Name: Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS
Brand: Canon

Technical Specifications of Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS

Overall score

6.7

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

Hide

Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF-S

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

72 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

7.8

Hide

Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

18 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

200 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

11.1x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

74.3 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

7.8 °

Focus & Controls

4.0

Hide

Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

DC motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

7.9

Hide

Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

5.5

Hide

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

5.0

Hide

DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS better than the average camera lens?

Hide

Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Has zoom lock switch
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
Zoom lock switch present.
What it is: A switch that locks the zoom position to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
When it matters: When you carry the lens while walking or traveling and want to prevent zoom creep.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
0.1 EV less vignetting
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV
Has zoom lock switch
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
0.1 EV less vignetting
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.

Why is Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS worse than the average camera lens?

Hide

2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
3 fewer aperture blades
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
No full-time manual focus
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
0.15 m longer minimum focus distance
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No lens hood
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
Older release date
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS was released earlier than the average camera lens.
99.6 g heavier
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS is heavier than the average camera lens (625 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
10 mm longer lens
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS is longer than the average camera lens (102 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
1.6 mm wider lens barrel
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS is wider than the average camera lens (78.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
17 points lower DxOMark score
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (9 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
2.3 T-stop higher transmission value
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.4 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
0.3 % higher optical distortion
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.6% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
2.5 µm higher chromatic aberration
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (11 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
3 fewer aperture blades
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.6 vs 9
No full-time manual focus
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
17 points lower DxOMark score
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (9 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (9 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.9 vs 26
No lens hood
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
What it is: Whether a matching lens hood is supplied in the box.
When it matters: When you want flare protection straight out of the box without buying extra accessories.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
2.3 T-stop higher transmission value
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.4 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.4 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.5.4 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
0.3 % higher optical distortion
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.6% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.6% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.0.6 % vs 0.3 %

Expert reviews

dpreview.com

15/10/2008

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS Review - DPReview

The DPReview evaluation of the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens highlights its utility as a versatile, all-in-one travel option featuring a robust 11x zoom range and an effective image stabilization (IS) system. Key advantages include impressive center sharpness throughout the zoom range, pleasant bokeh, a useful zoom lock, and a build quality superior to standard kit lenses. Conversely, the lens is less suited for critical work due to a slower, noisier micro-motor autofocus system that lacks full-time manual focus override. Optically, it compromises with significant, noticeable geometric distortions and pronounced chromatic aberration, along with weak corner sharpness across the range.

imaging-resource.com

20/10/2008

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - Imaging Resource(the-digital-picture.com) | October 29, 2008 | Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review - The-D...

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a lightweight, 21-ounce "vacation lens" designed exclusively for APS-C dSLR bodies, offering a versatile 29-320mm equivalent focal range and effective 4-stop image stabilization. It delivers remarkable sharpness in the central portion of the frame at almost any focal length or aperture combination, with peak performance achieved when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. Additional pros include well-controlled corner shading that virtually disappears at 80mm or greater when stopped down to f/11, filter threads that do not rotate during use, and a built-in zoom lock switch to effectively counter the lens's tendency to creep between 24mm and 135mm. However, the lens makes several compromises in optical performance and mechanical functionality. Major cons include noticeably soft image corners at wide apertures under 80mm, unexceptional chromatic aberration resistance, and significant complex distortion that shifts from barrel distortion at 18mm to a "moustache" effect of blended barrel and pincushion distortion from 24mm onwards. Furthermore, because it lacks a Ultrasonic Motor (USM), the autofocus is driven by gears that generate a low-frequency whizzing sound and focus slower than...

kenrockwell.com

01/09/2008

Summary of the review

Canon 18-200mm Review - Ken Rockwell

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS is described as a highly sharp, versatile lens featuring effective image stabilization, rapid autofocus, and close-focusing macro capabilities. It is deemed a convenient, do-it-all option for general photography that eliminates the need to change lenses. Drawbacks highlighted include "primitive" manual focus mechanics, where the ring moves too quickly for precise adjustments, and the ring rotates during autofocus. Additionally, the lens produces significant geometric distortion at certain focal lengths, according to the review.

ephotozine.com

22/06/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review - ePHOTOzine

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS as a versatile 11x zoom travel lens for APS-C users, offering very good central sharpness and an effective four-stop image stabilizer. However, the lens compromises on edge sharpness, exhibits significant chromatic aberration, and suffers from heavy geometric distortion at extreme focal lengths.

cameralabs.com

14/11/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS - Cameralabs(dxomark.com) | June 10, 2011 | Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS: Digital Photography Review - DxOMark

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS is an 11.1x super-zoom lens designed exclusively for cropped-body (APS-C) Canon DSLRs, delivering an impressive equivalent focal range of 29-320mm. The primary advantage of this lens is its immense versatility, allowing photographers to capture wide-angle landscapes and distant wildlife without ever needing to change lenses. This convenience saves time, reduces gear weight, and minimizes the risk of dust entering the camera body. Additionally, it features a highly beneficial optical Image Stabilization (IS) system, which effectively counteracts camera shake and provides a stabilized preview directly through the viewfinder for easier composition at long focal lengths. However, achieving such a broad zoom range introduces notable performance compromises. A key disadvantage is the lack of a quick, quiet Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for autofocusing; instead, the lens uses a standard motor where the manual focusing ring physically rotates during autofocus. The maximum aperture of f3.5-5.6 is standard and offers no low-light advantage, while the overall optical sharpness cannot match that of shorter-range zoom lenses. Furthermore, like most of Canon's non-L series gear, the lens hood is not included...

photozone.de

01/10/2008

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - Review / Test Report - Photozone DPReview

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is an entry-level "super" zoom lens designed specifically for APS-C format DSLRs, tested here on the Canon EOS 50D camera body. This lens offers a highly versatile 11.1x focal range equivalent to 29-320mm on full-format systems, positioned to compete with similar all-in-one lenses from Tamron and Nikon. It provides solid usability through a built-in Optical Image Stabilizer that delivers roughly a 3-stop real-world advantage. Additionally, the optical design includes a non-rotating front element, allowing photographers to easily use polarizing filters. The autofocus speed and overall accuracy are generally fine, even though the lens surprisingly utilizes a conventional DC micro-motor rather than Canon's signature USM technology. However, the lens has notable compromises regarding its physical build and manual operation. The exterior construction features average plastic quality, and the manual focus ring feels exceptionally cheap. A significant design drawback is that the focus ring physically rotates during autofocusing operations, which prevents full-time manual focusing (FTM) and requires users to keep their hands clear of the ring. Furthermore, the tested sample suffered from zoom creeping, though a...

dxomark.com

30/12/2015

Summary of the review

Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VCGo to product viewer dialog for this item. (Canon) Reviews - DxOMark [Includes Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS benchmark...

The Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Model B018) for Canon EF-S mounts is a highly affordable, ultra-lightweight super-zoom lens designed for APS-C enthusiasts seeking convenience on a budget. Weighing just 400 grams and costing $249, it stands as the lightest and cheapest lens in its super-zoom class. A major pro of this updated model is the inclusion of Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which effectively counteracts camera shake to help users capture sharper handheld shots. Optically, the lens performs at its absolute best at the wider 18mm to 50mm focal lengths and at wider apertures up to f/8, where center frame resolution is high, while distortion is completely nonexistent at 28mm. Vignetting and chromatic aberrations are also remarkably well-controlled across most standard shooting configurations. However, the lens suffers from notable performance trade-offs, earning a low overall DxOMark score of 11 points due to low peak sharpness. The primary con is its dark maximum aperture of f/6.3 at the 200mm end, which drops to a measured T-stop of just over 6.7; this heavily dims the viewfinder and degrades autofocus performance...

michaelthemaven.com

19/08/2010

Summary of the review

Canon 18-200 vs Sigma 18-200Go to product viewer dialog for this item. vs Tamron 18-270 Would you like a comparison of how this lens performs against...

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is identified as the top performer due to its superior image stabilization and fastest autofocus speed, making it ideal for action, while the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC offers the best zoom range (15x) and effective stabilization. The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS lagged behind in the evaluation, with sluggish autofocus and unreliable image stabilization, according to Michael The Maven. Michael The Maven | While Canon leads in speed and stability, and Tamron offers the longest reach and effective VC, the Sigma option struggled in reliability, notes the Michael The Maven review. The Tamron is noted for its versatility, although it features a slower autofocus motor compared to the Canon. Michael The Maven |

computerbild.de

18/02/2009

Summary of the review

Review: Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Interchangeable Lens

The COMPUTER BILD review awards the Canon EF-S 18-200 mm F/3.5-5.6 IS a satisfactory test score of 3.3 ("befriedigend"), highlighting it as a highly versatile choice for nearly any shooting scenario due to its massive 11x zoom range. A major advantage of this compact super-zoom lens is its built-in optical image stabilizer, which effectively prevents camera shake and allows for longer exposure times in low-light environments. Users will also appreciate the smooth and easy rotation of both the zoom and focus rings, alongside a minimum focusing distance of 38 centimeters from the sensor. The review additionally notes that while the lens delivers good color reproduction, minor color deviations were detected specifically in red and certain blue tones. Despite its versatility, the lens suffers from several prominent optical and physical drawbacks. The most significant disadvantage is its sharpness and detail loss at the image edges compared to the center, as well as a pronounced drop in brightness (vignetting) toward the borders that outperforms the falloff seen in competing lenses—though this can be digitally compensated for by certain Canon camera bodies. Mechanically,...

digitalkamera.de

23/12/2008

Summary of the review

Image quality test of the Canon EF-S 18-200mm on the EOS 1000D

The Digitalkamera.de review of the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS on the EOS 1000D demonstrates how laboratory testing analyzes the lens's image quality, including resolution, vignetting, and distortion. While the EOS 1000D body is noted for maximizing the potential of its sensor, the lens shows typical superzoom compromises, such as corner softness and geometric distortions. The main advantages lie in the convenience of the focal range, while technical drawbacks include vignetting and edge softness, especially at extreme zoom settings. The analysis concludes by weighing these technical flaws against the versatility of the lens.

digitalcamaralens.com

05/11/2025

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Review - Digital Camera Lens

This review of the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens highlights its versatility as a superzoom lens for Canon APS-C cameras, alongside clear performance compromises. On the positive side, the central sharpness is very good across all focal lengths once the lens is stopped down past its maximum aperture, gaining even more contrast with an additional stop. Furthermore, its Image Stabilizer (IS) performs exceptionally well and operates quietly, successfully allowing steady, blur-free shots of static subjects at 200mm with shutter speeds as slow as 1/15 and 1/13 seconds. The autofocus is also noted for being precise and consistent once fine-tuned. Conversely, the lens suffers from several significant optical and handling drawbacks. The corners of the images are heavily degraded by high vignetting, a total geometric distortion range of 4.7% (with a harsh -3.73% barrel distortion at 18mm), and severe lateral chromatic aberrations across almost all focal lengths except between 50mm and 70mm. Corner contrast and image quality drop noticeably at 35mm and 50mm. Physically, using manual focus is frustrating due to considerable play in the focusing ring, and the internal...

tapatalk.com

20/09/2009

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Review - Tapatalk

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is characterized by this review as a highly versatile 11x super-zoom, offering exceptional all-in-one convenience for APS-C users and featuring a highly capable 4-stop image stabilizer. Pros include its compact, travel-friendly design and excellent focal range flexibility that eliminates the need to carry multiple lenses, according to user feedback. Conversely, the review highlights significant trade-offs, noting that the lens suffers from underwhelming, soft image quality compared to specialized alternatives. Specific cons mentioned include notable barrel distortion, vignetting, and a noisy, rotating micro-motor autofocus system rather than a silent USM/STM drive.

focus-review.com

26/01/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS APS-C Lens Review

This review analyzes the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, an 11x "vacation zoom lens" designed exclusively for Canon APS-C format cameras, providing a 35mm focal equivalent of 29-320mm. Built with a plastic body and a metal mount, the lens features a very quiet USM autofocus motor that takes 0.28 seconds to focus from 15 meters to 1.5 meters on a Canon 7D. While the zoom and focus rings operate smoothly, the lens physical length extends by 6 cm when zooming, causing the barrel to creep downward under its own weight when pointed vertically—a problem manageable via its built-in zoom lock switch. Testing also confirms a highly effective image stabilization system that delivers over 3 stops of benefit at the 200mm focal length. Optically, the lens presents a mixed performance. The primary advantages include its expansive, versatile zoom range, compact physical build relative to its focal capability, and excellent resistance to ghosting images when facing strong backlight. However, severe optical flaws compromise its overall quality. Its central sharpness is adequate up to 50mm, but corner and edge sharpness are disappointing across...

tweakers.net

26/04/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - Overview - Product reviews

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is evaluated as a versatile, well-built travel zoom lens specifically designed for crop-sensor cameras like the Canon EOS 50D and 7D. The reviewer notes that it acts as a robust replacement for competing third-party alternatives from Sigma and Tamron, offering superior overall sharpness and a tighter, more solid construction despite not belonging to Canon’s premium "L-series". Its standout features include a highly effective 4-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) that allows for sharp handheld shots at 200mm down to 1/25th of a second, and a surprisingly quick and quiet autofocus mechanism, which outperforms expectations for a non-USM motor. Furthermore, the lens handles lens flare remarkably well, maintains decent open-aperture center sharpness, and keeps chromatic aberration and distortion under manageable control.

frans-petrij.nl

n.v.t.

Summary of the review

Digital photography - Homepage Frans Petrij

Overview and Positives The Canon EOS 350D is a compact 8.0-megapixel digital SLR camera that delivers exceptional image quality and a highly low noise level. Built with Canon's DIGIC II processor architecture—borrowed from their professional series—the camera provides rapid, intelligent image processing with a startup time of just 0.2 seconds and a continuous shooting rate of 3 frames per second. Its 7-point autofocus system accurately tracks moving targets using AI Servo AF, making it highly effective for sports and wildlife photography. Furthermore, the camera features an advanced E-TTL II flash program that uses distance data to balance exposure, and it includes automated scene modes alongside deep manual controls like the specialized A-DEP program for managing depth of field. Drawbacks and User Experience Despite its excellent sensor performance, the camera has some notable structural design limitations. The 1.8-inch built-in LCD screen is quite small by modern standards and splits its information layout with a separate, narrow black-and-white status panel. The placement of the buttons to the right of the display makes them prone to accidental presses, which frequently alters settings like...

eoszine.nl

03/09/2019

Summary of the review

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Review

The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is a versatile 10x optical travel zoom lens designed for full-frame mirrorless bodies like the EOS R and RP. It is praised for its compact, lightweight, and durable build, making it highly portable for travel, hiking, and street photography. Performance pros include a fast autofocus mechanism, a useful 1:3.8 magnification factor for close-ups, and a smooth dual-purpose control/focus ring that maximizes compactness. Its central sharpness is highly impressive—particularly peaking at 100mm to match the premium RF 24-105mm f/4L—while its built-in image stabilization allows for sharp, handheld shooting even at 1/60s at full telephoto zoom. Additionally, despite its slower variable aperture, it produces surprisingly smooth bokeh for portraits and close-up tracking. However, the lens has several notable drawbacks that users must navigate. On the physical side, it lacks a dedicated AF/MF switch and an autofocus range limiter to prevent lens "hunting" at close distances under 1 meter. Optically, its limited maximum aperture of f/6.3 from 100mm to 240mm forces the camera to quickly push ISO levels higher in low-light environments or shaded outdoor conditions....

Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS Review | 54 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS

Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS better than the average camera lens?

Why is Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS?

What customers dislike about Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Canon EF-S 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6 IS with