Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens

Engineering marvel

Strengths: Sharp Sharp Sharp with IS Cost Perfect wide angle lens for crop body

Weakness: Build quality (what more do you expected for this price)

I was in the market for a wide angle zoom for my 30D. I was almost about going to buy 17-40 (which is ofcourse L lens). Then I came across this new kit version 18-55 IS. I figured, my wide angle photography is going to be limited and hence there is no reason to spend fortune. I can instead buy two lenses for the price of 17-40, if I can live with the "non-pro" features of 18-55 IS. This lens is...
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I was in the market for a wide angle zoom for my 30D. I was almost about going to buy 17-40 (which is ofcourse L lens).
Then I came across this new kit version 18-55 IS. I figured, my wide angle photography is going to be limited and hence there is no reason to spend fortune. I can instead buy two lenses for the price of 17-40, if I can live with the "non-pro" features of 18-55 IS. This lens is of kit quality, zoom extends, front element rotates, build quality so so. These are all pro repellents.
It works for me though. But when I actually took the pictures, I was amazed with the IQ. The IS is near silent. You seem to think it is not functioning at all. Light weight makes it easier to carry.
If IQ is your first priority and everything else is secondary, this lens should be in your bag.

By rndman - Jan 6, 2008

Does IS REALLY matter?

Strengths: Well to sum it up quickly YES. The IS System is very helpful in low light situation. Helps provide a very sharp picture compare to the Non-IS version of this lens.

Weakness: No real noticeable weakness as of yet. Focuses fast (for the price) and no back or front focus problems. My lens was an import so only problem may be warranty.

I suggest this lens because it isn't too hard on the pocket. and combined with the 55-250 IS it would provide a easy to carry IS kit, and would not cost to much. It is a very nice lens for beginners. If i got to do it again i would.

By KilletaH - Jun 5, 2008

Excellent lense for the money

Strengths: Sharp and very effective range of zoom, best of the best that I have used !

Weakness: a little pricey but you get what you paid

Man, this is the best lense ever that I have had in hand, a Europe trip tells me what this lense can do, perfect pictures from any angle and distance, you will love it !

By quangle2003 - Feb 27, 2008

My night scene special lens

Strengths: 4 stop IS, improved optical quality over the old 18-55 non IS version, light weight, very good price quality

Weakness: Cheap feeling build quality, no USM, small aperture,EF-S not compatible with FF.

I got this lens for my night view shoting exclusively. I have 24-70L covering my daily general shooting, 85 f/1.8 covering my outdoor portrait shooting. But I need a lens with IS function that can help shoot night scene without carrying tripod everywhere. This 1855IS fits my budget well(1755 2.8IS costs $930). IQ is better than old 1855 lens especially at 55mm end. I cann't tell you how good this...
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I got this lens for my night view shoting exclusively. I have 24-70L covering my daily general shooting, 85 f/1.8 covering my outdoor portrait shooting. But I need a lens with IS function that can help shoot night scene without carrying tripod everywhere. This 1855IS fits my budget well(1755 2.8IS costs $930). IQ is better than old 1855 lens especially at 55mm end. I cann't tell you how good this lens overall is but I can tell you this lens can give you non blurred image enven at 1/4s handheld. Of course, this depends on people. No USM and small aperture make this lens have difficulty and more noisy focusing at dim light condition. Building quality is so so but considering the price, I cann't complain too much. I don't use it as frequently as my 2470L. But for the price, I definitely recommend.

By 520 - Jan 17, 2008

good lens for portrait and limited distance scene

Strengths: easy handling, light weight, IS improves the quality of the shot

Weakness: no usm, not for long distance scene

I bought this lens for my Canon 400D body. It is a nice lens for outside portrait. Although the zoom distance is limited, the IS really a good feature for the investment. One time I tried for the long distance shot, not zoomed large enough but the picture was very clear without bluring. Its light weight is also a good fit for travel. By using this, I got fairy sharp pictures when I traveled....
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I bought this lens for my Canon 400D body. It is a nice lens for outside portrait. Although the zoom distance is limited, the IS really a good feature for the investment.
One time I tried for the long distance shot, not zoomed large enough but the picture was very clear without bluring. Its light weight is also a good fit for travel.
By using this, I got fairy sharp pictures when I traveled.
Overall, it is a good lens and I am satisfied with it so far.

By inusa2 - May 19, 2008