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

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Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IICanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2005April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–55 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical construction11 elements in nine groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsAspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagramAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–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 camerasCanon 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 distance0.28 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.28×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMicromotor autofocus; no full-time manual override according to 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 detailFront element rotates during focusing; narrow manual focus grip on the extending front barrel 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 detailMaximum 0.28× at 55 mm according to The Digital Picture; Canon Camera Museum confirms 0.28× maximum magnificationMaximum 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 detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital PictureFour-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 diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter68.5 mm66.5 mm
Length66 mm61.8 mm
Weight190 g (better)215 g
Zoom designShortest around 35 mm; extends towards both ends of the zoom range according to Photozone and The Digital PictureBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-60C hood and LP814 pouch sold separately according to The Digital PictureEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records March 2005 marketing with the EOS 350D. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in 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.

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