Canon EF-S 18- vs Rokinon

Overview of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm and Rokinon 14mm Lenses

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is priced at $329.95, while the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED Super Lens is about 17% cheaper at $231.25. Both lenses cater to different types of photography, making them suitable for different user needs. The Canon lens is designed for versatility with a zoom range, while the Rokinon lens offers an ultra-wide perspective, especially beneficial for landscapes and astrophotography.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens features an inner focusing system and weighs 16.9 oz, providing a compact and lightweight design. In contrast, the Rokinon 14mm lens is more robust, weighing 31.7 oz, which may be less convenient for casual photographers but offers durability for professional use. The Rokinon also includes a built-in petal-type lens hood, enhancing its usability in bright conditions. While the Canon lens is designed for ease of handling, the Rokinon’s construction emphasizes reliability in various shooting environments.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm employs advanced optics with one UD and one PMO aspheric lens, which contribute to high resolution and reduced chromatic aberration. The lens's refined Image Stabilization system helps in achieving sharp images, particularly in video recording. Conversely, the Rokinon 14mm lens excels in delivering exceptional sharpness and clarity with its 14 elements in 10 groups, making it ideal for expansive landscapes. This lens is particularly optimized for low-light conditions, thanks to its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture.

Focal Length and Versatility

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm offers a versatile focal length range, allowing photographers to capture a wide variety of subjects, from portraits to landscapes, without changing lenses. Its maximum magnification of 0.28x is particularly useful for close-up shots. On the other hand, the Rokinon 14mm lens is fixed at 14mm, providing an ultra-wide perspective that is perfect for capturing expansive scenes, making it a favorite among landscape and real estate photographers. Each lens serves distinct photography styles, with the Canon lens catering more to versatility and the Rokinon focusing on wide-angle performance.

Autofocus and Manual Control

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm features high-speed autofocus, aided by a stepping motor and an optimized AF algorithm, enhancing its usability for both stills and videos. This makes it particularly beneficial for dynamic shooting situations. However, the Rokinon 14mm lens is strictly a manual focus lens, which may appeal to photographers who prefer precise control over their focus settings, especially in intricate compositions. The closest focus distance of the Rokinon lens is 10.8 inches, allowing for creative depth-of-field effects, although it may require more skill for accurate focusing.

Price Comparison and Value

With the Canon lens priced at $329.95 and the Rokinon lens available for $231.25, the savings are substantial for those on a budget. The Rokinon lens provides about $98.70 in savings, which can be significant for amateur photographers or those just starting. While the Canon lens includes advanced features like Image Stabilization, the Rokinon lens offers superior image quality and low-light performance, making it a strong contender for photographers focused on specific styles.

Target User and Photography Style

The Canon EF-S 18-135mm is geared towards those who require a flexible lens that can handle various photography styles, including video. It is particularly suited for casual photographers who appreciate convenience and ease of use. In contrast, the Rokinon 14mm lens appeals to enthusiasts and professionals who specialize in landscape and architectural photography. Its ultra-wide perspective and sharp image quality align with the needs of photographers looking for dramatic compositions and intricate details.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon EF-S 18-135mm and the Rokinon 14mm largely depends on your photography needs. If you seek versatility and require a lens that can adapt to different shooting conditions, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens is the better option. However, if your focus is on capturing expansive landscapes or low-light photography, the Rokinon 14mm lens offers superior image quality at a lower price point. Ultimately, both lenses have their strengths, so your decision should align with your specific photographic style and requirements.