EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II

Released March 2005

A 190 g Canon EF-S standard zoom introduced with the EOS 350D, with an aspherical element, 0.28 m minimum focus and no optical stabilisation.

Mount: Canon EF-S
Focal length: 18–55 mm
Max aperture: f/3.5–5.6
Stabilisation: No
Weight: 190 g

Zoom

What reviewers say

Reviewers consider it an inexpensive starter lens, but criticise plastic construction, a wobbling barrel and awkward manual focusing. Both find weak wide-angle corners, barrel distortion and vignetting, with better sharpness after stopping down. Photozone finds generally good results at 35–55 mm; The Digital Picture is less positive about wide-open sharpness at longer focal lengths. Autofocus is reasonably quick but audible.

From photozone.de, photozone.de, photozone.de and the-digital-picture.com

Specifications

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Optics

Lens type: Zoom
Focal length: 18–55 mm
Maximum aperture: f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperture: f/22–36
Optical construction: 11 elements in nine groups
Special elements: Aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Diaphragm: Six blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum

Mount and compatibility

Mounts: Canon EF-S
Image circle: APS-C
Compatibility: Canon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 0.28 m
Maximum magnification: 0.28×
Optical stabilisation: No
Autofocus detail: Micromotor autofocus; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detail: Front element rotates during focusing; narrow manual focus grip on the extending front barrel according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Magnification detail: Maximum 0.28× at 55 mm according to The Digital Picture; Canon Camera Museum confirms 0.28× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detail: No optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture

Design

Filter diameter: 58 mm
Maximum diameter: 68.5 mm
Length: 66 mm
Weight: 190 g
Zoom design: Shortest around 35 mm; extends towards both ends of the zoom range according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail: 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hood: EW-60C hood and LP814 pouch sold separately according to The Digital Picture
Release detail: Canon Camera Museum records March 2005 marketing with the EOS 350D. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in these sources.

Pros and cons

Pros

190 g weight
0.28× maximum magnification
58 mm filter thread

Cons

No optical stabilisation
Plastic lens mount
Front element rotates during focusing

Closest rivals

Model	Mount	Focal length	Max aperture	Stabilisation	Weight	Released
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	–	190 g	Mar 2005
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	Yes	200 g	Sept 2007
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 USM	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	–	190 g	Sept 2003

Newer model: EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 III.

Sources

Photo: global.canon

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