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

Product Information

Sample photos are available of two laboratory test targets to help in our readers' evaluation of the lenses we test. This extra speed is useful in situations where you'd rather use image stabilization instead of a higher ISO. Still, this model and all of the other Canon STM lenses I've used to date focus accurately and with decent speed. The out of focus highlights remain nicely rounded at f/8, but of course, f/8 is at most 2 stops narrower than wide open where the aperture is completely round.

While focus performance is going to depend alot on the body the lens is mounted to, on the digital Rebel Xti I sampled the lens with, I didn't have a single problem with focus, and focusing between points was lightning quick. While the 18mm example is very colorful, that is not what we want to see here – there was only black and white in the subject.If you are lucky, you can find this one instead of the much worse non-IS in a kit for only very few extra money. But, I am pleased with this one so far, I also like to use the 18mm on my K1 in "Crop and 1:1 mode (square) as an extreme wide angle. As I mentioned in the beginning of the review, this lens, especially when included in a DSLR kit, is all about value. I wasn't able to do a direct comparison but I feel that the Sigma outperforms the canon in most areas, except CA and color balance.

You may not be able to shoot tiny details like you would with a pro macro lens, but you can still definitely get great results. Tightly cropped head shots will start showing perspective distortion - including big noses - and are are best avoided. If you need a cheap WR lens for occasional usage in rainy conditions or if you want a cheap wide angle lens this, or the DA counterpart, is a reasonable choice, but if you can spare the money you will probably be more happy with a DA 20-40mm or a DA 16-85mm lens in the long run. Autoficus is quite good and the Image stabilisation works well allowing greater depth of field in lower light conditions as it compensates for the necessary slower shutter speeds.It was listed as condition "V" and after unpacking the lens, it looks to be in nearly new condition.

While it is not a good choice for low light action, the 18-55 IS II will work well in low light when the subjects are not moving. The 15-55mm lens usually comes as part of the kit when you purchase a camera, and is an inexpensive, non-specialised lens. But, look closely and you will see the widest angle max aperture has increased by 1/3 of a stop, from f/3. But a slim CP filter does not give us clear sailing - the filter rings on this lens rotate when focusing.Again, this lens has a relatively narrow aperture at the widest focal length and by 55mm, it has the narrowest max aperture found with any frequency in any 55mm lens. I find the size and weight more convenient than the 17-85 : this is a lens I can bring even if I'm not sure I'll use it. Portraits taken from a close distance will start to show a bit of perspective distortion (including big noses) and are best avoided. Allowing more light to reach the sensor permits freezing action, handholding the camera in lower light levels and/or use of a lower (less noisy) ISO setting. A great choice for those just starting out in photography or looking for an affordable but high-quality lens.