Canon 2042B002 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Is Standard Zoom Lens

Having used previous versions of Canon's 18-55mm kit lens I was sceptical of the reported improvements. The lens still has a plastic mount, but it does feel more substantial than the previous releases. Optically it is quite a bit better, especially central area sharpness. The internal optical arrangement is all new - not just an upgrade. The iris design is also new and better than before. The STM focussing system is quicker as there is less hunting than with the previous design, and it quite often locks on at the first attempt. Manual focussing override is always available. Let it auto focus, and with the focus locked, manually fine adjust it and then take the picture. Full manual is a bit trickier. With the lens set to manual you have to half-press the shutter ... MoreHaving used previous versions of Canon's 18-55mm kit lens I was sceptical of the reported improvements. The lens still has a plastic mount, but it does feel more substantial than the previous releases. Optically it is quite a bit better, especially central area sharpness. The internal optical arrangement is all new - not just an upgrade. The iris design is also new and better than before. The STM focussing system is quicker as there is less hunting than with the previous design, and it quite often locks on at the first attempt. Manual focussing override is always available. Let it auto focus, and with the focus locked, manually fine adjust it and then take the picture. Full manual is a bit trickier. With the lens set to manual you have to half-press the shutter button (or set up a focus release button) in order for the STM to power up. The focus ring is larger than before and therefore much easier to use. The front element does not rotate when focussing, so petal lens hoods and graduated filters can be used. Overall this is a step up from the previous kit lenses and it is probably now the best kit lens available.

This is a fine general purpose wide-to-tele lens with good, everyday, basic performance. There is nothing wrong with this being the kit lens. It does a good job for the price and is reasonably quick to focus accurately, being quite reliable over long periods of use. Too many reviewers criticize this lens for what it is not - and that is misplaced because it does not purport to be something it is not. For example: It is NOT a macro lens. It is NOT not a super wide or long telephoto lens. It is NOT a professional lens. It is NOT the best lens for shooting video where you must refocus during the take.IT IS, however, a decent, all around basic wide-to-tele zoom lens for everyday use. It shoots close enough to capture details on smaller objects such as flowers and ... MoreThis is a fine general purpose wide-to-tele lens with good, everyday, basic performance. There is nothing wrong with this being the kit lens. It does a good job for the price and is reasonably quick to focus accurately, being quite reliable over long periods of use. Too many reviewers criticize this lens for what it is not - and that is misplaced because it does not purport to be something it is not. For example: It is NOT a macro lens. It is NOT not a super wide or long telephoto lens. It is NOT a professional lens. It is NOT the best lens for shooting video where you must refocus during the take.IT IS, however, a decent, all around basic wide-to-tele zoom lens for everyday use. It shoots close enough to capture details on smaller objects such as flowers and watches and other small items. It is perfect for shooting most items for sale on eBay and online auction sites. It shoots wide enough you do not have to run too far back to capture a whole church, and it tele-zooms just enough to capture most architectural details, such as those fascinating gargoyles up high on the front of the church. A good, all purpose, general lens. If you need a pro level lens, or wider or longer range, then buy another lens, but keep this in your lens bag for general, all around daily use. I know it sounds buff and macho to dismiss it as the cheap kit lens - but it really does a good job - and while it is fairly inexpensive to make and include in the package, Canon really does not include a junk lens with the kit - just a general purpose, good (not highest) quality lens for most folks. If you need better, buy better. Otherwise, this is a wonderful bargain - especially if you buy one used or in a white box removed from kit for a discount. Just another tool in the box for general use - nothing wrong with that. Just MY take. JR

This basic lens is basically good. I do wonder why this third gen lens still starts at 18mm; That's 29mm on Canon EF-S. 17mm would have been a true 28mm, actually slightly wider (27mm). The competition does fine at a 1.5 crop, Canon should make this lens a little wider. Not much more too say, it does have noticeable chromatic aberrations, but this is easily corrected. STM means it focuses silently, it'll catch you out as an unusual experience, focusing silently, and it takes a while to get used to.