In response to demands of photographers, this standard zoom lens is designed with Canons Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining the compactness and lightness of previous models. Its stabilization allows sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible. It consists of 11 elements in 9 groups and uses an Aspherical lens element to correct Aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range and a Circular aperture for exquisite rendering of out-of-focus backgrounds. Without a lot of size, weight or cost, this lens expands picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.
Development objectives
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Photo 1) is a standard zoom
lens developed specifically for the EOS 40D and other APS-C sensor EOS
Digital series cameras. The lens combines light weight, small size and
superb cost performance with image stabilization. The primary aims of
the lens's development are outlined below.
Feature 1 : Image stabilization in a lightweight, and compact body
Canon's engineers have been able to fit an image stabilizer unit in
this lens while keeping it equivalent in size and weight to the non-IS
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM. A number of innovations made this
possible including the compact zoom optics, the new smaller image
stabilizer unit, the mechanical layout optimized to fit in very limited
space, and the miniaturized electronic circuit board.
Figure 1: Construction of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Feature 2 : Outstanding optical performance
The goal of the lens's optical design was to retain the acclaimed
quality of the optics developed for the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM
while adding a new image stabilization mechanism. The inclusion of a
precision aspherical element in the design provides excellent
aberration correction, particularly of spherical aberrations, and
ensures top image quality at all focal lengths (figures 2 and 3).
The focal length range is equivalent to 29-88mm in 35mm-film format.
Figure 2: Optical assembly of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Figure 3: MTF characteristics of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Bold lines: 10 lp/mm, fine lines:
30 lp/mm. Black lines are the MTF at full aperture; the blue lines at
f/8. Solid lines represent sagittal (radial) MTF and the broken lines
represent meridional (tangential) MTF.
Feature 3 : New smaller high-performance image stabilizer unit
A priority of this lens design was to keep its weight and size on par
with that of the non-IS EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM. This meant that
the image stabilizer unit had to fit in a very tight space.
We slashed the size and weight of the image stabilizer unit by
redesigning the unit and reducing its component count. Some
characteristics of the unit's new construction (Photo 2, Figure 4) are:
•
A
mechanism using ceramic bearing balls and the tension of three
diagonally mounted springs holds the compensation optics lens barrel in
place. The ceramic bearing balls' rolling action allows smooth movement
of the compensation optics.
•
An actuator, consisting of permanent magnets and coils, drives the compensation optics lens barrel.
•
Dampers
between the compensation optics lens barrel and its support frame
cushion the impact of harmful vibrations from the springs' movement on
the image-stabilization control.
An optimized algorithm controls the drive of the new image stabilizer
unit. With image stabilization on, the lens can deliver a stabilization
gain of four f-stops in shutter speed.*
The lens is also able to automatically distinguish between panning and
Camera shake in normal shooting, and adjusts the IS mode accordingly.
This feature permits for optimal image-stabilization in both situations
and frees the user from concerns about mode selection. * Generally, the effective
limit for stable unaided handheld shooting is a shutter speed of about
1/[focal length x 1.6] seconds for APS-C sensor cameras.
Photo 2: Image stabilizer unit of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Figure 4: Exploded view of the image stabilizer unit
Feature 4 : Optimal optics for digital SLRs
The lens configuration and coatings have been designed to minimize the
flare and ghosting due to surface reflections from the imaging sensor
that is found in digital SLRs. The configuration and coatings also
provide excellent Color balance.
Other features • Fast autofocusing
A high-speed CPU and an optimized AF algorithm control the compact drive motor for fast autofocusing.
• Minimum focusing distance of 0.25m
The minimum focusing distance is 0.25m at all focal lengths, which is
closer than that on the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM. The maximum
magnification is 0.34 (at 55mm).
• Circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh
The lens features an electro-magnetic diaphragm with a circular aperture that produces attractive bokeh (blurring effects).
• Redesigned switch shape prevents accidental mode changes
The focus mode switch has been reshaped to prevent the switch from being moved accidentally while shooting or transporting.
• Improved operability and high-grade exterior finish
This lens has been furnished with the same zoom-ring pattern and
Coating as our high-end models, giving a firmer grip and creating a
high-grade exterior finish.
• Environmentally friendly design
The lens optics uses only environmentally friendly lead-free glass.
Furthermore, the lens design meets the environmental requirements of
the European Union's RoHS Directive (Directive on the Restriction of
the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment).
I bought this lens to replace a damaged Canon EF-S 18-55mm without image stabilizer. The new product is o.k. but still has some problems at maximum range, for instance at 18mm or 55mm. It is hard to get a 'gentle' setting at these ranges. Otherwise this lens is very handy and gives you the freedom to have a high definition camera set with low weight and small space in your bag. I can recommend the lens.
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Great lens with great improvements, Sunday, 21 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I purchased this lens for my Canon Digital Rebel XT. I opted not to purchase the original kit lens due to the bad reviews. However recently I took another look and I decided to purchase this lens based on the improvements Canon made. It was definitely worth the wait!
It's made a huge difference in the color and clarity of my photographs. The colors are gorgeous, great Contrast, and very sharp. The Image Stabilization is awesome. Shooting in very low light, without a tripod is a breeze now. I haven't noticed any distortion even in bright sunlight. The lens body is made of plastic, but that makes it nice and light in my view - not too heavy to pack around.
This lens is definitely not of professional quality, as the price would indicate, but for the amateur photographer or someone on a budget this is a great lens. If you're willing to shop around, you can even find it for around $100!
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go get it!, Thursday, 18 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens is a great addition to my canon lens collection. I have a rebel XTi and had a tamron 28mm-80mm lens but was not getting sharp enough pictures with it.
This lens has since become my no.2 lens (No.1 is still my 50mm f1.8 beauty). It captures colors in great detail and the pictures are 'bright'. I wouldn't go into technical details since it has already been covered in a lot of reviews which I found very useful to make my selection. So please go over them.
The place where I use them the most are indoor parties and events where the 18mm focal length comes in very useful and gives some great wide angle stuff as compared to the 50mm which has a much narrower range.
I got it for $170 and its a great buy at that price. I'm loving it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Great lens for the price, Tuesday, 09 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
For the price, this is a great lens and most non-professional photographers would be satisfied with it. Positives: the optical quality is good (not among the very best or the worst, but definitely solid performance for smaller than poster size prints, and much better than the original non-IS version of this lens), the stabilization feature works very well (during a recent trip to the local botanical gardens I tried quite a few shots with and without; in the indoor and darker parts of the garden I was able to get sharp photos with the stablizer on but they were all blurry from slow shutter speeds when it was off); it focuses surprisingly close (not quite macro, but sufficient for most flower/butterfly type photos); reasonable build quality for the price (made of high-quality plastic; zoom and focus are fairly smooth). Negatives: relatively small maximum aperture; limited zoom range. Also, compared to the original non-IS version of this lens, the IS version is of similiar build quality but the optics are sharper, the IS is useful, and the zoom mechanism feels smoother.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
first lens and love itt, Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
this lens came with my XSI and it was perfect to learn the basics and get a fell for DSLR photography
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Light but limited, Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
I got this lens as a "walk around" lens to go along with my 17-40L, 24-105L IS and 70-300IS for a d40. I knew it wasn't an "L" lens but it did get decent enough reviews. I will say the lens is light and easy to operate, even the build quality is decent for a plastic lens. Image quality is acceptable for images that aren't going to be cropped or printed over 8x10. However the optics are definitely not up to the 40d and I find I still prefer the 24-105L for nearly all situations. It's OK as a starter lens, but you might be disappointed if you're getting it for a 20d or better body.
PROS light weight small IS works well not much flare problem
CONS slow aperture (not great for low light) low and high f-stops not particularly sharp noticeable Chromatic aberration color and contrast are not as good as other Canon lenses can't resolve as much detail as the 40d sensor
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Great starter lens, Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I replaced my kit lens 18-55mm lens with IS lens, to reduce some of "blurred" shots. And it has. Now, granted I still get few but that's due to non-ideal environments. For those who are starting out into this arena, this lens is a good choice. I would also recomment the 55-250mm IS lens by Canon. With these two lens, any one starting out will have lots of fun.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
cheap, unusable f-stop, Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
1.8
Sharpness
2.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
ok so i know it comes with the rebel xsi and it's only 50 bucks more in most cases,however if you shoot full zoom and at 5.6 it's damn near unusable for sharpness sake. 2.8 would give a huge amount of difference. think flash and soft light vs. deer in the headlights white hot and black background. if you are just using this to walk around in i guess it might work...but did you not just step up to a dslr camera? i want more and would pay a few bucks more for a usable lens. even the old standard lens of yesteryear was a 50 1.8 right? why not now. love the camera with the 430 ex and 70-200 NON IS 2.8
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Very happy, Thursday, 07 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Have previously had cannon SLR products. But this is my first digital one. And so far we are completely satisfied with the lens. Before my standard lens was a 35mm-80mm. So I like the closer shooting distances with this 18-55.
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0 of 3 people found the following review helpful
excelente mejora, Sunday, 03 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Tengo una canon 400D que trajo el 18-55 sin estabilizador. Ya habia leido que este nuevo lente no solo era mejor por el estabilizador sino que daba mejor definicion, pero ahora lo he comprobado por mi mismo. Le doy 5 estrellas porque no se puede conseguir algo mejor por su precio
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Maggot Colony, Friday, 01 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens has caused a mild stir on the internet in the last few months. To my mind, it's the zoom equivalent of Canon's 50mm f1.8, in the sense that it's very cheap but performs very well. On an optical level it has no obvious deficits apart from a Bit of bulge at the wider settings. Physically it is small and light, and the image stabilisation works well. As a package, at this price level, it's hard to resist if you want a cheap decent walkaround lens. The only obvious competition I can think of is the Sigma 18-50mm, but that doesn't have image stabilisation, and from what I have seen it's blurry around the edges; at the very least, it offers nothing over the Canon 18-55mm IS and it's no cheaper.
This is the third version of Canon's 18-55mm camera kit lens. The first two editions of the lens were regularly derided on the internet for poor sharpness at the corners, chromatic aberrations, and general naff build quality. I can't confirm any of that, because I haven't used the older versions, although the samples I have seen were unimpressive. You can find these lenses going cheaply on eBay, because no-one wants them. In contrast, the 18-55mm IS has exceeded expectations, and has received good reviews, notably from Digital Photography Review and Photozone.de. They go into a lot of detail about the image sharpness and so forth, I will not try to duplicate their work.
I've had mine for a week or so now, and I've tested it and used it generally out and about. I like it, with some reservations. It's smaller and less conspicuous than my Sigma 18-125mm. It has far less distortion than my Canon 24-85mm. It's more versatile than my old Super Takumar f1.4, although in most other respects the Takumar squashes it like a bug, not least because it is made of metal. The 18-55mm's big drawback is its physical design. It's has a nice rubber zoom ring, and it feels tougher than my Canon 50mm f1.8. However, the front part of the lens, with the manual zoom ring, wobbles a bit. As the reviews have pointed out, the front of the lens rotates as it focusses (and moves back and forth a surprising amount), which makes it a bother to use polarising filters. It's a shame Canon didn't enlarge the body slightly, and completely enclose the front of the lens.
The motor whines a bit as it focuses, about the same level as my Sigma 18-125mm. There's one thing in particular that irritates me - most Zoom lenses are physically shortest at the widest zoom level, and so it's easy to store the lens away. You just rotate the zoom collar until it stops, and stick on the lens cap. In contrast, the 18-55mm is shortest about half-way through its travel, and there's no way to lock it in place, which means that I have to pack it away partially-zoomed; my worry is that the manual focussing ring will catch on something, and break the whole front of the lens off.
Still, gripes over. The image quality pleased me. I wasn't being systematic, but there was nothing in the pictures I took that stood out as being particularly bad. There was some Barrel Distortion at the widest setting, but it was mild. At the rest of the zoom range I could not easily tell if there was distortion of not. It's nice and sharp in the middle, and sharpens up very well with software. The corners are slightly less sharp, but not noticeably so unless you're really looking for it. Having said that, my copy of the lens was blurrier in the left and bottom-left edge of the image, and had more purple and red fringing in that corner. Otherwise, even with a classic "tree against overexposed sky" shot, I could see only the tiniest amount of purple fringing. The out-of-focus bokeh is nice and smooth. The closest focusing distance is only a couple of inches or so, which is useful if you want to take semi-pseudo macro shots.
The image stabilisation is the icing on the cake. I managed to squeeze out shots at 1/10th, 1/5th that were usable. Alternatively, I could shoot stopped down at f5.6 or f8.0 in moderately dim light, for maximum sharpness. The lens benefits greatly from image stabilisation, because f5.6 at 55mm (88mm equivalent) is very slow indeed. Canon argues that IS turns this into f2.0 at 55mm. I'm not sure of that, but it isn't far off. Still, I was pleasantly surprised with the IS. It's of a type whereby there is one option - on or off - and you don't have to set a special mode if it's on a tripod, or if you're panning. Given the short telephoto zoom I can't see this being a useful sports lens, but within its limits the IS works well.
You don't get a lens hood. There is a lens hood available, but it's about twenty quid. It looks like a tea saucer with a hole in the middle. In fact it looks about as useful as a tea saucer with a hole in the middle, either for shading the lens, or for holding a cup of tea. I would be wary of fitting it onto the lens, for fear of nudging the hood and breaking off the front part of the lens. I haven't tested the lens for flare - the weather hasn't been very good - but I can imagine this being a weakness.
One other thing. The lens was dust-free when I took it out of the box, unlike my Sigma lens, which had some dust inside it. I suspect that over time the 18-55mm will become a dust trap, because it doesn't look very well sealed. Mind you, in five years it'll be worth pennies, not because there's anything wrong with it, but because it's so cheap (in fact it's notable that the lens is actually more expensive on eBay than it is here - perhaps Canon is finding it hard to make them fast enough). That's also how I feel about it being an EF-S lens; perhaps one day Canon will ditch EF-S, but by that time the 18-55mm will cost nothing to replace.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Great Product, Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This product is excellent as an everyday lens for someone wanting to explore the world of digital photography. Its easy to use and provides some insurance and protection for those shots that you may have programmed incorrectly. It enhances what you see and shoot, and instills confidence in your ability to produce acceptable pictures. Recommended for anyone serious about improving their skills with digital photography.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
beautiful lens at a great price, Saturday, 19 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
My first lens was the 50mm F/1.8 and if you have this one then you know at first I would be disappointed with the Canon 18-55mm (and if you don't have the 50mm f/1.8 -go buy that one first!). With that said, I have to say THIS is a beautiful lens at a great price -in fact, I don't think you can beat it. One suggestion, and this came from buying my first flash around the same time...this lens loves light. Give it good light and it will give you amazing shots. Anyone who complains about this lens is simply not doing something right. Use an flash (maybe a sunpak 383 or a vivitar (newer one) and a flash diffuser like a lumiquest 80/20) and you'll be amazed. In fact, this one stays on my camera now more than the 50mm! You can check out some pics on my flickr site taken with this lens as well as the 50mm http://www.flickr.com/photos/9128230@N02/
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Definately worth the money, Monday, 30 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens has excellent image quality, sharpness and colors. The build quality is not top notch but for this price who cares?
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Good lense, bad aperture, Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
2.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
2.0
This is a pretty darn good value. A Canon lens with standard zoom and Image Stabilization. But the largest f stop is 3.5. So the image stabilization and the lack of a large aperture kind of cancel out.
