EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USMvs M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (2016) Starting from £449 new Best for Travel, everyday photography & video View EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
VS
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II (2022) Starting from £549 new Best for Travel, events & everyday shooting View M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II

GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?

Travel, Everyday Photography & Video — EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (2016): The best one-lens solution for the 90D — the 7.5× zoom range with Nano USM and IS covers almost any shooting situation in a single barrel.

Travel, Events & Everyday Shooting — M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II (2022): The go-to standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds — sharp, fast, and built to withstand the elements.

↓ Full specifications below

Who should buy what

Quick take: The ef-s 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is usm is the most affordable; only the m.zuiko digital ed 12-40mm f/2.8 pro ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (2016)M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II (2022)
Price £449 £549
Sensor f/3.5-5.6 (variable max aperture) f/2.8 (constant max aperture)
Video 39cm minimum focus distance 20cm minimum focus distance
Autofocus Nano USM — fast, smooth, and near-silent; ideal for video AF Dual FAST AF with linear motors — fast, quiet, and precise
Stabilisation 4-stop IS None (relies on body IBIS)
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 480g 382g
Dimensions 76.6mm diameter × 96.1mm length 69.9mm diameter × 84mm length
Weather Sealed No Yes
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Canon EF / EF-S Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A

Suitability by genre

Genre EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USMM.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II
Travel
9.0
9.0
Vlogging & Video
7.0
—
Landscape
7.0
—
Portrait —
7.0
Street —
7.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM prices → M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II prices →

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