Request a product

Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM 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-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2009April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon JapanAspherical lens element
CoatingsCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flareSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital PictureLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and The Digital PictureManual 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 detailCanon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 mmFour-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
Design
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter81.6 mm66.5 mm
Length87.5 mm61.8 mm
Weight575 g215 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance window–
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to PhotozoneBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon JapanEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.Canon 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.

More comparisons