Name: Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III
Brand: Canon

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

Overall score

5.7

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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

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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

standard 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

58 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

7.7

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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

55 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

3.1x

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

27.3 °

Focus & Controls

1.8

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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

4.2

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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

5.9

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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

9.0

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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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III better than the average camera lens?

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310.4 g lighter
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is lighter than the average camera lens (215 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is lighter than the average camera lens (215 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.215 g vs 525.4 g
22 mm shorter lens
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is shorter than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is shorter than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.70 mm vs 92 mm
8.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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).
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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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.
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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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
0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.34 x vs 0.192 x
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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.
0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
310.4 g lighter
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is lighter than the average camera lens (215 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
22 mm shorter lens
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is shorter than the average camera lens (70 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
8.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Why is Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
1 fewer aspherical elements
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
No full-time manual focus
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not have a non-rotating front element, the average camera lens does. 97% of camera lenses have a non-rotating front element.
Front/filter thread rotates during focusing.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Fixed lens hood
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
Older release date
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III was released earlier than the average camera lens.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III 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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during 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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Fixed lens hood
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
Older release date
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III was released earlier than the average camera lens.
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 III was released earlier than the average camera lens.2011 vs 2016

Expert reviews

focus-review.com

03/10/2018

Summary of the review

Review Canon EF-S 18-55mm III

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DC III is an ultra-budget standard zoom lens designed for APS-C sensor cameras and is typically sold alongside the entry-level Canon EOS 4000D. Built entirely with cost-efficiency in mind, the lens features a full plastic housing, plastic mount, and a basic ribbed front section rather than a dedicated focus ring. Optically, it delivers reasonable sharpness at shorter focal lengths, manageable jpeg vignetting, and 1.5% barrel distortion at the wide end. Its standout advantages are its incredibly low price point, lightweight build, and its utility as a cheap option for high-risk film environments like car chases or explosions. However, the lens suffers from clear limitations, notably a complete lack of image stabilization, which can easily result in blurred photos for novice photographers. Performance drops heavily at the 55mm telephoto end, where sharpness decreases significantly at full aperture unless stopped down to f/8. Reviewers also noted elevated chromatic aberrations compared to its predecessor, noticeable physical play in the lens tube when extended, and heavy RAW vignetting reaching two stops at 18mm. Ultimately, while it is a functional...

ephotozine.com

01/05/2020

Summary of the review

Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) Review - Performance (includes specific testing of the 18-55mm III)

The Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i) review from ePHOTOzine highlights strong 24MP APS-C image quality, accurate color reproduction, and improved battery life, with bursts of up to 7.5fps in Live View. Key pros include the responsive vari-angle touchscreen, 45-point autofocus, and reliable performance with better lenses. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, specifically that the kit lens delivers soft images and that 4K video recording suffers from a heavy crop, utilizing only 64% of the sensor. The camera also faces stiff competition from cheaper, faster, and more versatile mirrorless alternatives.

radojuva.com

08/10/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 III review

The Radojuva review characterizes the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III as a budget-friendly, entry-level kit lens designed for APS-C sensors, noted for its extremely lightweight construction, affordable price, and good image contrast. It offers a 25cm minimum focusing distance for close-up work but lacks image stabilization, which is a major drawback for low-light shooting, along with a rotating front element, noisy autofocus, and a cheap plastic mount. Optically, the lens delivers decent performance for its class, though it exhibits significant barrel distortion at 18mm, noticeable vignetting when wide open, and low light limitations due to its variable aperture. The manual focus ring is narrow and inconvenient, making it best suited for casual shooters on a strict budget who do not require image stabilization or robust build quality.

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)

The ⁠Digitalkamera.de review highlights the Canon EOS 2000D as a beginner-friendly, "shoot-to-print" DSLR featuring a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor that offers good image quality, especially at low ISO, and an intuitive user interface with Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity. Key strengths include vivid color rendering, comfortable ergonomics, and strong, fast handling for casual photographers. Conversely, the camera suffers from technical limitations, including a slow 9-point autofocus system, limited 3 fps continuous shooting, and lack of modern features like 4K video or external microphone input. The review notes that performance and dynamic range lag at higher ISO levels, making it best suited for users who accept its budget-focused compromises. YouTube

chip.de

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Comparison: Canon EF lens mount (APS-C only) - CHIP (list entry for Version III)

The provided review ranking evaluates 25 Canon EF-S lenses designed specifically for APS-C crop-sensor DSLR cameras, utilizing a standardized testing procedure paired with a Canon EOS 80D camera. The top-rated lens on the list is the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM, followed closely by the Sigma 50-100mm F1,8 DC HSM (A) and the ultra-affordable Canon EF-S 24mm f/2,8 STM. The evaluation heavily weights performance across four core metrics: resolution, lens quality, features, and autofocus integration. While highly rated options like the top 35mm lens command premium prices over €660, the review highlights budget-friendly alternatives, such as the 24mm pancake lens and the Tokina AT-X 12-28 mm, which offer exceptional price-to-performance value. In terms of pros, the top-performing lenses offer exceptional resolution scores (with models like the top-ranked 35mm macro, the Sigma 50-100mm, and the Tokina 14-20mm hitting top marks of 1.0 or 1.1) and stellar optical lens quality. Many models also include built-in image stabilization (IS), which is a vital advantage given that Canon DSLRs lack in-body stabilization. On the con side, high-end options suffer from poor price-to-performance...

photographiesdelannee.com

20/07/2025

Summary of the review

Review of the Canon EOS 1200D and its EF-S 18–55 mm lens

The Canon EOS 1200D is an 18.7-megapixel entry-level DSLR camera paired with an EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 III kit lens, designed specifically for beginners seeking high-quality photos without advanced technical expertise. Weighing just 480 grams, the camera offers a lightweight, ergonomic, and intuitive design featuring a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, a 9-point autofocus system, and a lithium-ion battery that provides up to five hours of continuous usage. Driven by a DIGIC 4 image processor, it delivers sharp images even in low-light environments and supports a 10x optical zoom, capturing formats in JPEG and RAW while recording video at 720p resolution. The review highlights excellent value for the money, a highly accessible interface for novices, and clear image output as its primary advantages. Users also benefit from educational support via a dedicated companion application. On the downside, the camera suffers from limited connectivity compared to newer models, a non-rotary display screen, and a kit lens that lacks brightness in darker settings. Furthermore, French-speaking buyers may find the inclusion of a German-only manual inconvenient. Despite these limitations, the reviewer concludes it remains a...

lesnumeriques.com

10/05/2016

Summary of the review

Canon EOS 1300D review: the entry-level DSLR that has your best interests at heart

The Canon EOS 1300D is an entry-level DSLR camera designed for beginners that offers reliable image quality and solid construction at an affordable price. Upgraded with a Digic 4+ processor, a sharper 920,000-dot screen, and integrated Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity, the camera delivers an easy-to-use experience with nearly instantaneous startup times and good color reproduction up to ISO 1600. Its streamlined menus and physical grip make it highly approachable for novice photographers looking to transition away from compact cameras into interchangeable lens systems. However, this budget-friendly model comes with severe limitations that users may outgrow quickly. On the downside, the 7.5 cm display is neither articulated nor touch-sensitive, the optical viewfinder offers only 95% frame coverage, and there is no manual focus assist. Performance is particularly sluggish in LiveView mode, requiring up to three seconds between shots, and the camera's 3 fps burst shooting buffer saturates after just four RAW files. Furthermore, the video mode is heavily stripped down, lacking autofocus, manual focus ring response during recording, and adequate audio depth.

leclaireur.fnac.com

14/03/2026

Summary of the review

CANON EOS 2000D Lab Test: a DSLR in trouble

The Labo Fnac review evaluates the Canon EOS 2000D kit (paired with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DC III lens) as an entry-level DSLR that is ultimately difficult to recommend, earning a mediocre 3 out of 5 stars. The lab praises the camera's good colorimetry (scoring 8.3/10) and satisfactory image definition (scoring 8/10), which help salvage an otherwise poor evaluation. Additionally, the included kit lens is noted for being quite versatile across grand angle, standard, and telephoto focal lengths, making it a decent option for beginners trying to learn the basics of photography. However, the review highlights significant performance issues, particularly regarding the camera's poor-quality APS-C sensor and severe optical flaws. The lab report reveals a critically low optical quality score of 1.1/10 due to rampant issues with vignetting, distortion, and chromatic aberrations. Furthermore, the sensor suffers from very low low-light sensitivity (scoring 3.3/10), which makes the camera highly prone to digital noise when shooting in darker environments. While Fnac customer reviews are generally much more positive—praising its lightweight design and ease of use for novices—the technical lab analysis concludes that...

radojuva.com

08/10/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Review

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III is described in this Radojuva review as a budget-friendly, lightweight, standard kit lens for APS-C DSLRs offering a convenient 29–88mm equivalent focal range for daily shooting. It provides decent central sharpness and contrast, with a robust design that handles backlighting well, along with a useful minimum focusing distance for entry-level macro work. Conversely, the lens is limited by its plastic construction, a noisy, average-speed micro-motor, and a lack of image stabilization (IS), significantly impacting low-light performance. It also exhibits heavy barrel distortion at 18mm, soft edges when wide open, and inconvenient handling due to a rotating, extending front element that hampers filter use.

focus-review.com

03/10/2018

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm III Review

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DC III is an ultra-budget, standard kit zoom lens designed for APS-C sensor cameras and is exclusively bundled with the entry-level Canon EOS 4000D. Built entirely with cost-efficiency in mind, the lens features a full plastic housing—including a plastic lens mount—and lacks a proper focus ring, utilizing a ribbed thickening at the front of the lens tube instead. Its lightweight design and incredibly low price point, often found under 100 euros in the trade market, make it an attractive option for novice photographers on a tight budget or for risky action shoots where gear might get damaged. However, the total omission of optical image stabilization is a major drawback for beginners, as it punishes poor shooting techniques and complicates handheld photography in low-light environments. In terms of performance, the lens delivers reasonable sharpness at wider focal lengths but suffers from a significant drop in image quality at 55mm when shot wide open. Stopping down the aperture to f/8 noticeably improves sharpness and cuts the RAW vignetting—which peaks at two stops at 18mm f/3.5—in half. Optical...

radojuva.com

08/10/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Review

The Radojuva review of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III evaluates this entry-level, APS-C lens, highlighting its excellent price-to-performance ratio and practical 3x zoom range. Key strengths include good center sharpness at 18mm f/3.5, respectable resistance to lens flare, and a 25cm minimum focusing distance for close-up shots. YouTube · Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a cheap, all-plastic construction with a plastic mount and a loud, slow, non-internal autofocus motor that rotates the filter thread. Additionally, this version lacks image stabilization and suffers from soft corners and heavy chromatic aberrations at 55mm.

cameramarket.it

15/03/2021

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens: Technical Review

This product listing is for a used, technician-inspected Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III standard zoom lens sold by Camera Market for €48.00 in "Excellent" condition. Designed for Canon DSLR cameras with APS-C sensors, this lightweight kit lens provides a versatile 29-88mm full-frame equivalent focal range. It is highly recommended for beginners looking for an affordable, general-purpose lens for travel, street photography, and casual portraits. The purchase includes a 6-month warranty against malfunctions, a 14-day return policy, and the reassurance of a 28-point technical inspection covering autofocus accuracy and physical defects. A major advantage of this lens is its high utility and affordability for everyday shooting, offering an excellent price-to-performance ratio for entry-level photographers. It also features a reliable DC motor autofocus system to aid quick snapshots. However, a significant drawback is its slow, variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, which restricts low-light performance and deep depth-of-field control compared to premium glass. Additionally, it uses a plastic EF-S mount that makes it completely incompatible with full-frame camera bodies. Finally, the listing contains confusing boilerplate text regarding included camera body accessories (like an...

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

The review by Focus Review highlights the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DC III as an ultra-budget standard zoom lens primarily supplied as a kit option for starter cameras like the Canon EOS 4000D. Designed with extreme cost-efficiency in mind, the lens features a completely plastic body—including a plastic lens mount—and relies on a basic ribbed barrel tip rather than a dedicated manual focus ring. On the positive side, its primary strengths are its remarkably low price (often found under €100 when split from camera kits) and its lightweight build, making it an attractive, low-risk choice for tight budgets or hazardous photography projects like action sequences and explosions. However, the review outlines clear drawbacks regarding its performance and handling. The most significant con is the complete absence of image stabilization, which heavily penalizes beginners who lack steady shooting techniques, especially in low-light environments. Optically, the image quality is decent at wider focal lengths, but it suffers from a noticeable drop in sharpness at 55mm when shot wide open, alongside showing higher chromatic aberrations than its predecessor. There is also physical play...

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