Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

Review of Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens. Review created 2004, latest update 2013.

  • very cheap but usable starter's lens
  • typically comes bundled with a camera body (also known as “the kit lens”)
  • in my use from 9/2004 to 6/2006
  • served well as my first lens
  • it doesn't get any cheaper than this
  • reasonable image quality especially when stopped down (is at its best between f/8 and f/11)
  • recommended as a first lens
  • if you don't set your expectations too high you cat get wonderful photos with it
  • images lack color, contrast and definition (the difference in these areas is big even compared to Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II)
  • its all cheap'n'plastic
  • not targeted for advanced hobbyist nor pros
  • when you have a change to try something better you will soon like to leave this home