Canon EF-M18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

Canon's EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is designed specifically for use with the Canon EOS M Mirrorless Camera. Currently [06/2013], this is the only camera in this range.

As one of the latest incarnations of the Rebel/xxxD standard kit zoom lens it shows numerous developments such as the STM focus motor and a more solid metal construction. Expect newer versions over time if new EOS-M cameras appear

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6
Lens Construction	13 elements in 11 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	74° 20' - 27° 50'
Focus Adjustment	Inner focusing system
Closest Focusing Distance	0.82 ft /0.25m
Zoom System	Rotating Type
Filter Size	52mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	2.4 x 2.4 inch, 7.4 oz. / 60.9 x 61.0mm, 210g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF-M18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM reviews and articles

• Canon UK | US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

Product launch

July 23, 2012 - Canon has announced two lenses for the EF-M mount used for the first time by its EOS M mirrorless camera. The first lenses will be a EF-M 22mm F2.0 STM 'pancake' prime and an EF-M 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM stabilized standard zoom lens.

Both are built around a STM linear stepping motors to drive focus. The EF-M 22mm F2.0 offers a field-of-view equivalent to a 35mm lens on a 135 film camera, while the 18-55mm offers around 29-88mm equivalent coverage. Both feature metal lens barrels and focus-by-wire manual focus.

In addition to compatibility with Canon’s existing EF lenses1, accessories and Speedlites, the EOS M launches with its own bespoke range of compact accessories. Two new EF-M lenses offer portability and high performance when using the new model – the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom and the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens.

Both feature new Stepper Motor technology for exceptionally smooth AF performance, as well as precision Canon optics, while their compact designs offer the perfect form-factor to complement the camera’s pocket-sized body.