OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Camera lenses Methodology v1.0

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Lens mount:Canon EF-SMaximum focal length:55 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):5.6Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:74.3 °

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

4.0

Overall score

Score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

80%

4.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▼Worse than 99% of camera-lenses
4.0

Technical score

Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

35%

3.3

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.2

Build & Handling

20%

2.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

▼Worse than 99% of camera-lenses
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of camera lens Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III

Technical score
Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

35%

3.3

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.2

Build & Handling

20%

2.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

4.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 91.7% of camera lenses.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

4.0

Overall score

40%

10

Price

5.8
Lens type
standard zoom
Lens mount
Canon EF-S
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
58 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
▼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
18 mm
Maximum focal length
55 mm
Optical zoom
3.1xx
Maximum angle of view
74.3 °
Minimum angle of view
27.3 °
Show more
Focus motor
DC motor
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
▲ Better than 66% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.25 m, which is closer than 65.6% of camera lenses and equal to 8.1% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.34xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.34x
▲ Better than 86% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.34x, which is higher than 86.1% of camera lenses and equal to 1.1% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
no
Internal focusing
no
▼ Worse than 84% of models
This camera lens does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
▼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
215 g
Weight
215 g
▲ Better than 84% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 215 g, which is lighter than 84.4% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens length
70 mm
Lens length
70 mm
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 70 mm long, which is shorter than 74.3% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.7% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
68.5 mm
Lens diameter
68.5 mm
▲ Better than 76% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 68.5 mm, which is slimmer than 76% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.5% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
▲ Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 295 g lighter
    Weight
    215 g
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (215 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    215 g vs 510 g
  • 0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.34 x
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.34 x vs 0.192 x
  • 22.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    70 mm
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    70 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 8.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    68.5 mm
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    68.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 11.78x cheaper
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is cheaper than the average camera lens (£45 vs £530).
    £45 vs £530
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • 11.78x cheaper
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is cheaper than the average camera lens (£45 vs £530).
    £45 vs £530
  • 0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.34 x
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.34 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.25 m vs 0.3 m
  • 295 g lighter
    Weight
    215 g
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (215 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    215 g vs 510 g
  • 22.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    70 mm
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    70 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 8.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    68.5 mm
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    68.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 3 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    6
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens 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
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 7.29x less popular
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 18.7% worse value for money
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.8 vs 6.9).
    5.8 vs 6.89
  • 4.5% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III
    the average camera lens
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has a lower user score than the average camera lens (8.00 vs 8.360).
    8 vs 8.36
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
    Aperture blades
    6
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    6 vs 9
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    1
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    1 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • Rotating front element
    Non-rotating front element
    no
    ▼ Worse than 97% of models
    This camera lens does not have a non-rotating front element, the average camera lens does. 96.8% of camera lenses have a non-rotating front element.
    Front/filter thread rotates during focusing.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Reversible lens hood
    no
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This camera lens does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 81.4% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2011
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2011 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

F
focus-review.com
03/10/2018
Summary of the review
Review Canon EF-S 18-55mm III
E
ephotozine.com
01/05/2020
Summary of the review
Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) Review - Performance (includes specific testing of the 18-55mm III)
R
radojuva.com
08/10/2012
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 III review
D
digitalkamera.de
30/05/2018
Summary of the review
Review: Canon EOS 2000D (includes test of the EF-S 18-55 mm 3.5-5.6 III)
(Translated)Show original
C
chip.de
25/10/2026
Summary of the review
Comparison: Canon EF lens mount (APS-C only) - CHIP (list entry for Version III)
(Translated)Show original
P
photographiesdelannee.com
20/07/2025
Summary of the review
Review of the Canon EOS 1200D and its EF-S 18–55 mm lens
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
10/05/2016
Summary of the review
Canon EOS 1300D review: the entry-level DSLR that has your best interests at heart
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
14/03/2024
Summary of the review
CANON EOS 2000D Lab Test: a DSLR in trouble
(Translated)Show original
R
radojuva.com
08/10/2012
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Review
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
03/10/2018
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm III Review
(Translated)Show original
R
radojuva.com
08/10/2012
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Review
(Translated)Show original
C
cameramarket.it
15/03/2021
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens: Technical Review
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
03/10/2018
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DC III Test - Focus Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III

  • Extremely lightweight and compact design, ideal for travel
  • Highly affordable, often serving as a budget-friendly starter lens
  • Versatile zoom range suitable for landscapes, street photography, and portraits
  • Reasonable sharpness in the center of the frame, especially when stopped down to f/8
  • Features a high-precision aspherical element to help correct chromatic aberrations

What we don't like about Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III

  • Lacks Image Stabilization (IS), making it harder to use in low light or at slow shutter speeds
  • Poor build quality with an all-plastic construction, including the lens mount
  • Noisy and relatively slow autofocus motor (DC motor) compared to STM or USM versions
  • Front element rotates during focusing, making the use of polarizers or graduated filters difficult
  • Noticeable softness at the 55mm focal length, particularly at the maximum aperture
  • Manual focus ring is narrow and lacks a premium feel, making precise manual adjustments challenging

Verdict

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III is a compact, lightweight standard zoom lens designed exclusively for Canon APS-C sensor DSLRs, providing a versatile 35mm equivalent focal range of 29-88mm. Key specifications include an 11-element optical construction in 9 groups, a 6-blade circular aperture, a DC autofocus motor, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m. Its main advantages are its portability, the inclusion of a high-precision aspherical element to reduce chromatic aberrations, and optimized Super Spectra coatings to minimize flare and ghosting. However, this third-generation model lacks built-in image stabilisation, features a plastic mount and barrel that can feel less durable, and its front element rotates during focusing, which complicates the use of certain filters like polarisers.

Compare Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III with other products in the Camera lenses category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III and other products in the Camera lenses category

No results found