Canon EF-S 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM - Better than kit lens?

[lolage]

Hi

Does anyone have any information on if this lens will be sharp? Don't really want to get it if its going to have the same quality of a normal kit lens. Also the variable appeture puts me off as I do a lot of video.

The other two lenses I'd get with it would be the 40mm pancake STM and a Tokina 11-16. Would this be a good 3 lens combo?

 

[Loswr]

The MTF curves suggest it will be sharper, focus will be quieter too. I'd say it's a step up, definitely - but if you want better IQ and don't plan to shoot a lot of video with AF, the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM or 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM offer the best IQ in a general purpose zoom for APS-C.

 

[moreorless]

Electric manual focusing like the 85L. This is video oriented lens almost exclusively.

In this case its replacing non USM manual focusing so I'd guess some would consider it an upgrade for stills aswell.