PROS
* Very sharp across the image, even wide open.
* Low Chroma. I read a test ([...]) that found higher than normal amounts of CA in this lens at some apertures, but I don't see it. My standard test is to shoot bare tree limbs on bright sunny days & look for purple fringing, especially at the edges. I'm not seeing anywhere near the level of fringing shown in some of their test shots.If anything, I'd call it "low" I read elsewhere that one of Canon's goals in adding the aspherical element to this lens was to reduce CA, so I'm thinking maybe the lens tested in photozon.de was just a bad apple.
* Image Shake control works. I can't attest to how often it provides a full 4 stops worth of shake reduction, but I can see a very clear result when using it.
* Fast accurate focusing. One of the reasons I purchased this lens was because I was dissatisfied with the performance of my (more expensive) Sigma 17-35 EX (the newer model), which while sharp, is just too slow and inaccurate a focuser for close work in action sports. The new Canon solved that problem.
* Compact, light weight & unobtrusive. Not much bigger than a normal lens.
CONS
* Barrel Distortion at 18mm (28mm) While not exsessive for an inexpensive lens, this is one area where you will see benefit from spending hundreds of dollars for a much more expensive Canon "IS" or "L," or buying a fixed focal length lens. In most real world situations, it wasn't all that noticeable. I could usually correct for it in Photoshop, but this is not a lens for critical architectural work etc. I have taken hundreds of photos with this lens and barrel distortion has only called attention to itself a few times. I suspect this is one price paid for the very compact design.
* Not very fast. Another area where an "L" has an edge. At F3.5 28mm equivalent and F5.6 85mm this lens is relatively slow compared to a pro lens. This effects stopping the action in low light. OTH, you will have to spend hundreds more to get a usable top speed of F 2.8 and that is *only* one stop faster at 28mm equiv. I think both this lens' sharpness and the IS system mitigate this "Con." It took me a while to learn that I could shoot wide open at all focal lengths without having the outer third of the image turn to mush.That's pretty amazing for a zoom at this price. You don't have a stop or two you almost never use because it is too soft. And the IS system works well in low light, though that doesn't figure in in stopping the action.
* Does not have that red stripe. Sad to say, some will never buy this sharp, handy little lens because in is not an "L" and/or doesn't cost $[...]. Yes, it does does look a little "plasticy," probably doesn't have the build quality for heavy, everyday use by a real working pro, and does not look massive mounted on your camera body, like a "fast" pro lens that's squeezing out that last F stop. But IMO, it looks very similar to Canon's newer IS lenses, so there is no scarlet letter immediately identifying you as "cheap." In other words, "Get over it."
So, why did Canon produce such a good lens at such a bargain price? I'd say that it's because Nikon announced their intention to do the same a little while ago. Also, Canon's old non IS 18-55mm lens had the rep of being something of a dog. Finally, several competing cameras now have IS built into the body. Canon had to respond with a sharp IS lens that they could put on the Rebels & the 40D. In terms of sales, the low end of the DSLR market is both hot and very competitive. We're the beneficiaries.
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This Item  Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Lens |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $199.00 | $121.20 | $299.00 | $96.22 | $499.00 | -12% $328.00 New Price: $373.49 |
| Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 20 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Auto focus | ||||||
| Sold By | Adorama | Jerry's Photo | Amazon.com | BENOISON | Amazon.com | Port Hole Renewed |
| lens type | Standard | Wide Angle | Telephoto | Standard | Telephoto | Zoom lens |
| compatible mountings | Canon EF-S | Canon EF-S | Canon RF | Canon EF, Canon EF-S | Canon RF | Canon EF |
| lens design | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Prime | Zoom | Zoom |
| focus type | Micromotor | Manual Focus, Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Manual Focus | Auto Focus | Stepper motor |
| minimum focal length | — | 18 millimeters | 18 millimeters | 85 millimeters | 18 millimeters | 18 millimeters |
| max focal length | — | 55 millimeters | — | 85 millimeters | — | 105 millimeters |
| fixed focal length | 55 millimeters | 55 millimeters | 45 millimeters | 85 millimeters | 150 millimeters | 135 millimeters |
| model name | 2042B002 | 2042B002-cr | Canon RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 Lens | B-85 | Canon RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 Lens | — |
| max aperture | 5.6 f stop | 3.5 f stop | 45 millimeters | 1.8 f stop | 150 millimeters | 3.5 f stop |
From the manufacturer
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Lens
In response to demands of photographers, this standard zoom lens is designed with Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining the compactness and lightness of previous models. Its stabilization allows sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible. It consists of 11 elements in 9 groups and uses an Aspherical lens element to correct aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range and a circular aperture for exquisite rendering of out-of-focus backgrounds. Without a lot of size, weight or cost, this lens expands picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.
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Honest Review Canon Camera EF-S 18-55mm Lens
Stephanie Voegele
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Our Point of View on the Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens
WTI | We Tried It!
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This is my lens that I use for Studio content
M. Symonds
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR lens: Recommended by dpreview.com
›Read the full Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR lens review at dpreview.com
Reviews with images
Great lens for the $$$
PROS:1) Inexpensive2) Great portrait lens esp @ 35-55mm3) Sharp, Clear images with great color depth4) The "Image Stabilizer" works wonders in low light conditionsCONS:1) plastic rather than metal construction (price)2) slight vignetting in corners at 17mm3) auto-focus is a little on the slow side4) In my experience there is a slight performance degradation in the 17-24mm range, but not really noticeable in panaramic shots.Having said all that, this lens performs like a $[...] lens the mid-upper focal length range.. it's just a bit slower and not constructed quite so solidy. In fact, in portraits you may want to use a diffusion (soft-focus) filter, otherwise you will see every detail down to split ends in the hair. It's that sharp.I would definitely buy this again. This is as close to commercial quality shots you will get for under $[...].
Top reviews from other countries
Pas satisfaite du tout. Ne procure aucun effet.
Impeccable
Reviewed in Belgium on March 19, 2024Lydia Schwonke
Sehr gut funktionierendes Objektiv
Reviewed in Germany on June 19, 2023