Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Professional photographers are very particular with the type of lens that they use for taking their subjects as every type of lens has a particular strength. The standard zoom lens are popular amongst these photographers because of their versatility but many photographers want a standard zoom lens want stabilization technologies so the shots that they take appear sharper regardless of the camera that they use. Lenses with stabilization technologies do exist but are bulkier and heavier than other lenses. Canon has responded to this demand by dishing out the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS where it aims to provide relief to these photographers without breaking into their wallets.

Design & Construction

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is an entry-level standard zoom lens that is designed primarily to match the Canon EOS 20D SLR cameras although it can be used for other EOS Digital Rebel and Rebel XT models. It uses a plastic mount which is understandable for a lens this price and the build quality is average. However, entry-level photographers will like the overall construction as the chosen design makes the lens more lightweight and compact for easier traveling. Mounting this lens to a body does not add as much weight as the other lenses do so usability is not sacrificed too much. The lens is constructed with 11 elements in 9 groups and it features an optimized coating so the ghost images and flare are effectively minimized.

Features & Specifications

The 18-55m standard zoom feature makes the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS fairly adaptive in a variety of applications with the IS technology being the central feature here. Also known as Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology, the lens solves the camera shake problems by emulating a shutter speed effect of up to four stops quicker. Photographers that are into taking pictures of scenery and nature as well as sports will benefit from this feature since the image stabilizer makes it perform well during low-light conditions.

The end of the range is just enough for the lens to serve telephoto roles. Close-up photography is also a possibility where the photographer can stand around 4 inches away from the subject and then open up to 17mm in order to take a close shot. This makes the lens a decent choice for portrait photographers.

The chromatic aberration is a bit high compared to other lenses when using 18mm. However, it does offer an aspherical lens element so some of that aberration is corrected. Stopping down the aperture also decreases the chromatic aberration by a little bit and can decrease even further and ranges away from wide angle. Overall, the CA is decent with minimal purple fringing especially when handled correctly.

On the other end, vignetting is on the lower side so the corners of the image do not look noticeably darker compared to the center of the image. It only maxes out at 1/2 EV when fully wide open at the max wide angle settings. Wide open settings also manage to keep the image very sharp. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is also a quick performer when it comes to focusing and the focusing is surprisingly accurate. Its performance in focusing even surpasses some of the competing lenses that are a bit more expensive.

When pitted against other kit lenses and inexpensive lenses, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS fairs quite well and does not have any serious weaknesses that will cause photographers to switch to another starter lens. The only real concern that some photographers might have is the barrel distortion at 18mm, which is not really an issue in the pricier models, or lenses that have fixed focal lengths. Those that want to use this lens for professional purposes may need to use a computer photo editing application to enhance the photo and correct the minor flaws.

Bottom Line

The low end DSLR market is very competitive and the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS adds to the healthy competition nicely by adding a small $200 price tag to their lens which is very reachable by all prosumer and professional photographers. It basically looks like the mid-range lenses and taking care of the lightweight lens is important to make up for the mediocre build quality.

Average User Rating:

Actual User Reviews:

• “Before my trip, I decided to buy this lens from Amazon and use it as an all-around lens for the trip. I reckoned that my 24-70L would be too heavy and couldn’t fit my 30D my semi-leather case with it. So, I used this lens throughout my whole trip. When I reviewed my shots in my laptop, I couldn’t find any fault with it. When I compared its pictures with the the shots from my 24-70L, I could barely notice the difference. Its just as tack sharp except in low light conditions where you will notice a slight advantage of the 24-70L. Color comes out less saturated than the L lens though although very acceptable. Build quality is comparable with other non L lens. IS is superb. To me, this is the best value for money among lenses that Canon has in its current line up. I will bet good money that this lens will out perform other L and non-L lenses 3x to 5X its price. A must have for Canonians.” – R.Caesar (USA)

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• “While Canon produces many fantastic lenses, they do offer a lower-quality line at a much cheaper price. Mind you, Canon does this to broaden their market-share and to potentially create loyal customers from this group. I have been looking for a simple small lens to attach to my camera when I am not doing work for money. I read about the size and weight of this lens and was pleased by the many good ratings, so I decided to get it. I was not disappointed. After a month now, the lens performs as it was stated, smooth zooming, the USM is heard, but it’s nothing bad, and the IS works flawlessly. I have had no problems whatsoever mounting or dismounting the lens from my EOS 30D body, which stores beautifully amongst my other gear due to its small size. My professional lenses are twice the size and not having to carry the extra weight is a godsend. I do wish the lens was made from more robust plastics, but if they did, the lens’ price would be higher. I will merely try to baby the lens every step of the way so it will last the longest possible. All in all, this lens is worth the money you spend on it, which is why I rated 5 stars.” – H.Hatje (UT,USA)

• “I love the pictures I get out of this lens. It’s not especially long at the 35mm equivalent of 88mm, but it’s enough for a good walk-around lens. The wide-angle is effective and even if in some situations there is some barrel distortion the lens is recognized in Canon DPP which can remove it quickly and effectively. The image stabilizer is very valuable letting you take pictures without flash even in relatively dim room lighting. Of course for a slow shutter speed you will have movement blur if the subject moves, but for the most part the shutter speeds don’t have to be ‘too long’ to get a decent picture. I’ve even taken pictures at faster shutter speeds without flash than the ‘P’rogram mode will give you (i.e. manually select 1/60th instead of 1/15th) and they come out well, can be brightened up if needed and are fast enough to get an effective snapshot. The zoom ring is fast and effective. It has little resistance but I’ve not noticed any zoom-creep since the lens is very light, yet another reason I like having it on the camera. I pair this lens with the Canon 55-250 IS and it’s a great combo since both have the 4-stop Image Stabilization. Anyone with a Canon DSLR that isn’t a full-frame equivalent would be well advised to get this lens. It’s not expensive but it is very effective.” – D.Piper (IN,USA)

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