EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is Standard Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (New, White Box)

This lens is a good upgrade from a range wise from the kit lens with was little restrictive at 55 mm. I was seriously considering switchin to Nikon D90 systme with the 18-105 VR lens and 70-300 mm VR lenses. I am not a professional to invest in L or high end Nikkor glasses. But at the same time wanted decent quality. The issue with Canon , though off-late they seem to address is making quality lenses for the APS-C size camera. And for the very reason I stated, the best quality lenses are reserved for the pros or serious amateurs. I wanted to get the 18-200 but heard of its IQ issues, considered 28-135 lens, but same there with IQ, though build quality was great and had USM. 17-85 f2.8 is in L territory. So as I was about to make the decision to jump, canon released this and the 15-85 USM EFS lenses. I would say that was a move that canon should have done long back. So I purchased this one and so far it has been impressive. Even without USM, the focus speed is good. As usual pretty sharp through 5.6 to f11. Can gget some good bokeh when zoomed out to 135 and shooting closeby subjects. I have a 50mm 1.4 for that anyway. Good walkaround lens when I just need the camer and one lens and dont want to carry my full gear. For those looking to make a decision, I would say it is worthwhile. You wont get L quality, but very competent within what you get, good image stabilization. Decent zoom range. On the price I would suggest getting it under $350...I got mine for $325 from a market place vendor who made prompt UPS delivery - but I no longer see this price. As usual the price on amazon fluctuates like stock market.

I'll leave the detailed reviews to others, and there have been some very good ones posted here. I'd just like to add a few observations and comments. This lens does an excellent job for a wide-to-medium telephoto zoom. The focus motor is not USM, but it's quick and not very noisy. It's noticeably lighter than the f/2.8 Tamron 28-75mm non-IS zoom that it's replacing even though the dimensions are the same. It produces more zoom range, quicker focusing, and sharper images than the Tamron. Even with it being f/3.6, the Image Stabilization feature lets it get low-light pictures that the Tamron can't handle at f/2.8. IS seems to come on-line much quicker than the 18-55mm kit lens, which has about a 1/2-second delay for first use (or if it goes into standby mode). It seems solidly built, produces excellent and consistent results, and is comfortable to carry. I'm much more satisfied with this lens than I was with the slower-reacting 18-55mm kit lens. My wife is the serious photographer in the family, and I tried to find her something that I thought was not too heavy and bulky, yet had good zoom range, versatility, and consistency. I've found it in this lens. As a last note, this lens has been criticized in some outside reviews for vignetting at long zoom lengths. The Canon T2i's EOS Utility software has a database of Canon lenses, and it allows the camera to internally apply vignetting correction to pictures taken by this lens (and a few dozen others). The EOS utility even offers extensive remote control of the camera when attached to a computer by a USB cable. The versatile and powerful T2i, this lens, and a computer provide a formidable arsenal for serious photography.

I think that a lot of people realize at some point that to share or archive what gets one excited about a beautiful or emotion packed scene, they need a camera and lens that bring out the colors, light, and depth of the scene in a realistic way. So much for point and shoots, although my Canon S3 could take some nice portraits. Then comes the DSLR with the kit lens. Better, but still not like the inspiring, breathtaking images in the photography books. Then starts the itchy fingers over the wallet for something that will give me the, "Aha, this is what I wanted to express". OK, so after giving my XS away and getting an XSi, this lens finally got me the rich realism that I was looking for. Is it a 5D with an L lens? I know it isn't. But for myself and the people I want to share some of the special moments of life with, it can share that vision. So, if you feel that many of the people in your life, and the scenes that you see deserve to be brought out and shared in the way that can convey what you saw special in them, I think that you'll be happy with this lens. Update 6/16/10: To see some very good examples of what this lens can render, see the review at dpreview of the Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens . At the end of the review there are a lot of sample pictures (click on any one to see a slideshow), and the captions include which lens was used. They are full size and can give you a much better idea of the quality of the lens than the compressed pictures on Amazon. Update 4/1/11: It is true that shooting in low light without a flash does not get the best results. Best to have a good flash on hand, think Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras , and read a great book about on camera flash, i.e. On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography and you can get exciting results. Update 4/26/11 After uploading two web albums to our family web site, one shot with a T2i and a 24-105L lens and another shot with a XSi and this lens, I asked a friend who is a professional photographer to try to tell which one was which. After saying that they were "both very good indeed", he said he couldn't tell the difference! And if he had to guess he would say that the photos shot with this lens were shot with the L lens! Both albums were post processed by me in Lightroom with various presets. Great quality for less than half the price.

I will admit I was very weary about purchasing this lens as the price was incredibly cheap on Amazon compared to everywhere else, including the Canon store (where it was almost double). I purchased the express shipping as I wanted the lens before my trip to NYC. I ordered on a Sunday and the lens was at my door Tuesday morning. The lens was packaged with the Canon box and had the Canon 1 year warranty card. The lens fit on my T3i perfectly and the images are sharp. I was in the market for a wide angle lens with IS and zoom - this was the perfect choice. I wish the angle was a little wider but nonetheless, I am quite happy with this purchase!'

El lente es todo lo que esperaba, llegó a tiempo y sin ningún detalle

早速写真撮りました。 静物より風景が気に入りました。 良い取引させて頂きありがとうございました！

This camera lens was purchased for our daughter, who is quickly sharpening her photography skills with every shot she takes. She is delighted (as are we) at the beautiful imagery she has been able to capture, in many different settings. Highly recommend this product and the seller, who got it delivered to us in perfect condition and in great time. Thanks so much!

Buen precio, seriedad con la entrega