Canon Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Review
This renewed Canon kit lens is a cheap, stabilized body cap that can actually take decent photos. For $135, it's a low-risk way to start shooting.
Overview
This renewed Canon 18-55mm kit lens is a weirdly specific bargain. It's not a great lens, but for $135, it's a shockingly good way to get into the Canon system with stabilization and decent autofocus. The one thing to know is this: you're buying a cheap, stabilized body cap that can actually take decent photos, not a premium optic.
Performance
What surprised me is how good the autofocus and stabilization are for the price. The STM motor is quiet and smooth, hitting the 96th percentile for AF performance. The 4-stop image stabilization is legit too, landing in the 89th percentile. It makes handheld video and low-light shots way more possible than you'd expect from a plastic kit lens. Just don't expect magic from the actual glass—optical quality is only in the 34th percentile.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong af (96th percentile) 98th
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile) 92th
- Strong build (74th percentile) 88th
Cons
- Below average macro (17th percentile) 27th
- Below average bokeh (27th percentile) 30th
- Below average aperture (29th percentile)
- Below average optical (34th percentile)
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 55 |
| Focal Length Max | 55 |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 10 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 58 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 250 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4 |
Value & Pricing
At $135, the value is solid. You're getting a usable, stabilized zoom with good autofocus for the price of a dinner out. It's not an investment in great glass, but it's a fantastic tool for a beginner or a backup lens that won't make you cry if it gets damaged.
vs Competition
Don't compare this to the prime lenses in the competitor list, like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7. That's a different tool—sharper and faster, but no zoom and no stabilization. If you need a versatile, stabilized walk-around lens for cheap, this Canon wins. If you want better image quality and low-light performance from a prime, spend a bit more on the Viltrox or Meike primes. But for a first lens or a 'just in case' zoom, this renewed Canon is the practical pick.
| Spec | Canon Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Viltrox VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55mm | 55mm | 25mm | 24mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/1.4 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 215 | 281 | 400 | 269 | 676 | 544 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | - | - | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
Verdict
Buy this renewed Canon 18-55mm if you're new to Canon cameras and need a cheap, stabilized kit lens to learn with. It's also a great backup for travel when you don't want to risk your good glass. Skip it if you already have better zooms, need fast apertures for low light, or are chasing the best image quality. For the price, it does its job well.