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Canon EF-S 18–55mm 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-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2013April 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 construction13 elements in 11 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne high-precision aspherical elementAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detailMinimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manual–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven 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′ 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; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view; EOS M use requires Mount Adapter EF-EOS MCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders cannot be usedCanon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.36×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressedLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailElectronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviewsManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detailMaximum 0.36× 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 mmMaximum 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'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.Four-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 diameter69 mm66.5 mm
Length75.2 mm61.8 mm
Weight205 g215 g
Zoom designMost compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to The Digital PictureBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separatelyEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxE-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon Japan–
Release detailCanon 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.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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