The Canon EF-S 18–135mm f3.5–5.6 IS USM is a highly versatile standard zoom lens designed for Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. Covering wide angle through to telephoto, it is ideal for everyday photography including travel, family events, landscapes, portraits, wildlife at moderate distances, and video work.
As a renewed lens, it offers excellent flexibility and modern autofocus performance at a more accessible price point, making it well suited to photographers and content creators who want one lens to handle most shooting situations.
Why We Like This Lens at YPC Outdoors
At YPC Outdoors, we like this lens because it genuinely earns its place as a do it all option. The zoom range is extremely practical, and the Nano USM autofocus system makes a noticeable difference compared to older kit lenses.
What stands out most is how well it handles both stills and video. Autofocus is fast for photography but smooth and near silent for filming, and image stabilisation helps keep footage usable when shooting handheld. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants simplicity without sacrificing performance.
Key Strengths and Limitations
Pros
• Very versatile 18–135mm zoom range
• Nano USM autofocus for fast stills and smooth video
• Optical image stabilisation for handheld shooting
• Dynamic IS improves video stability while moving
• Compatible with Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 for video
• Excellent value as a renewed lens
Cons
• Variable aperture limits low light flexibility
• EF-S mount only, not compatible with full frame cameras
• Consumer level build compared to L series lenses
Real World Performance
In real world use, the EF-S 18–135mm IS USM performs confidently across a wide range of scenarios. Sharpness is good throughout much of the zoom range, especially in the centre, and colour reproduction is natural and consistent.
The Nano USM system delivers quick autofocus acquisition for stills, while remaining smooth and quiet enough for video recording. This makes it particularly appealing to hybrid shooters. Image stabilisation helps reduce camera shake for handheld photography, and Dynamic IS is especially useful when filming while walking.
The lens balances well on APS-C DSLR bodies and is comfortable to carry as an everyday walkaround option.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Compared to the Canon EF-S 18–55mm kit lenses, this lens offers significantly more reach and improved autofocus performance.
Against the Canon EF-S 18–135mm IS STM, the Nano USM version provides much faster autofocus for photography while retaining smooth video focusing.
When compared with professional zooms, this lens prioritises versatility and convenience over constant aperture and weather sealing.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
• Use image stabilisation for handheld shooting at longer focal lengths
• Take advantage of Nano USM for fast moving subjects
• Use Dynamic IS when filming while in motion
• Stop down slightly for improved sharpness
• Consider the Power Zoom Adapter for smoother video zooms
Alternatives Worth Considering
• Canon EF-S 15–85mm IS USM for higher optical quality
• Canon EF-S 18–55mm IS STM for lighter everyday use
• Canon RF-S 18–150mm IS STM for EOS R APS-C users
Full Technical Specification
Mount Compatibility
Canon EF-S mount
Not compatible with Canon full frame cameras
Compatible with EOS R cameras only when used with an EF to RF Mount Adapter
Focal Length
18–135mm
Maximum Aperture
f3.5–5.6
Minimum Aperture
Not specified
Focusing System
Nano USM autofocus with manual focus capability
Image Stabilisation
Yes, optical
Includes Dynamic IS for video
Power Zoom Support
Compatible with Canon Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1
Lens Construction
Not specified
Weather Sealing
Not specified
Condition
Renewed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens compatible with full frame Canon cameras
No, it is designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras.
Does this lens have image stabilisation
Yes, it includes optical image stabilisation and Dynamic IS for video.
Is autofocus fast enough for action photography
Yes, Nano USM provides fast and accurate autofocus.
Is this lens suitable for video
Yes, smooth and quiet autofocus makes it very suitable for video.
What does renewed mean
Renewed lenses are inspected, tested, and fully functional, with minor cosmetic wear possible.
Can it replace a kit lens
Yes, it covers a much wider focal range than standard kit lenses.
Is it good for travel photography
Yes, the zoom range makes it ideal for travel.
Does it support manual focus
Yes, manual focus is available.
Is it lightweight
It is relatively lightweight for a lens with this zoom range.
Is it good value
Yes, especially as a renewed product offering modern autofocus technology.
Buyer’s Guide
This lens is ideal for Canon APS-C DSLR users who want one versatile lens to handle photography and video. If you value convenience, fast autofocus, and stabilisation in a single walkaround zoom, the renewed Canon EF-S 18–135mm f3.5–5.6 IS USM is a practical and highly capable choice.
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Browse our full range of Camera Lenses for other great choices to suit your space, goals, and budget.
