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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS IICanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2011April 2013
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–55 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–36
Optical construction11 elements in nine groups; retains the optical design of the original EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsOne high-precision aspherical elementOne high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detailMinimum f/22–36 with third-stop settings in Canon's EOS 1100D manual; the UK specification also lists f/38 at the long end with different aperture incrementsMinimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manual
DiaphragmSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′
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; EOS M use requires Mount Adapter EF-EOS M
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.34×0.36×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailMicromotor autofocus; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture and Focus ReviewLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressed
Focus distance detailFront element rotates and extends during focusing; select MF before turning the narrow manual focus ring according to The Digital Picture and Ken RockwellElectronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
Magnification detailMaximum 0.34× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.64–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× according to Canon UK, with wide-angle incompatibilityMaximum 0.36× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.65–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× at 55 mm; both are incompatible at 18 mm
Stabilisation detailFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/(focal length × 1.6) seconds according to Canon Camera Museum; lens-shift stabilisationCanon's manual and Japanese support specify 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 55 mm using an EOS 7D; the UK specification lists four stops. Automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power.
Design
Filter diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter68.5 mm69 mm
Length70 mm75.2 mm
Weight200 g205 g
Zoom design–Most compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail68.5 mm maximum diameter × 70 mm retracted length69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-60C hood and LP814 case sold separately according to Canon's EOS 1100D manualEW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separately
In the box–E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon Japan
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records March 2011 introduction. This is retail-month precision; no separately confirmed UK first-sale day is published in these sources.Canon Japan's support specification gives first sale on 12 April 2013, earlier than the announcement's promised late April; Camera Museum records April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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