The Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM features effortless operability when capturing video and enhanced image quality compared with its predecessor, the highly acclaimed EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (released in October of 2009). Employing newly designed optics incorporating a newly developed six-group zoom and a stepping motor (STM), the lens delivers greatly improved AF performance during video recording. In particular, when combined with the EOS Rebel T4i / EOS 650D / EOS Kiss X6i—the first camera in the EOS series to employ Movie Servo AF—the lens offers simple AF operation that is exceptionally quiet and smooth when recording video of moving subjects, an operation that previously required a level of delicate focusing precision that could only be achieved through manual focus. The lens and EOS Rebel T4i / EOS 650D / EOS Kiss X6i combination also realizes especially smooth and quiet AF operation during Live View shooting (excluding Quick AF).

Employing special optical lens elements such as a UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens and high-precision aspherical lens, the Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM delivers enhanced correction for various aberrations, including chromatic aberrations, achieving high-resolution, high-contrast imaging performance across the entire zoom range. Through optimized lens positioning and coatings, the model also greatly minimizes the occurrence of flare and ghosting.

When shooting still images, the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM realizes image stabilization equivalent to approximately four shutter speed stops.^* The first lens in the EF series to incorporate Dynamic IS, it effectively corrects for a wider range of camera shake when recording video, such as when shooting while walking.

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.39 m, improving on the 0.45 m of its predecessor, this lens allows photographers to get even closer to their subjects. The EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM realizes exceptional operability through the incorporation of such features as a zoom ring lock lever that prevents accidental movement of the zoom ring, and a full-time manual focus function enabling users to perform fine focus adjustment after autofocusing.

* Based on a shutter speed of 1/(focal length x 1.6) seconds, considered the limit to prevent hand shake during hand-held photography