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Canon EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS 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 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 ISCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2008April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo UD and two glass-moulded aspherical elements according to Canon Camera MuseumAspherical lens element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSix blades with a circular aperture; minimum f/22–36 according to Canon Camera Museum, while Canon Japan's later specification table lists f/22–38Seven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–6°30′, vertical 45°30′–4°20′, diagonal 74°20′–7°50′ according to Canon JapanHorizontal 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 approximately 29–320 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatible according to Canon JapanCanon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailConventional DC autofocus motor, without full-time manual focus override, according to PhotozoneLead-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 front filter thread; focus ring rotates during autofocus according to PhotozoneManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detailMaximum 0.24× at 200 mm according to Canon JapanMaximum 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; automatic distinction between normal and panning shotsFour-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 diameter78.6 mm66.5 mm
Length102 mm61.8 mm
Weight595 g215 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; focus and zoom rings; zoom transport lock at 18 mm–
Zoom designExtending double-trombone barrel according to PhotozoneBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail78.6 mm maximum diameter × 102 mm length; approximately 595 g according to Canon66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-78D hood and LP1116 pouch are optional accessories according to Canon JapanEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens, E-72 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 2008 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 26 August and first sale on 27 September 2008; a UK first-sale day is not established by these sourcesCanon 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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