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

Avg. price:~£260Lens mount:Canon EF-SMaximum focal length:55 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):5.6Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:64.5 °

Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM 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.

5.9

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

8.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 85% of camera-lenses
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

35%

3.8

Optics & Aperture

24%

4.6

Build & Handling

20%

5.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 89% of camera-lenses
8.9

User score

User score
8.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

8.3

Number of reviews

Based on 482 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 72% of camera-lenses
  • canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm
  • canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm
  • canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm
canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm
canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm
canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

35%

3.8

Optics & Aperture

24%

4.6

Build & Handling

20%

5.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

5.1
User score
User score
8.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

8.3

Number of reviews

Based on 482 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.9
Popularity
Popularity
8.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Popularity:
Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM has a popularity score of 8.3 points, which is higher than 65.4% of camera lenses.
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

60%

5.9

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

6.8
Lens type
zoom
Lens mount
Canon EF-S
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
58 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ 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
64.5 °
Minimum angle of view
27.8 °
Show more
Focus motor
STM
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
â–² 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
0.25xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.25x
â–² Better than 70% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.25x, which is higher than 70% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Electronic override in One-Shot AF.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
â–² Better than 71% of models
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
4-stop stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
â–¼ Worse than 34% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens offers 4 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 21.3% of camera lenses and equal to 44.5% of camera lenses.
Weight
230 g
Weight
230 g
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 230 g, which is lighter than 82.5% of camera lenses.
Lens length
61.8 mm
Lens length
61.8 mm
â–² Better than 81% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 61.8 mm long, which is shorter than 80.6% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
66.5 mm
Lens diameter
66.5 mm
â–² Better than 80% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 66.5 mm, which is slimmer than 80.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
no
Metal mount
no
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount. 93.7% 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 4 5 6 IS STM vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
    4-stop stabilization.
  • 280 g lighter
    Weight
    230 g
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (230 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    230 g vs 510 g
  • 30.45 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    61.8 mm
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (61.8 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    61.8 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 10.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    66.5 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens 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
  • 0.06 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.25 x
    â–² Better than 70% 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.
    0.25 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    â–² 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
  • 2.04x cheaper
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).
    £260 vs £530
  • 2.04x cheaper
    Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).
    £260 vs £530
  • 0.06 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.25 x
    â–² Better than 70% 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.
    0.25 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.25 m
    â–² 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
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
    4-stop stabilization.
  • 280 g lighter
    Weight
    230 g
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (230 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    230 g vs 510 g
  • 30.45 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    61.8 mm
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (61.8 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    61.8 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 10.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    66.5 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens 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
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens 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
    Metal mount
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
  • No lens hood
    Lens hood included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    5.6
    â–¼ 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
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • No metal mount
    Metal mount
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This camera lens does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
  • No lens hood
    Lens hood included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
the-digital-picture.com
25/05/2017
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Review
P
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
P
photoreview.com.au
14/03/2017
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens
R
radojuva.com
16/04/2020
Summary of the review
Review of Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1: 4-5.6 IS STM
E
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)
D
dxomark.com
15/02/2017
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM - DxOMark
L
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)
(Translated)Show original
I
it.scribd.com
09/11/2019
Summary of the review
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Review - Tutti Fotografi
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
01/05/2024
Summary of the review
Canon EOS 250D + 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Black - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 482 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

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

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable for travel and everyday use
  • STM motor provides near-silent and smooth autofocus, ideal for video recording
  • Excellent center sharpness, with some users comparing its performance to higher-end 'L' series lenses
  • Highly effective 4-stop optical image stabilization for steady handheld shots
  • Very affordable, especially when purchased as part of a camera bundle
  • Features a non-rotating front element, allowing for easy use of polarizing filters

What we don't like about Canon EF-S 18 55mm F 4 5 6 IS STM

  • Slow maximum aperture (f/4-5.6) limits low-light performance and background blur (bokeh)
  • Noticeable barrel distortion at the wide-angle end and some vignetting in Raw files
  • Edge and corner sharpness are significantly weaker compared to the center
  • Plastic mount construction feels less durable than metal alternatives
  • Struggles to find focus in dim, low-contrast lighting conditions

Verdict

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a compact standard zoom lens designed for APS-C DSLRs, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 28.8-88mm. Its primary characteristics include a stepping motor (STM) for near-silent, smooth autofocus and an optical image stabiliser providing up to 4 stops of shake correction. Weighing just 215g and measuring 61.8mm in length, its main pros are its portability, impressive edge-to-edge sharpness for a kit lens, and a non-rotating front element that simplifies the use of polarising filters. However, its main cons include a relatively slow maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 which limits low-light performance and background blur, as well as a plastic mount and lack of weather sealing.

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