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Canon EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2014April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in thirteen groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsAspherical and UD elementsAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detailMinimum aperture f/22–36 with third-stop increments, or f/22–32 with half-stop increments, according to Canon's exact manual and Museum table–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes extendersCanon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportEF12 II gives 0.61–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.46–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.67–0.27× at 105 mm–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.4 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.3×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus with electronic manual focusing. One Shot AF permits manual adjustment with the shutter half-pressed; manual focusing is unavailable when the camera is off or the lens is asleepLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to ePHOTOzine. Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailFour-stop claim measured at 105 mm with the EOS-1D X under CIPA standards. The manual describes automatic correction for still subjects and panningFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Video featuresSmooth Movie Servo AF with compatible cameras; the original manual lists EOS 70D, 700D, 100D and 650D, plus EOS M/M2 with an EF-EOS M adaptor–
Design
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.4 mm66.5 mm
Length104 mm61.8 mm
Weight525 g215 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, and a zoom lock at 24 mm–
Zoom designExtending barrel with transport lock at the shortest positionBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × length; size and 525 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manual66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodOptional EW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2014 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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