Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Lens

PROS* Very sharp across the image, even wide open.* Low Chroma. I read a test ([...]) that found higher than normal amounts of CA in this lens at some apertures, but I don't see it. My standard test is to shoot bare tree limbs on bright sunny days & look for purple fringing, especially at the edges. I'm not seeing anywhere near the level of fringing shown in some of their test shots.If anything, I'd call it "low" I read elsewhere that one of Canon's goals in adding the aspherical element to this lens was to reduce CA, so I'm thinking maybe the lens tested in photozon.de was just a bad apple.* Image Shake control works. I can't attest to how often it provides a full 4 stops worth of shake reduction, but I can see a very clear result when using it.* Fast accurate focusing. One of the reasons I purchased this lens was because I was dissatisfied with the performance of my (more expensive) Sigma 17-35 EX (the newer model), which while sharp, is just too slow and inaccurate a focuser for close work in action sports. The new Canon solved that problem.* Compact, light weight & unobtrusive. Not much bigger than a normal lens.CONS* Barrel Distortion at 18mm (28mm) While not exsessive for an inexpensive lens, this is one area where you will see benefit from spending hundreds of dollars for a much more expensive Canon "IS" or "L," or buying a fixed focal length lens. In most real world situations, it wasn't all that noticeable. I could usually correct for it in Photoshop, but this is not a lens for critical architectural work etc. I have taken hundreds of photos with this lens and barrel distortion has only called attention to itself a few times. I suspect this is one price paid for the very compact design.* Not very fast. Another area where an "L" has an edge. At F3.5 28mm equivalent and F5.6 85mm this lens is relatively slow compared to a pro lens. This effects stopping the action in low light. OTH, you will have to spend hundreds more to get a usable top speed of F 2.8 and that is *only* one stop faster at 28mm equiv. I think both this lens' sharpness and the IS system mitigate this "Con." It took me a while to learn that I could shoot wide open at all focal lengths without having the outer third of the image turn to mush.That's pretty amazing for a zoom at this price. You don't have a stop or two you almost never use because it is too soft. And the IS system works well in low light, though that doesn't figure in in stopping the action.* Does not have that red stripe. Sad to say, some will never buy this sharp, handy little lens because in is not an "L" and/or doesn't cost $[...]. Yes, it does does look a little "plasticy," probably doesn't have the build quality for heavy, everyday use by a real working pro, and does not look massive mounted on your camera body, like a "fast" pro lens that's squeezing out that last F stop. But IMO, it looks very similar to Canon's newer IS lenses, so there is no scarlet letter immediately identifying you as "cheap." In other words, "Get over it."So, why did Canon produce such a good lens at such a bargain price? I'd say that it's because Nikon announced their intention to do the same a little while ago. Also, Canon's old non IS 18-55mm lens had the rep of being something of a dog. Finally, several competing cameras now have IS built into the body. Canon had to respond with a sharp IS lens that they could put on the Rebels & the 40D. In terms of sales, the low end of the DSLR market is both hot and very competitive. We're the beneficiaries.

The lens reminds me of the canon 50mm f1.8 cheap prime, a great lens as long as you have good lighting as proved by my usage of it. Best bang for the buck in zooms I'm sure, for the 18mm end is worth more then what it cost easy.The colors are not the greatest but very usable with good lighting, a sky filter should warm them up very nicely I'm sure. The IS is good but still not the answer to a faster lens, when it comes to low lighting or inside house lighting.The glass acts much like the 50mm prime, in the it's pretty good glass but not L glass for sure. The built is pretty good, again not L built but it good and should last a while I'm sure. One needs to remember what the lens is for, being a kit lens it's meant as a good all around lens.And as a good cheap all around lens it's great and a best buy, it can take some great shots and has a very useful wide angle end. If I had to put a price tag on it with out knowing the cost, I would say a good $300 to $400 lens. So it's worth getting and using as a all around lens, for the times you want a good all around lens.That you can easy carry around and not have to worry, if it gets broke or some thing you can easy replace it. You can try new things with it and not have to worry, I would class it as a fun lens that can take some great shots. I have canon L lenses and they are the best, but I'm very careful with them because they cost so much, the new canon 18-55mm IS I can play with and have fun with.And the new kit lens is miles ahead of the old kit lens, sharper and the glass and built is a few steps up. And the IS is a no brainer for sure if you wondering, is it worth the price the answer is a easy yes. Even for pro's and artists, it's one you can take anyplace and very usable, and you can have fun with it when not, on a must have highest IQ shoot.

I love the pictures I get out of this lens. It's not especially long at the 35mm equivalent of 88mm, but it's enough for a good walk-around lens. The wide-angle is effective and even if in some situations there is some barrel distortion the lens is recognized in Canon DPP which can remove it quickly and effectively. The image stabilizer is very valuable letting you take pictures without flash even in relatively dim room lighting. Of course for a slow shutter speed you will have movement blur if the subject moves, but for the most part the shutter speeds don't have to be 'too long' to get a decent picture. I've even taken pictures at faster shutter speeds without flash than the 'P'rogram mode will give you (i.e. manually select 1/60th instead of 1/15th) and they come out well, can be brightened up if needed and are fast enough to get an effective snapshot.The zoom ring is fast and effective. It has little resistance but I've not noticed any zoom-creep since the lens is very light, yet another reason I like having it on the camera. I pair this lens with the Canon 55-250 IS and it's a great combo since both have the 4-stop Image Stablization.Anyone with a Canon DSLR that isn't a full-frame equivalent would be well advised to get this lens. It's not expensive but it is very effective.