Canon Ef-s 15-85mm Vs 18-135mm: Which Lens Offers The Best Bang For Your Buck?
What To Know
- The Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens has a focal length range of 15mm to 85mm, while the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens has a focal length range of 18mm to 135mm.
- The 18-135mm lens is a good choice for photographers who need a lens with a longer reach and a slightly wider maximum aperture.
- If you need a lens with a longer reach and a slightly wider maximum aperture, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm is a better option.
Are you a photographer looking for a versatile lens that can handle a wide range of shooting situations? If so, you may be considering the Canon EF-S 15-85mm or the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens. Both lenses offer a wide focal length range, making them ideal for everything from landscapes to portraits to wildlife photography. But which lens is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Canon EF-S 15-85mm and 18-135mm lenses in terms of their features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision.
Focal Length Range
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens has a focal length range of 15mm to 85mm, while the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens has a focal length range of 18mm to 135mm. This means that the 18-135mm lens has a slightly longer reach than the 15-85mm lens, making it a better choice for wildlife or sports photography. However, the 15-85mm lens has a wider angle of view, making it better suited for landscapes or group photos.
Aperture
Both the Canon EF-S 15-85mm and 18-135mm lenses have a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at their widest focal length. This means that they both let in the same amount of light at the widest setting. However, the 18-135mm lens has a slightly wider maximum aperture of f/5.6 at its longest focal length, compared to f/5.6 for the 15-85mm lens. This means that the 18-135mm lens can let in more light at longer focal lengths, making it better suited for low-light photography.
Image Quality
Both the Canon EF-S 15-85mm and 18-135mm lenses produce excellent image quality. However, the 18-135mm lens has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and detail, especially at longer focal lengths. This is likely due to its slightly wider maximum aperture, which allows it to capture more light and reduce noise.
Autofocus
Both the Canon EF-S 15-85mm and 18-135mm lenses feature Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system, which is known for its speed and accuracy. However, the 18-135mm lens has a slightly faster autofocus speed, making it better suited for shooting moving subjects.
Weight and Size
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens weighs 1.04 pounds (470 grams) and measures 3.5 inches (89 millimeters) in length. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens weighs 1.53 pounds (695 grams) and measures 4.2 inches (107 millimeters) in length. This makes the 15-85mm lens a more compact and lightweight option, making it easier to carry around all day.
Price
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens typically retails for around $500, while the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens typically retails for around $600. This makes the 15-85mm lens a more affordable option, making it a good choice for budget-minded photographers.
Which Lens is Right for You?
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm and 18-135mm lenses are both excellent choices for photographers who want a versatile lens that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. The 15-85mm lens is a good choice for photographers who want a compact and lightweight lens with a wide angle of view. The 18-135mm lens is a good choice for photographers who need a lens with a longer reach and a slightly wider maximum aperture.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight lens with a wide angle of view, the Canon EF-S 15-85mm is a great choice. If you need a lens with a longer reach and a slightly wider maximum aperture, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm is a better option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
- Q: Which lens is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens has a slightly wider maximum aperture of f/5.6 at its longest focal length, compared to f/5.6 for the 15-85mm lens. This means that the 18-135mm lens can let in more light at longer focal lengths, making it better suited for low-light photography.
- Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens has a longer reach than the 15-85mm lens, making it a better choice for wildlife photography.
- Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: Both the Canon EF-S 15-85mm and 18-135mm lenses can be used for portraits. However, the 85mm focal length of the 15-85mm lens is ideal for portraits, as it allows you to isolate your subject from the background.
