Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information

Canon's first 18-55 EF-S kit lens, whilst OK with the 6MP 300D, shows its performance limitations with newer higher resolution sensors.. If you've a choice, then go for a newer version.

This (mk 1) lens was only supplied as a kit option, the USM version was available on its own and is very similar, but with a slightly different focus mechanism.

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

Lens specifications

Marketed	September 2003 (with EOS 300D)
Lens Construction (group)	9
Lens Construction (element)	11
No. of Diaphragm Blades	6 (circular aperture)
Minimum Aperture	22 - 36
Closest Focusing Distance (m)	0.28
Maximum Magnifcation (x)	0.28
Filter Diameter (mm)	58
Maximum Diameter x Length (mm)	68.5 X 66
Weight (g)	190

EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 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

Sample images

Product launch

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, August 20, 2003.

Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the EF-S 18 55mm f/3.5 5.6 zoom lens, designed to work exclusively with the new EOS 300D, also released today. The lens will not be sold separately and will only be available when purchased together with the EOS 300D.

The EOS 300D features an APS-C sized sensor, which gives the focal length of the lens a 1.6x magnification effect over 35mm film format. Canon's goal is to furnish EOS 300D customers with the equivalent 28 90mm zoom range so popular with 35mm film EOS users. The new lens was therefore given a focal length of 18-55mm, which is equivalent to 29-88mm in the 35mm film format.

The more compact sensor size of the EOS 300D means the camera's reflex mirror can also be smaller, making it possible to bring the back of the lens closer to the image sensor. The 'S' in the EF S nomenclature stands for 'short back focus', which describes this new system.

Manufacturing costs associated with such a wide-angle zoom lens would normally be very high. The 'short back focus' system of the EOS 300D, however, has allowed Canon's design engineers to develop a remarkably low-weight, short length lens that retains all the high-quality hallmarks of the EF range. The result is an opportunity for EOS 300D users to work with a lens that would normally carry a prohibitively expensive price tag.

Perfect for digital photography

By optimising the EF-S 18 55mm f/3.5 5.6 lens coatings, Canon's engineers have effectively minimised the chance of flare and ghosting which are more prone to occur with digital cameras than with film cameras. The coatings reduce reflections off the rear of the lens to deliver crisp, undistorted digital images.

Fast and close auto-focus

The drive pattern of the lens has been tailored to specifically match that of the EOS 300D, for quiet, precise and fast auto focus. A minimum focusing distance of just 0.28m is available at all focal lengths through the zoom range.

Appealing background blur

The lens incorporates an EMD (electromagnetic diaphragm), which in the widest apertures employs an almost perfectly circular barrel aperture. This provides the best blur effect in situations where the photographer is deliberately working with a small depth of field to isolate the subject.

New mount

While the EOS 300D is compatible with the more than 60 EF lenses, the EF-S 18 55mm f/3.5 5.6 has a new mount in the EF lens series which fits only the EOS 300D. A white lens mount index (in addition to the traditional red marking) differentiates the lens from other EF lenses and a rear rubber ring prevents any damage in the event that an inadvertent attempt is made to mount the EF-S lens on a camera other than the EOS 300D.

In harmony with the environment

In keeping with Canon's stringent environmental policy, only lead free glass is used in the lens' optics.

New accessories

Because of the new mount, two new extension tubes have been developed for Canon's EF lens range, the Extension Tube EF12II and EF25II. These new tubes replace the Extension Tubes EF12 and EF25 and, as with these superceded tubes, work with almost every available Canon EF lens. Their new mount allows them to also work with the new EF S 18 55mm f/3.5 5.6.

Phenomenal magnification

Extension tubes are close-up accessories placed between the camera body and the lens to enable high-magnification photography. Through eight electronic contact points, electronic function is the same as during normal photography for compatible lenses. Magnification differs according to the lens, but for standard zoom lenses it is about 0.3 to 0.5 for the Extension Tube EF12II and 0.7 or over for the Extension Tube EF25II.

Mounting and data transfer

Both extension tubes have a white lens mount index (in addition to the traditional red marking) to indicate compatibility with the new EF-S lens. When mounted between an EOS camera and an EF lens, standard EOS-dedicated information is transferred seamlessly between camera body and lens. This includes lens status, lens type, metering information, focal length and AF drive information.