Name: Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM
Brand: Canon

Technical Specifications of Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM

Overall score

7.0

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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

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

7.8

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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

64.5 °

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 °

Focus & Controls

5.6

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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

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

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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

4.3

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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 4 5 6 IS STM vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
4-stop 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 4 5 6 IS STM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
30.2 mm shorter lens
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is shorter than the average camera lens (61.8 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 4 5 6 IS STM is shorter than the average camera lens (61.8 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.61.8 mm vs 92 mm
10.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is slimmer than the average camera lens (66.5 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 4 5 6 IS STM is slimmer than the average camera lens (66.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.66.5 mm vs 77 mm
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 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 4 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
2.04x cheaper
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).£260 vs £530
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 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.
Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
30.2 mm shorter lens
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is shorter than the average camera lens (61.8 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
10.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is slimmer than the average camera lens (66.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Why is Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 5 6 IS STM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No metal mount
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
No lens hood
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 metal mount
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens 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
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
No lens hood
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 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 4 5 6 IS STM does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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

Total

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

Expert reviews

the-digital-picture.com

25/05/2017

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Review

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is a compact, lightweight, and affordable APS-C kit lens featuring a fast, silent STM autofocus system and effective 4-stop image stabilization. It boasts improved portability, being 18% smaller than its predecessor, along with impressive close-up capabilities (0.36x maximum magnification) and a non-rotating front element for easier filter use. Conversely, the lens features a slower f/4-5.6 variable aperture—1/3 stop darker than previous models—which limits low-light performance and bokeh potential. Additionally, the construction utilizes a plastic mount rather than metal, lacks weather sealing, and requires separate purchases for the lens hood and case.

pcmag.com

24/01/2018

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STMGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a compact, high-value APS-C kit lens offering good sharpness, effective optical image stabilization, and a quiet STM motor for smooth video autofocus. It is recognized for being lightweight, budget-friendly, and capable of focusing as close as 9.8 inches. PCMag Conversely, the lens suffers from notable barrel distortion, vignetting, and a variable aperture that limits low-light performance. PCMag notes physical drawbacks, including a plastic mount, narrow focus ring, and the exclusion of a lens hood, suggesting it is best suited for beginners rather than those seeking premium quality.

photoreview.com.au

14/03/2017

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens

The Photo Review assessment characterizes the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM as a compact, lightweight, and affordable APS-C standard zoom, highlighting its effective optical image stabilization and fast, quiet autofocusing suitable for video. The lens offers excellent control over lateral chromatic aberration and provides capable performance during daytime, though it lacks weather sealing and features a plastic lens mount. Conversely, the lens exhibits significant limitations in low-light, with autofocus struggling in dim conditions, and it is slightly heavier with a slower maximum aperture at the wide end compared to its predecessor.

radojuva.com

16/04/2020

Summary of the review

Review of Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1: 4-5.6 IS STM

The Radojuva review of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM highlights it as an ultra-compact, lightweight, and highly practical kit lens for APS-C sensors, featuring a fast, near-silent stepping motor (STM) optimized for video. Its effective image stabilizer allows for sharp handheld shots at slow shutter speeds, while the internal focusing design and solid center sharpness make it a versatile, portable option. However, the review outlines, the lens faces cons including noticeable vignetting at wide-open apertures, visible barrel distortion at 18mm, and a plastic mount and filter threads that limit durability. Furthermore, the image stabilizer performs closer to 3 stops of compensation rather than 4, it lacks weather sealing, and the maximum aperture is slower at f/4 compared to older iterations.

ephotozine.com

28/04/2019

Summary of the review

Canon EOS 250D Rebel SL3Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - Performance (Lens Test)

The Canon EOS 250D is a portable, beginner-friendly DSLR featuring a 24-megapixel sensor that delivers excellent color reproduction, impressive noise performance, and a vari-angle touchscreen. It offers a user-friendly interface, 4K video capability, and superior battery life compared to many mirrorless alternatives. However, the camera is limited by a dated 9-point autofocus system when using the optical viewfinder and lacks a silent shooting mode, with 4K video functionality constrained by a noticeable crop and contrast-detection autofocus.

dxomark.com

15/02/2017

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM - DxOMark

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a compact standard kit lens released in February 2017 with an indicative retail price of $250. Built with an optical formula consisting of 12 lens elements arranged in 10 groups, it features a 7-blade circular diaphragm and covers an everyday focal range of 18-55mm. Prominent pros of this lens highlighted by DXOMARK parameters and testing metrics include its highly portable, lightweight structure—weighing only 215 grams and measuring 61.8mm in length—making it incredibly easy to carry for daily photography and travel. Additionally, it integrates a near-silent and smooth Stepping Motor (STM) autofocus system alongside built-in optical image stabilization, which significantly aids in capturing stable, blur-free images and video footage during handheld operation. YouTube · On the downside, several cons limit the overall versatility of this lens for specialized photography. The most notable drawback is its slow, variable maximum aperture range of f/4 to f/5.6, which restricts low-light gathering capabilities and limits the user's ability to isolate subjects with a strongly blurred, out-of-focus background. Furthermore, the lens features a rotating front element that makes...

lesnumeriques.com

18/06/2019

Summary of the review

Canon EOS 250D DSLR Review: A Great Entry-Level APS-C Camera (Includes f/4-5.6 Kit Lens Test)

The Canon EOS 250D is a compact, budget-friendly entry-level DSLR camera designed for beginners looking to step up from smartphone photography. It features a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor paired with a Digic 8 processor, delivering excellent image quality and good ISO performance up to 1600 ISO. Key strengths include a highly user-friendly interface with an optional guided menu mode, a fully articulating touchscreen display, a quick hybrid Dual Pixel autofocus system during Live View, and impressive battery life reaching over 1,000 shots when using the optical viewfinder. However, the camera falls short in several areas, particularly regarding its optical viewfinder system and video capabilities. When shooting through the optical viewfinder, users are restricted to a cramped 95% field coverage and a very outdated 9-point autofocus system. Video performance is a major drawback, as its advertised 4K recording is limited to 30p and suffers from a massive crop factor, a slow autofocus response, and lackluster electronic stabilization. Additionally, Canon made cost-cutting omissions by removing the automatic pop-up flash button, the depth-of-field preview button, and the central sync pin on the hot...

it.scribd.com

09/11/2019

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Review - Tutti Fotografi

The Tutti Fotografi review highlights the Canon EOS 250D as a highly capable, entry-level DSLR that features an updated 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and a responsive Digic 8 processor. Designed with beginners in mind, it stands out for its excellent portability, weighing only about 450 grams, and an ergonomic, thin-grip chassis making it one of the smallest DSLRs with a fully articulating touchscreen. Key photographic pros include a vastly improved dynamic range with highly flexible RAW recovery, a reliable and snappy 143-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system during Live View mode, and exceptional low battery consumption delivering up to 1,070 shots per charge when using the optical viewfinder. On the downside, the review notes severe limitations with its new 4K video recording feature, which imposes a heavy 1.7x image crop and forces the camera to switch from Dual Pixel AF to a sluggish contrast-detection system. Furthermore, the traditional viewfinder shooting experience relies on an outdated 9-point autofocus module dating back to 2004, which severely limits cross-frame coverage. Additional drawbacks include a lack of weather sealing, a missing central sync pin on...

tweakers.net

01/05/2024

Summary of the review

Canon EOS 250D + 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Black - Product reviews

This review covers the Canon EOS 250D DSLR camera bundle equipped with an EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. Purchased second-hand for family and everyday use, the reviewer highly praises the camera's visual quality, noting that its 24.1-megapixel sensor offers great cropping flexibility. The camera's ergonomics are a major highlight; it features a deep, comfortable grip that fits well even in large hands, along with highly intuitive button placement and a responsive touchscreen. Autofocus performance is exceptionally strong, specifically the Dual Pixel autofocus with eye and face detection when shooting in Live View. Furthermore, the inclusion of stable Wi-Fi connectivity allows for quick, seamless photo transfers to a smartphone during travel. The bundle's 18-55mm kit lens delivers excellent stabilization, a compact retracted design, and satisfying 1080p video with accurate focus and clean HDMI output for streaming. A massive advantage highlighted is the access to a vast, highly affordable market of second-hand EF and EF-S lenses. Conversely, the reviewer outlines several cost-cutting drawbacks where Canon shifted toward a budget build compared to older models like the 100D. The dials feel cheaper,...

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM Review | 54 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM better than the average camera lens?

Why is Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM?

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