As if the new Canon EOS 7D wasn’t strong enough already, Canon have released two new EF-S lenses to compliment the new 7D: A 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, and a 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens.
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
The EF-S 15-85mm IS USM lens covers an attractive range of focal lengths: The 15mm wide angle is unusual for a zoom lens which also covers ‘standard’ focal lengths. Combined with the 85mm telephoto range, this makes the 15-85mm a versatile lens for walkabouts and should reduce time-consuming lens swapping.
Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens
Taking into account the 1.6x focal length multiplier of Canon APS-C size sensors, the 15-85mm lens is equivalent to a 24-136mm focal length on a 35mm full-frame camera.
The 15-85mm’s image stabilisation (IS) compensates for up to 4 stops; a potent tool when matched with the dizzying heights of ISO 12,800 available on digital SLRs like the EOS 50D and 7D.
Further must-know specifications include a 35cm minimum focus distance, 72mm filter thread, and it weighs a reasonable 575g.
View the new Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS USM lens at Wex Photographic.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS Lens
The new EF-S 18-135mm has 4-stop image stabilisation and an f3.5-5.6 aperture like the 15-85mm, however the Ultrasonic motor (USM) isn’t included. If you want a standard lens with greater telephoto capabilities then the 18-135mm is an intriguing the option; the focal length is equivalent to 29-216mm on 35mm full-frame camera.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens
The features of the 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens are quite similar to the popular EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens, however the reduced focal length (7.5x zoom rather than 11x zoom) will probably produce a higher optical quality throughout the range. The EF-S 18-135mm has a smaller filter thread (67mm vs 72mm on the 18-200mm) and weighs less (455g vs the 600g), which help in the travelling light department.
View the new Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS lens at Wex Photographic.
Which one: The 15-85mm or 18-135mm?
Both lenses are available individually or in a kit with the new EOS 7D. We’re secretly wishing Canon would stop making so many great choices available, we can’t choose between the two ;)
Would you prefer the new 15-85mm or 18-135mm on your current EOS camera (or a shiny new 7D)?
