Canon 18-135mm IS

I impulsively bought a mint-condition first gen EF-S 18-135mm IS for around 50$, because I need a lightweight travel lens for a forthcoming trip. Is this a good buy, how does it compare to the STM and the Nano USM versions IQ wise?

GetBG wrote:

I impulsively bought a mint-condition first gen EF-S 18-135mm IS for around 50$, because I need a lightweight travel lens for a forthcoming trip.

Copy & Paste from the following review.

"This 18-135mm lens was the only lens I needed to shoot everything for the two weeks during which I borrowed it. I never needed any other lens for anything, and this 18-135mm is easy to pack, handle and shoot. You never need to take it off your camera."

Review:

https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/18-135mm.htm

Is this a good buy, how does it compare to the STM and the Nano USM versions IQ wise?

This is an excellent buy. Even though the Nano is the best version, STM second best.

You still got a great deal and a very good lens.

Ps. Check out these USA prices for that lens. MPB camera has a lot of them from good to excellent condition.

https://www.mpb.com/en-us/used-equipment/used-photo-and-video/used-lenses/used-canon-fit-lenses/canon-ef-s-18-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is/

Thank you for the reassurance

GetBG wrote:

Thank you for the reassurance

Your welcome just had another thought. MPB also buys Camera gear.

Copy & Paste: "MPB pays you (Total): $89.00" That's an instant online quote here in the USA. Then they sell it for around double that.

Not sure if they have a location closer to you than Berlin ?

Scroll to Contact Us: for all locations.

https://www.mpb.com/en-us/help/contact-us/

So if you ever decide to sell you'll get all your money back.

But don't sell, that lens will probably become your most used lens 80% to 90% of the time. It has such a great zoom range.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review (the-digital-picture.com)

I did some test shots and what made me sigh in relief is that at the long end it is pretty sharp and gives reasonable detail^^ I hadn't had the opportunity to test the wide-angle, but I will try it during tonights sunset

At f/5.6 is a will soft, especially at the edges, but its fine

At f/10 for my purposes, it is decently sharp

GetBG wrote:

I did some test shots and what made me sigh in relief is that at the long end it is pretty sharp and gives reasonable detail

Good to hear. you have a great bargain lens.

At f/5.6 is a will soft, especially at the edges, but its fine. At f/10 for my purposes, it is decently sharp.

If you ever consider upgrading down the line.

EF-S Nano USM IS Version Review:

https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/18-135mm-usm.htm

MPB ups the will buy for price 10% on trade ins.

Here in the USA MPB has a 7 day return and a 6 month warranty policy.

You were right! Today I only used that lens and it was absolutely adequate! I am extremely happy with the result! These images are taken today in the White river Eco trail in Bulgaria (42.65867490619544, 24.961888969311794)

Amazing place, hard to reach but worth every drop of sweat. It has woodlands, wildlife, waterfalls, a fast river, flowers. The most beautiful place I have been in my country!

I owned both the STM version and NanoUSM versions at the same time.  Ended up selling the STM version.  I thought the images were very similar but the AF speed and accuracy of the NanoUSM version convinced me to stay with that one.  Great all-purpose zoom.

tdbmd wrote:

I thought the images were very similar but the AF speed and accuracy of the NanoUSM version convinced me to stay with that one.

Very good point.

To the OP if you will be photgraphing fast moving subjects like children, consider upgrading.