Canon’s redesigned compact EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II autofocus zoom lens (approximately a 28-90mm lens in 35mm format) is smaller and lighter than conventional lenses because of the shorter back focus distance. By reducing the distance from the rear of the lens to the imaging sensor and reducing the size of the image circle to accommodate the camera’s imaging sensor size, the lens produces high image quality with superb resolution at all focal lengths.
By optimizing the EF-S 1…
Buy Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens for EOS Digital SLR Rebel XT, XTI, 20D & 30D Digital Cameras at Amazon
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I purchased this lens after buying an EOS 30D body-only, and discovering that the 1.6 crop factor was far too severe for my shooting requirements and existing EF lenses. This lens was intended to be used as the equivalent of my old EF 28-105mm, and in wide angle, it does an extremely good job getting me just as wide as I’m used to going, plus just a bit more, even if I don’t get quite the reach on the zoom end even after the 1.6 crop factor.
Intending to use it as a knock-around low-end lens, I bought mine used, and couldn’t be happier with what I got for the price, and frankly was amazed at the sharpness and clarity and comparable quality of image I’m getting as compared to my more expensive EF lenses.
The only awkward thing about this lens is that the focal ring is on the outer edge of the lens. If you use a polarizing filter, where the orientation of the filter is critical, you’ll find that the act of focusing will spin the filter along with the focal ring. There’s not enough resistance on the focal ring to allow for filter adjustment after AF has been locked on target. In essence, this renders this lens incompatible for use with any sort of adjustable filter.
This is easily my lightest weight lens I now own. It feels like nothing at all at the end of my camera, which took some getting used to. Despite good performance, feels a bit like a toy, like something you’d expect to screw onto a Kiddie camera not a Canon.
This lens is plenty quiet and quick focusing for my needs although a quieter, faster fousing USM version is also available.
I agree totally with the other reviewers who say that it’s fine for basic “snapshots” but that’s about all. If you’re simply looking to step up to a Digital SLR from a point and shoot, then buy the Canon Digital Rebel XT kit that comes with this lens. It’s lightweight and fine for nice quality landscapes and snapshots. This however would NOT be my first choice.
If you want exceptional pictures or if you think that you might ever step up to a nicer camera, buy only the camera body and get an images stabilized all purpose lens like the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens. This lens will let you take hand held pictures that will be sharp 2 whole shutter speeds slower than a non-stabilized lens will. The zoom range will allow every thing from nice wide angle landscapes at the lower end to moderate telephoto and excellent portraits at the higher magnification end.
You’ll probably end up keeping this on your camera as your default lens. I have an IS 75-300 and a 60mm macro that I use on occasion, but the 28-135 is my workhorse.
I received this as a kit lens with my Rebel XTi.
This is by no means a high-performance lens, but it provides a good range in focal length from wide to telephoto. It’s good for beginners like me who haven’t yet invested in nicer prime lenses of various focal lengths.
The downside is that it is a slow lens. Indoor shots are virtually impossible without the use of a flash.
Overall, it’s a good lens to start out with if you’re new to SLRs, but once you know what you’re doing you’ll want to upgrade to something nicer.