EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS

introduced 2007

Canon strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. The lens is one of the first in the EF-S series to incorporate a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, dramatically extending low-light performance. The lens incorporates an aspherical lens element to achieve exceptional image clarity.

The lens is built to fit exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – including the new EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 400D and earlier models.

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a lightweight general-purpose zoom lens that is ideal for handheld photography in a wide range of lighting conditions. Offering high optical quality, the lens has an 11 element, 9 group construction, including one aspherical element for crisp corner-to-corner detail. The lens maintains a closest focusing distance of just 25cm throughout the zoom range, giving photographs the flexibility to frame up close when needed.

4-stop Image Stabilizer
Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.

Appealing background blur
The lens incorporates a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth-of-field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.

Super Spectra coatings
Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings are used to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

E-TTL II flash integration
The lens transmits distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.

In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

Image size APS-C
35mm film equivalent focal length 29-88mm
Angle-of-view horizontal 64° 30' to 23° 20'; vertical 45° 30' to 15° 40'; diagonal 74° 20' to 27° 50'
Lens construction (elements/groups) 11/9
Number of diaphragm blades 6
Minimum aperture f22 to f38
Closest focusing distance 0.25 metres
Maximum magnification x0.34 (at 55mm)
Distance information Yes
Image stabilizer 4-stops
AF actuator Micro Motor
Filter diameter 58mm
Maximum diameter x length 68.5 x 70mm
Weight 200g
Magnification with Extension Tube EF12 II 0.64-0.23 (only compatible at tele)
Magnification with Extension Tube EF25 II 1.00-0.51 (only compatible at tele)
Lens hood EW-60C
Soft case LP814
Extenders EF1.4x II and EF2x II Not compatible