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

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£210
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Maximum focal length: 55 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
  • Optical image stabilization: yes
  • Maximum angle of view: 74.3 °

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

6.5

Technical Score

20.0%

7.8

User score

Good
6.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.8

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

5.5

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

6.5

Lab Scores

8.0%

7.9

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
7.8

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

5.4

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(115)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 9.7
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.5

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.9

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.3

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £210

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a versatile APS-C kit lens featuring a 28.8-88mm full-frame equivalent focal range, a 7-blade circular aperture, and a Lead Screw-type Stepping Motor (STM) for near-silent continuous AF during video. Its Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of shake correction, while the high-precision aspheric element reduces chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range. Main pros include its lightweight 205g design, a close 0.25m minimum focusing distance, and a non-rotating front element ideal for polarising filters. However, its plastic mount construction feels less durable, the f/3.5-5.6 variable aperture limits low-light performance, and it lacks a dedicated manual focus override ring.

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

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.8

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

5.5

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

6.5

Lab Scores

8.0%

7.9

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.5
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a technical score of 6.47 points, which is lower than 81% of camera lenses.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

5.4

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(115)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.8
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a user score of 7.77 points, which is lower than 64.8% of camera lenses.
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.
5.4
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a popularity of 5.4 points, which is lower than 56.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

7.5
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 58% of products in this category.
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

no
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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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

27.8 °
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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

STM
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

0.25 m
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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
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

0.36x
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.36x, which is higher than 88.6% of camera lenses and equal to 0.5% of camera lenses.
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

yes
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
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

yes
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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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

yes
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM supports optical image stabilization. 28.9% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
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

4 stops
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM offers 4 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 21.3% of camera lenses and equal to 44.5% of camera lenses.
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

75.2 mm
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is 75.2 mm long, which is shorter than 67.3% of camera lenses.
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

69 mm
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a diameter of 69 mm, which is slimmer than 74.9% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.8% of camera lenses.
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

no
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
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

?
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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

8
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a DxOMark sharpness score of 8, which is lower than that of 80.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 5.9% of camera lenses.
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

4.8 T-stop
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a DxOMark transmission of 4.8 T-stop, which is higher than that of 80.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.9% of camera lenses.
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

0.3 %
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has DxOMark distortion of 0.3%, which is lower than that of 49.7% of camera lenses and equal to that of 17.5% of camera lenses.
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

0.900 EV
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has DxOMark vignetting of 0.900 EV, which is lower than that of 69.8% of camera lenses and equal to that of 11.8% of camera lenses.
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Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM vs the average camera lens

  • Has optical image stabilization
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 0.3 EV less vignetting
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.9 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.9 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.0.900 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 8 mm narrower lens barrel
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is slimmer than the average camera lens (69 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 IS STM is slimmer than the average camera lens (69 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.69 mm vs 77 mm
  • 16.8 mm shorter lens
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is shorter than the average camera lens (75.2 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 IS STM is shorter than the average camera lens (75.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.75.2 mm vs 92 mm
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 IS STM 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
  • 0.17 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.4x 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 IS STM has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.4x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.36 x vs 0.192 x
  • 2.52x cheaper
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£210 vs £530).
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£210 vs £530).£210 vs £530
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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.
  • 0.17 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.4x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 8 mm narrower lens barrel
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is slimmer than the average camera lens (69 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 16.8 mm shorter lens
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM is shorter than the average camera lens (75.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 0.3 EV less vignetting
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.9 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 IS STM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
  • 8 points lower DxOMark sharpness
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (8 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
  • 1.7 T-stop higher transmission value
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 IS STM 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 IS STM 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 IS STM 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
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 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 IS STM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • No lens hood
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • 8 points lower DxOMark sharpness
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (8 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
    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

    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (8 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.8 vs 16
  • 1.7 T-stop higher transmission value
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.8 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 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.4.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM 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 IS STM 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
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2

Graphic comparison of Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM and

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Third-party reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM?

  • Quick and nearly silent STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus, ideal for video work
  • Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for travel
  • Effective 4-stop optical image stabilization helps with handheld shooting
  • Excellent sharpness, particularly when stopped down to f/8
  • Front element does not rotate during focusing, which is better for using polarizing filters
  • Great value for beginners as an entry-level kit lens

What customers dislike about Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 IS STM?

  • Narrow/slow maximum aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits performance in low light
  • Limited ability to create strong background blur (bokeh) due to aperture range
  • Build quality feels 'cheap' due to all-plastic construction, including a plastic mount
  • Corner sharpness can be mediocre and noticeable distortion exists at wider angles
  • The manual focus ring can feel loose and lacks high fidelity
  • Lens hood and carrying pouch are typically sold separately by Canon

Expert reviews

T
the-digital-picture.com
27/06/2013
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
07/06/2013
Summary of the review
K
kenrockwell.com
07/09/2013
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
01/08/2013
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
27/07/2026
Summary of the review
P
photoreview.com.au
(undated)
Summary of the review
I
imaging-resource.com
29/07/2013
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
11/11/2013
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
Mars 2013
Summary of the review
N
nextgentech.it
10/06/2015
Summary of the review
E
eoszine.nl
29/05/2013
Summary of the review

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