18-55 STM

Debating adding a 18-55 STM to my kit, I know it sounds bizzare. Thinking about it just for video on the 70D, yes I know it comes as a kit. Right now I have enough reward points to pretty much get one for about $50. I can hear focus motor noise from the 17-55 during video and am wondering if the STM would make sense for quiter/smoother focusing and a lighter rig for extended video recording.

For those who have the lens, how does it do optically?

Keyan wrote in post #16272837
Debating adding a 18-55 STM to my kit, I know it sounds bizzare. Thinking about it just for video on the 70D, yes I know it comes as a kit. Right now I have enough reward points to pretty much get one for about $50. I can hear focus motor noise from the 17-55 during video and am wondering if the STM would make sense for quiter/smoother focusing and a lighter rig for extended video recording.

For those who have the lens, how does it do optically?

Very pleased with it. And if you can get it for $50, it's a no brainer.

But I am going to sell it as I have acquired the 18-135 STM which is maybe a tad better at 18-55 and of course the range is greater.

Eastport wrote in post #16272951
Very pleased with it. And if you can get it for $50, it's a no brainer.

But I am going to sell it as I have acquired the 18-135 STM which is maybe a tad better at 18-55 and of course the range is greater.

Yeah, I was pretty happy with the 18-135 non-STM, but considering I just spent a bunch on the 70D, and I am looking for a lightweight video option, the 18-55 seems to be a better fit at the moment.

You could probably sell the 18-135 and buy a 18-135 STM for about the same total cost as just adding an 18-55 STM.

However, I was pleasantly suprised at the build and focusing of the 18-55 STM compared to the old one. I used it at the store while looking at the SL1. It "feels" like a pretty good quality lens. I don't know about optics, but there wasn't really much wrong with the 18-55 optically, anyway, so even if it is unimproved there's not much to worry about there.

Keyan wrote in post #16273064
Yeah, I was pretty happy with the 18-135 non-STM, but considering I just spent a bunch on the 70D, and I am looking for a lightweight video option, the 18-55 seems to be a better fit at the moment.

From everything I have read, the 18-135 STM is a far better lens (indeed it is on par with the 15-85) than the original 18-135.

I recently purchased the SL1 with the 18-55 STM and I'm really impressed with it.

My general walkabout for many years has been the 17-55 f2.8 efs, the 18-55 STM linked to the SL1, is amazingly giving me as sharp images! I'm not an expert on video, but from what I've seen so far the focus speed and accuracy is spot on.

I'm really pleased with my purchase, and can't wait for the new 55-250 STM to arrive, this will give me an excellent lightweight travel/hiking alternative to my heavy gear.

At the price you can get it for I wouldn't hesitate!

Eastport wrote in post #16273086
From everything I have read, the 18-135 STM is a far better lens (indeed it is on par with the 15-85) than the original 18-135.

Yeah, but not looking to spend $550. I just want something cheap and light for indoor video shooting.

Keyan wrote in post #16273905
Yeah, but not looking to spend $550. I just want something cheap and light for indoor video shooting.

You don't have to buy it new and retail. It's like $380 white box or even less used. And you could sell your other 18-135 for like $225.

Keyan wrote in post #16273905
Yeah, but not looking to spend $550. I just want something cheap and light for indoor video shooting.

All things considered, it (18-55 STM) sounds like a good purchase for you.

I do like the 18-55 - and it's much shorter and much lighter than the 18-135 STM. I used the 18-55 STM today. It's really a light package with the SL-1 but should work fine with your 70D also - particularly for video.

On the still photography end, assuming you are not shooting at f/2.8 with the 17-55 which I see you also own, I'd be curious to see how much better the 17-55 is over the new 18-55 STM. I would not be surprised to find that the difference is not huge. But, I have nothing to base that on - except that the 15-85 and the 18-135 STM seem to be on the same IQ level. Possibly these new STM lenses are pretty good despite their size, weight and cost.

Eastport wrote in post #16273956
All things considered, it (18-55 STM) sounds like a good purchase for you.

I do like the 18-55 - and it's much shorter and much lighter than the 18-135 STM. I used the 18-55 STM today. It's really a light package with the SL-1 but should work fine with your 70D also - particularly for video.

On the still photography end, assuming you are not shooting at f/2.8 with the 17-55 which I see you also own, I'd be curious to see how much better the 17-55 is over the new 18-55 STM. I would not be surprised to find that the difference is not huge. But, I have nothing to base that on - except that the 15-85 and the 18-135 STM seem to be on the same IQ level. Possibly these new STM lenses are pretty good despite their size, weight and cost.

I use it quite a lot wide open actually. Optically, the lens is quite impressive. I also like the insane speed of the AF and the mechanically linked FTM. Superficially, the lens is pretty impressive looking on the camera

Keyan wrote in post #16274036
I use it quite a lot wide open actually. Optically, the lens is quite impressive. I also like the insane speed of the AF and the mechanically linked FTM. Superficially, the lens is pretty impressive looking on the camera

I bought a 17-55 f/2.8 years ago when it was nearly first released. It was fine on my Rebels but I was not as overwhelmed as others have been. Although the 24-105 f/4 is slower I have found the IQ of it to be more pleasing on all three versions of the 5D than the 17-55 was on various Rebels and the 30D I had at the time. Probably not a fair comparison!

Makes sense. 24-105 on FF is kind of like 15-70mm f2.5 on APS (factoring in DOF and ability to use higher ISO on FF sensors)

I picked one up on ebay for $100. I thought I'd use it as a smaller option for my 18-135 STM but I don't. It's a fine lens but I found myself missing the extra reach and the weight difference is negligible.

I just got a 18-55 STM with my 70D kit. First thought was to sell the lens as I already have the Tamron 24-70 VC - but I'm now thinking it might be worth keeping as a video-only lens or just as a daytime walk-around lens when I want to pack really light (205g vs. 825g for the Tamron).

I picked one up to use for video because I can't get my 18-135 STM away from my 11 year old... nice little lens. I can't say it's any sharper than the 18-55 IS II, but it's silent, quick and the front element does not rotate.