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

The DXOMARK test data evaluates the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II standard zoom lens (launched in February 2011) paired with the Canon EOS 30D camera body. The combination achieves a low DXOMARK Score of 9, indicating modest overall optical performance typical of a budget, entry-level kit lens. DXOMARK notes that the lens performs at its absolute best at its widest focal length and maximum aperture setting of f=18mm and f/3.5. A deep dive into the specific metrics reveals a distinct list of performance pros and cons. On the positive side (pros), the lens does a good job controlling distortion, keeping it at a minimal 0.3%, while light falloff in the corners (vignetting) is well-contained at a manageable -0.9 EV. However, the lens suffers from notable drawbacks (cons), most notably its low resolution capacity, delivering a piqué (sharpness) score of just 5 P-Mpix. Additionally, its transmission rate is fairly restricted at 5 TStop, and it experiences visible color fringing with a chromatic aberration level of 13 µm.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a lightweight, entry-level kit zoom lens released in 2011 specifically for Canon's APS-C DSLR bodies. On the positive side, the reviewer highlights that it delivers respectable optical performance, good sharpness (piqué) when properly focused, and decent control over lens flare. It is also highly affordable, priced at around €125 new and €55 used, and features built-in image stabilization and quick autofocus response. However, the lens has several distinct drawbacks, particularly regarding its physical build and ergonomics. The reviewer strongly criticizes its cheap plastic construction—including a plastic lens mount—which feels fragile and requires careful handling. There is no dedicated manual focus ring, forcing users to awkwardly turn the front edge of the lens barrel, and the autofocus cannot be manually overridden without risk of damaging the internal motor. Additionally, the lens suffers from visible barrel distortion and vignetting at the 18mm wide-end, and the camera's autofocus system occasionally misses perfect critical focus when inspected closely.

The Canon EOS 1300D is an entry-level DSLR camera designed for beginners that offers simple usability, solid build quality, and excellent overall responsiveness. Built around an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and an updated Digic 4+ processor, it delivers good image quality and reliable color rendering with clean results up to ISO 1600, and usable performance maxing out at ISO 6400. Key improvements over its predecessor include a sharper 920,000-dot fixed LCD screen and the inclusion of Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for remote smartphone control. The camera also features quick startup times and a quiet shutter mechanism. However, users will quickly encounter major limitations, particularly regarding the display interface and video capabilities. The screen is neither articulated nor touch-sensitive, and the optical viewfinder only covers 95% of the frame. Performance drops drastically when using LiveView, resulting in a sluggish 3-second delay between shots and slow autofocus. Video mode is exceptionally basic, offering flat audio recording and no continuous autofocus, while the camera menus lack essential manual focusing aids like focus peaking. Ultimately, while it serves as a secure and budget-friendly starting...

The Canon EOS 1100D is an entry-level DSLR camera that features a 12-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 2.7-inch (6.8 cm) 230,000-dot TN screen, and 720p HD video recording capabilities. Tested with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens, it demonstrates great everyday responsiveness with nearly instantaneous startup and autofocus speeds between 0.2 and 0.3 seconds. The camera delivers excellent image quality up to ISO 1600, with noise remaining manageable up to ISO 3200. Additionally, the inclusion of a "Creative Auto" (CA) mode makes it user-friendly for beginners by translating complex aperture settings into intuitive terms like "background blur." However, the camera has several physical and performance drawbacks, starting with a cheap, smooth plastic body that offers poor grip. Performance drops drastically when shooting in Raw format, where continuous shooting speed falls below 1 frame per second. The low-resolution display and narrow "peephole" viewfinder make image composition difficult. Video performance is also weak due to a slow live-view autofocus, loud lens motor noises, and a poor mono microphone that distorts voices and muddles sound. Furthermore, buyers should note that the standard...