for this lens, any recommendations?

Abu Mahendra Veteran Member • Posts: 5,312
Re: Is Canon EF-S 18-135 STM lens too soft in large apertures?

Yes. Replace it with two lenses, the 18-55STM and the 55-250STM.

 Abu Mahendra's gear list:Abu Mahendra's gear list
Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM +5 more
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