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Canon EF-S 18–55mm 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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 ISCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2007April 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 elementsPrecision aspherical elementAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detailCanon Camera Museum lists minimum f/22–36; Canon Japan support lists f/22–38–
DiaphragmSix 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 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 distance0.25 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.34×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailGeared DC motor according to Canon Japan; 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 and extends during focusing; select MF before using the narrow manual focus ring according to The Digital Picture and 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 0.34× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.64–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× 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 detailFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/(focal length × 1.6) seconds; automatic panning detection according to Canon Japan. Photozone and The Digital Picture report approximately three stops in their tests.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 diameter68.5 mm66.5 mm
Length70 mm61.8 mm
Weight200 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail68.5 mm maximum diameter × 70 mm length66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-60C hood and LP814 case sold separately according to Canon JapanEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Japan records September 2007 first sale after the August announcement; Canon Camera Museum also records September 2007 marketing. 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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