Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 USM | CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 2003 | April 2017 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 18–55 mm | 18–55 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.5–5.6 | f/4–5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22–36 | f/22–32 |
| Optical construction | 11 elements in nine groups | 12 elements in ten groups |
| Special elements | One precision aspherical element; Canon Japan identifies a PMo aspherical surface | Aspherical lens element |
| Coatings | – | Super Spectra coatings |
| Diaphragm | Six blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum | Seven 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 Canon Japan | Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Canon EF-S | Canon EF-S |
| Image circle | APS-C | APS-C |
| Compatibility | Canon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to approximately 29–88 mm on full frame | Canon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view |
| Teleconverter support | – | Canon extenders cannot be used |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.28 m | 0.25 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.28× | 0.25× |
| Optical stabilisation | – | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Canon Micro USM II ultrasonic motor; lens distance information is transmitted according to Canon Japan | Lead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings |
| Focus distance detail | – | Manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews |
| Magnification detail | Maximum 0.28× at 55 mm; EF12 II extension tube provides 0.23–0.81× and EF25 II provides 0.51–0.92× according to Canon Japan | Maximum 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 detail | – | 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 diameter | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 68.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Length | 66 mm | 61.8 mm |
| Weight | 190 g (better) | 215 g |
| Zoom design | – | Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture |
| Dimensions detail | 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length; 190 g according to Canon | 66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps |
| Lens hood | EW-60C hood and LP814 pouch are sold separately according to Canon Japan | EW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016 |
| Release detail | Canon Camera Museum explicitly records this USM model as sold only with the EOS Kiss Digital in September 2003. Its table records September 2004 marketing, later than that documented first kit sale | 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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