Canon 18-55mm IS
© 2007
KenRockwell.com
Canon EF-s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. enlarge.
I'd get mine at Adorama or Amazon. It helps me keep adding this site when you get yours from these links, thanks! Ken.
August 20th, 2007 More Canon Reviews
Top Specs Performance Recommendations
Canon Announced this lens along with the new Canon 40D.
It's an inexpensive ($150) basic lens which adds image stabilization (IS) to the previous 18-55mm EF-S II lens.
I'm an IS addict, so I think this lens is a great idea for general shooting. This Canon 18-55mm IS lens will probably become my first suggestion as a normal lens for use with Canon's 1.6x DSLRs, probably even ahead of more expensive zooms since I suspect it will have easier zooming than the cramped zooming of the Canon 17-85mm IS.
As an EF-S lens, it works only on the 2003 and newer 1.6x digital cameras. It will not work on full-frame, film, 1.3x professional or the old 10D, D60, or D30 cameras.
SPECIFICATIONS with commentary
Top Introduction Performance Recommendations
Name: Canon calls this the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.
EF: Electronic Focus. All modern Canon lenses focus with a motor in the lens.
-S: Only works on newer, small (1.6x factor) DSLRs, which are the 40D, 30D, 20D, 20Da (astronomical), Digital Rebel XTi, Digital Rebel XT and the original Canon Digital Rebel.
IS: Image Stabilization, which means no tripod needed except at night. See Why IS Matters. Canon claims 4 stops, we'll see.
Focal Length: 18-55mm. On a 1.6x camera it gives angles of view similar to what a 29-89mm lens would give on a 35mm film camera. See also Crop Factor.
Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 - 5.6.
Optics: An asperical element. No lead.
Diaphragm: Canon claims circular.
Close Focus: 10" (0.25m) at all focal lengths.
Lens Mount: Appears to be plastic.
Included Accessories: Just caps.
Optional Acessories: EW-60C hood, LP814 pouch.
Introduced: August 20, 2007.
Available: October 2007.
Price: $199.99 MSRP, $160 USA in 2008.
Top Introduction Specs Recommendations
I haven't tried one yet, but experience with the 18-55mm EF-S II and other IS lenses suggests that this lens ought to be super sharp, easy to use and zoom, and have great IS performance.
Top Introduction Specs Performance
I suspect I will prefer one of these to the more expensive Canon 17-85mm IS since I suspect that the 18-55mm IS ought to focus more closely and zoom more easily at wide settings.
This lens ought to be a winner. I'll let you know when I get my hands on one.
PLUG
I support my growing family through this website.
If you find this as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may have had to take, feel free to help me continue helping everyone.
If you've gotten your gear through one of my links or helped otherwise, you're family. It's great people like you who allow me to keep adding to this site full-time. Thanks!
If you haven't helped yet, please do, and consider helping me with a gift of $5.00.
The biggest help is to use these links to Adorama, Amazon, B&H, Ritz, and J&R when you get your goodies. It costs you nothing and is a huge help to me. These places have the best prices and service, which is why I've used them since before this website existed. I recommend them all personally.
Thanks for reading!
Ken