Canon EF-S 18- vs Canon RF 24-

Overview of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a versatile lens designed for both video and still photography. Priced at $329.95, it offers a refined Image Stabilization system that provides up to four equivalent stops of shake correction, making it ideal for capturing steady shots in various conditions. The lens features a maximum magnification of 0.28x at its telephoto end, ensuring that users can capture detailed images. Its inner focusing system, along with a six-group zoom mechanism, enhances autofocus performance, particularly beneficial for video shooting.

Overview of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens, priced at $476.95, offers a wider zoom range compared to the EF-S 18-135mm. It covers focal lengths from wide-angle to short-telephoto, making it an excellent choice for travel and everyday photography. This lens includes a built-in Optical Image Stabilizer that provides up to five stops of correction, which helps to ensure sharp images and smooth video footage. The STM stepping motor contributes to quiet and precise autofocus, making it suitable for both photo and video applications.

Image Stabilization Performance

When it comes to image stabilization, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM outperforms the Canon EF-S 18-135mm with its five-stop correction versus the four stops offered by the latter. The RF lens’s advanced stabilization features are particularly beneficial when shooting handheld in low-light conditions or at longer focal lengths. This added stabilization can make a significant difference for videographers and photographers who often find themselves in dynamic shooting environments.

Autofocus System

Both lenses employ Canon's STM technology for autofocus, but the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM offers a smoother and quieter performance, making it more suitable for video recording. While the EF-S 18-135mm’s inner focusing system provides high-speed autofocus, the RF lens’s STM stepping motor ensures that focus transitions are natural and unobtrusive. This is particularly important for vloggers and hybrid content creators who require precise autofocus without distracting sounds.

Versatility in Shooting Conditions

In terms of versatility, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens shines with its broader focal range of 24-105mm, compared to the 18-135mm range of the EF-S lens. This makes the RF lens ideal for various shooting situations, from landscapes to portraits and even close-up macro shots, thanks to its dedicated Center Macro Focus position. The EF-S lens, while versatile, may not cover the same range of scenarios, especially when needing a quick shift between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives.

Design and Portability

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for travel. Its slim profile allows for easy handling during extended shooting sessions. Although the EF-S 18-135mm is also relatively compact, the RF lens's lightweight feature may give it an edge for photographers on the go. The RF lens is designed specifically for full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.

Price Comparison

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is priced at $329.95, making it about 31% less expensive than the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, which retails for $476.95. This price difference could be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers. However, the additional features and wider focal range of the RF lens might justify the higher price for those who prioritize versatility and advanced performance in their photography.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM ultimately depends on your specific needs and shooting style. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers quality for both stills and video, the EF-S 18-135mm is a solid choice. However, if you require superior image stabilization, a wider zoom range, and enhanced autofocus capabilities, the RF 24-105mm is worth the higher investment.