In terms of image quality, is it better than the older non-STM lens ?
1299322
It's an improvement if you have a T4i, T5i, or 70D. Otherwise, you will likely get less than satisfactory performance. These new generation models have the compatible features for both the EF-S lens type--where it's closer to the sensor--and STep Motor technology for quick and virtually silent autofocus. But don't expect it to perform to specs or even as well as your older lenses if your camera body is not one of the three listed above. If you used it on a 5D Mark III for example, it would be noisy, the focus would stutter a bit, and slow.
1299323
Hello, the optical design has been improved, as well as the coatings. The STM focusing motor, primarily an advantage for video, can also result in more accurate focus for still images, so I would say yes, but not a huge improvement. Thanks, and let us know if you have any other questions.
1299324
Yes - Review of the better lens and differences between the two can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap0NQfWuKKE
75925
depends on your expectation. It is not a technically wonderful lens by any means. But i keep it on my old epl1 in the glove box or my coat pocket and use it when an opp presents itself. Its fun. Cheap. And as long as you don' mind the zone focus gets shots i otherwise would not get due to not having a kit with me. Love it these winter months when work kills all my light
1329593
This is a good quality lens. Yes you can preserve the original f2.8. As regards image quality I don't have a laboratory to measure such things but there certainly isn't the obvious problem with distortion or focus out near the edges that you see with cheaper lenses. I'm sorry I can't be more specific.
1768508
I have no experience with the IS II lens. I have only used the STM lenses. As far as I know, the only improvement in the STM lens over the IS II lens is silent focusing. It's only useful for making videos. If you are going to use this lens for filming, I would definitely say buy the STM lens. If not, I would consider the IS II if any other specifications do not differ.
119686
The STM (step motor) lens--hell yes. Even without the step motor it would be worth it. It's an excellent lens. Auto Focus is quick and virtually silent. I've taken shots in the dark, no flash, ISO 12800 with extremely low noise with this lens. It's amazing.
119682
I have also read that the 18-135 STM lens is a completely different optical design as well, with much higher edge to edge contrast, compared to the existing 18-135, which was a great all around piece of glass and definitely superior in quality to the kit lens. The 18-135 has also been called a good "walking around" lens in that it is very flexible in helping you get a wide range of shots.So if you want to do video and want the state of the art in 18-135, the STM is the way to go. As far as I can tell, the original 18-135 is NOT USM, so it is not a tradeoff in terms of STM/non-STM for this particular lens. If you were wanting a USM lens instead of STM or non-STM, that's another decision to make. I have also read that the 18-135 STM lens is a completely different optical design as well, with much higher edge to edge contrast, compared to the existing 18-135, which was a great all around piece of glass and definitely superior in quality to the kit lens. The 18-135 has also been called a good "walking around" lens in that it is very flexible in helping you get a wide range of shots.So if you want to do video and want the state of the art in 18-135, the STM is the way to go. As far as I can tell, the original 18-135 is NOT USM, so it is not a tradeoff in terms of... » Read More I have also read that the 18-135 STM lens is a completely different optical design as well, with much higher edge to edge contrast, compared to the existing 18-135, which was a great all around piece of glass and definitely superior in quality to the kit lens. The 18-135 has also been called a good "walking around" lens in that it is very flexible in helping you get a wide range of shots.So if you want to do video and want the state of the art in 18-135, the STM is the way to go. As far as I can tell, the original 18-135 is NOT USM, so it is not a tradeoff in terms of STM/non-STM for this particular lens. If you were wanting a USM lens instead of STM or non-STM, that's another decision to make. « Show Less
2186827
Hi Carlos, Just a slight improvement and longer focal range. If you want a noticeable improvement on image quality, we recommend using prime lenses. -Anthony
1380700
It is a new design that is smaller and lighter. Some might argue that the older design is a little sharper, but I am satisfied with the newer design as an "all purpose travel lens". For critical work, I would use my 70-200.
1260669
USM lenses uses a non motor to focus and it has less vibration. is it worth the difference, perhaps to a professional or a real dedicated photographer. I guess if I had the bucks I'd have many great lenses. The lense you have in question, this one sells for less then $150 in my opinion is not a great lense and has a short life span.
1380695
The new lens is smaller and lighter, performs just as well and is (or was) slightly less expensive. The downside is that is a tad slower at the long end --6.3 v. 5.6.
853016
The lens box said STM, but I don't shoot video so I don't know how well it works. I wouldn't expect much from cheap lenses though..
897759
To the best of my knowledge all non-STM motors result in lens noise while recording. The other review sounds like they were confusing the full time manual (FTM) focus feature of most USM lenses as somehow creating more noise than non-FTM lenses, not true. STM lenses are specifically engineered to have a slower more controlled AF while recording video, thus producing less noise than all other Canon lenses.
464456
No comparison. Ability to go to F1.4 makes the depth of field control so much better. These two lens are in completely different class.
1357472
I can't compare image quality to the 28-70, but I am happy with the quality. I would really miss the 24mm if I had the 28-70. It is solid and relatively heavy, but is does not have VR which makes it feel fairly compact.
442574
If the optical quality was better, I would use it often. The size is very compact, and having to manually focus is no bother because the depth of field is very large. Unfortunately the image quality matches the price.
2140676
If that was the only difference between the two versions, I would say the answer would be 'no' - but I believe that the VC lens has a better (up-to-date) lens elements than its older version.
2085160
Yes but you will not get all of the benefits of the new STM lenses if you are looking for autofocus while shooting video.