EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM

Released April 2013

A 205 g Canon EF-S standard zoom with lead-screw STM autofocus, internal focusing, a seven-blade circular aperture and 0.36× maximum magnification.

Model history · 3 models, 2007–2013

2007EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS Compare
2011EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS II Compare
2013EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM

Mount: Canon EF-S
Focal length: 18–55 mm
Max aperture: f/3.5–5.6
Stabilisation: Yes
Weight: 205 g

What reviewers say

Both tests praise quiet, quick autofocus, effective stabilisation and low weight, while noting barrel distortion and colour fringing. ePHOTOzine finds strong sharpness even at 55 mm; The Digital Picture finds mediocre long-end results and more flare. ePHOTOzine questions standalone value at launch, whereas The Digital Picture considers the autofocus upgrade worthwhile. Both favour its price as part of a kit.

From ephotozine.com 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: 13 elements in 11 groups
Special elements: One high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detail: Minimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manual
Diaphragm: Seven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view: Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′

Mount and compatibility

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

Autofocus: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 0.25 m
Maximum magnification: 0.36×
Optical stabilisation: Yes
Autofocus detail: Lead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressed
Focus distance detail: Electronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
Magnification detail: Maximum 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 detail: Canon'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 diameter: 58 mm
Maximum diameter: 69 mm
Length: 75.2 mm
Weight: 205 g
Zoom design: Most compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail: 69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hood: EW-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 detail: 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.

Pros and cons

Pros

Internal focusing with a non-rotating front
0.36× maximum magnification
Optical image stabilisation

Cons

Hood sold separately
Plastic lens mount
Manual focusing requires camera power

Closest rivals

Model	Mount	Focal length	Max aperture	Stabilisation	Weight	Released
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 III	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	No	190 g	Mar 2011
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS II	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	Yes	200 g	Mar 2011
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/4–5.6	Yes	215 g	Apr 2017

Previous model: EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS II. Newer model: EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM.

Sources

Photo: global.canon

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