Canon's fastest-focusing 18-135mm with Nano USM motor, the definitive APS-C superzoom.
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM was introduced in 2016 as the Nano USM-equipped version of Canon's APS-C superzoom range, bundled with the EOS 80D. The Nano USM motor type combines ring USM-speed AF for stills with lead-screw STM-style smoothness for video, addressing the primary limitation of both earlier versions: the IS (non-STM) lacked video-capable AF, and the IS STM was slower for stills acquisition. An optional Power Zoom Adapter (PZ-E1) enables motorised electronic zoom for video.
The optical design uses 16 elements in 12 groups. The 67mm filter thread is consistent across Canon's EF-S 18-135mm family. At 515g the lens is the heaviest of the three EF-S 18-135mm versions, reflecting the Nano USM mechanism. Minimum focus distance is 0.39m throughout the zoom range. IS provides 4 stops of shake correction. The Nano USM autofocus is fast for stills — approaching ring USM performance — and near-silent for continuous video AF, making it the most capable of the three EF-S 18-135mm versions for dual stills-and-video use. Variable aperture runs from f/3.5 at 18mm to f/5.6 at 135mm.
For photographers using a Canon APS-C DSLR for both stills and video the IS USM's Nano USM is the key practical advantage over the IS STM: it tracks subjects reliably during video recording with Movie Servo AF without the hunting of the earlier DC motor lenses. The 29-216mm equivalent range covers standard and moderate telephoto use without a lens change. The optional PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter enables smooth motorised zoom for video pan shots — a unique capability in the EF-S superzoom category.
On the used market the IS USM is more expensive than the IS STM but offers a meaningfully better dual-use experience. Condition checks: Nano USM motor response (confirm fast, quiet AF in both stills and video modes), IS engagement, zoom ring smoothness. Compatible with all Canon APS-C EOS DSLRs and via EF-EOS R adapter on RF-mount bodies. If the PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter is included with a used sale, confirm it engages and disengages cleanly from the barrel.