The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS is the next generation budget “kit” lens for Canon EOS APS-C DSLRs. Canon also added an image stabilizer, changed the finish and introduced circular aperture blades for a better bokeh (out-of-focus blur). The field-of-view of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS is equivalent to 29-88mm on full format cameras so it’s a quite typical standard zoom lens. Canon may have changed the finish for a better look but the principal build quality of the lens remains in line to its price class – reads: the plastic quality is still not overly impressive although it’s slightly better compared to its non-IS cousin.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS is compatible with any EOS series of Canon, one is the Canon EOS Rebel T3. Its sensor is described as having a total resolution of 12.6-megapixels, a slight increase over the XSi’s 12.4-megapixel chip. It uses a newer DIGIC 4 image processor. It is where the XS and XSi used DIGIC III. In addition, it has a noise suppression and better detail in general. DIGIC 4 also allows capture of 14-bit RAW images, and the 8-bit JPEGs are created from 14-bit data. Canon EOS Rebel T3 is capable of 2.94 frames per second when shooting in JPEG mode, 1.96 fps when shooting in Raw format, and a relatively glacial 1.35 fps for Raw+JPEG. Also, it inherits Canon’s latest metering system, 63-zone iFCL sensor, which stands for Intelligent Focus, Color, and Luminance metering. The name hints at how the sensor works. Canon EOS Revel T3 also features the Auto Lighting Optimizer. It makes local brightness/contrast adjustments to give better shadow detail under contrasty lighting. The ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400. It has no expanded ISO as is seen on the T3i. The Canon EOS Reel T3 offers a much wider +/-5.0EV exposure compensation range. Vignetting is reduced via peripheral illumination correction in the Canon EOS Rebel T3. The amount of correction is customized for each lens mounted. You can choose to disable the correction if the wrong lens is showing. The Canon EOS Rebel T3 features a nine-point focusing with a central cross-type f/5.6 focus point. Click here to get the best of Canon EOS Rebel T3.
The fluted front portion of Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS inner tube is meant for manual focusing – really more a theoretical idea because accurate manual focusing is a nightmare. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS extends slightly towards the extreme ends of the zoom range – its shortest physical length is reach around the 24mm settings. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS front element rotates so using a polarizer is difficult at best. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS optional hood is tiny and not overly efficient but still better than nothing. Click here for more details of Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS .
Here is a summary of Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS review from a satisfied customer:
Great lens, especially for the very low price
PROS
* Very sharp across the image, even wide open.
* Low Chroma. I read a test ([...]) that found higher than normal amounts of CA in this lens at some apertures, but I don’t see it. My standard test is to shoot bare tree limbs on bright sunny days & look for purple fringing, especially at the edges. I’m not seeing anywhere near the level of fringing shown in some of their test shots.If anything, I’d call it “low” I read elsewhere that one of Canon’s goals in adding the aspherical element to this lens was to reduce CA, so I’m thinking maybe the lens tested in photozon.de was just a bad apple.
* Image Shake control works. I can’t attest to how often it provides a full 4 stops worth of shake reduction, but I can see a very clear result when using it.
* Fast accurate focusing. One of the reasons I purchased this lens was because I was dissatisfied with the performance of my (more expensive) Sigma 17-35 EX (the newer model), which while sharp, is just too slow and inaccurate a focuser for close work in action sports. The new Canon solved that problem.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS AF speed and accuracy is actually pretty good and the noise level during operations remains on a very low level. According to Canon the newly developed Image Stabilization system of Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS is good enough for a “gain” equivalent to up to 4 f-stops. Equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom lens is ideal for just about any application. IS technology compensates for camera shake by providing the equivalent effect of a shutter speed up to four stops faster.
Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS has the following features and specifications:
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture – 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
- Lens Construction – 16 elements in 12 groups
- UD-glass and aspherical lenses
- Diagonal Angle of View – 74 20′ – 7 50′
- Focus Adjustment – Gear-driven
- Closest Focusing Distance – 1.48 ft./0.45m
Click here to view a video of a Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS and get the best features
Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS has the following Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Much improved optics
- Effective image stabilisation
- Very compact and lightweight
- Good macro performance
- Versatile
- Compact
cons:
- All plastic construction
- Rotating front element a pain for filter users
- Narrow and very loose manual focus ring
Conclusion:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS allows you to take sharp handheld shots even in low-light conditions. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS also offers an aspherical lens element that corrects for aberration, thus producing a topnotch image throughout the zoom range, and a circular aperture that exquisitely renders out-of-focus backgrounds. Despite its minimal size, weight, and cost, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS expands the picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed. Click here to get this exciting features of Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS.
