Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC (Canon EF Mount) vs Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC (Canon EF Mount) vs Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
When comparing Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II and Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC (Canon EF Mount), which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Canon EF. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount) has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 2 compared to the 3.5 - 5.6 aperture of Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount) wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC (Canon EF Mount)
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Lens Type Comparison
The Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount) is a Prime lens while the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a Zoom lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
4. Stabilization Comparison
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II features built-in image stabilization and Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount) does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II instead of Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount).
Winner: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
5. Autofocus Comparison
In regards to autofocus, the winner is Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II since the other lens in this comparison, the Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount) does not have autofocus at all — it is a manual focus lens.
Winner: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC (Canon EF Mount) and Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II:
| Samyang 135mm f/2 ED UMC - (Canon EF Mount) | Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Samyang | Canon |
| Weight | Missing | 200 g |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 85 mm | 18 - 55 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2 | 3.5 - 5.6 |
| Anamorphic | Missing | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Missing | 25 cm |
| Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 58 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 9 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 11 |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Autofocus | Hayır | Evet |
| Macro | No | Missing |
| Weather Seal | Missing | No |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | No |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | No |
| Stabilization Type | Missing | Canon Image Stabilizer (IS) |