Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: EFS18-55mm
• Released on: 2007-10-22
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 3.60" w x 4.50" l, .55 pounds

Features

• The standard zoom lens is designed with Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining the compactness and lightness of previous models. Its stabilization allows sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible
• It consists of 11 elements in 9 groups and uses an Aspherical lens element to correct aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range and a circular aperture for exquisite rendering of out-of-focus backgrounds

Amazon.com Product Description
Equipped with Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom lens is ideal for just about any application. IS technology compensates for camera shake by providing the equivalent effect of a shutter speed up to four stops faster. This allows you to take sharp handheld shots even in low-light conditions--a must for sports and nature photography. The lens also offers an aspherical lens element that corrects for aberration, thus producing a topnotch image throughout the zoom range, and a circular aperture that exquisitely renders out-of-focus backgrounds. Despite its minimal size, weight, and cost, the lens expands the picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.

Specifications

• Focal length: 18 to 55mm
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5 to f/5.6
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
• Angle of view: 74 degrees @ 20 feet to 27 degrees @ 50 feet
• Focus adjustment: Autofocus (DC motor) with manual focus option
• Closest focusing distance: 9.8 inches
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter and 3.33 inches long
• Weight: 7.1 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Customer Reviews

Great Lens
I purchased this lens for my Canon 40d camera. I wanted to be able to take indoor photos for Christmas. This lens was perfect. I was able to take pictures of a large family group in a room.

Canon's Third Try on a 18-55 Kit Lens!
This review is for; Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens

For those that are unaware this is actually Canon's third version of a 18-55 kit lens. The first lens was your basic 18-55 EF-S 1:3.5-5.6 (the lens I got with my XTi). Next came the same lens, but with a USM motor (very limited availability, probably because Canon had the IS version in the works). The third version is the 18-55 EF-S 1:3.5-5.6 with IS (image stabilization).

So far, I have been very satisfied with this lens as I have used it to replace the 18-55 kit lens that originally came with my XTi. The IS really helps to keep images sharp when using the camera for hand-held shots only! Don't use the IS when your camera is mounted on a tripod! The lens is not much larger than the original 18-55 kit lens, so this is really a good upgrade mainly because of the IS if you owned the previous kit lens which didn't have IS. My only beefs with this lens are I wish it had the quieter & quicker USM (ultra-sonic motor) and had full-time focusing (featured on other Canon lenses where you can manually focus without switching the auto/manual switch). I also wish the front lens wouldn't rotate during focusing so I could use a polarizer filter with it. However, for the low price of this lens you really can't complaint too much!

My only concern is will Canon come out with a 18-55 lens again (a fourth version?) & add the USM motor with the existing image stabilization? Yeah, maybe Canon will come out with a fourth version of the 18-55 lens that will be available with newer, entry-level DSLR's in the future which will be probably be called the "Canon Digital Rebel XRi & XR" (after the XTi/XT & XSi/XS?). For now, this lens is a welcome addition to my lens collection that I'm glad to use!

For the money, it needs to be in your bag!
I purchased this lens two days ago, and since I have already I've pulled about 200-400 images through that thing. Though it's not a "wide-angle" lens, it certainly clearly captures down at 17mm and it's pretty darn wide.

I'd have to give this thing two thumbs up. For speed. For weight. For image quality.

Definitely one to keep in the camera bag.