Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS review

At a glance:

• Standard zoom lens for Canon EOS M digital camera with image stabilization for up to four eqiuvalent stops of shake correctoin
• Supports continuous AF during video shooting
• Circular aperture (7 blades) for soft backgrounds
• Maximum magnification of 0.25x at the telephoto end
• Minimum focusing distance: 9.8 in./0.25m (full zoom range)

OpticalLimits (formerly known as Photozone.de) tested the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS lens. The EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS is a so-called “kit lens”, though a pretty decent one.

From the conclusion:

Optically it is decent. In terms of resolution, it doesn’t reach the full potential of the sensor but the center quality is easily very good across the relevant focal length and aperture range. The outer image region isn’t hot at 18mm at f/3.5 and 24mm at f/4 but other than that it’s pretty sharp really. The lateral CAs are moderate overall. Unlike most competing lenses (in other systems), the lens DOES NOT rely on distortion correction. There are strong barrel distortions at 18mm but in the mirrorless system scope that’s pretty much Ok actually.

Another positive aspect is the lens construction. Let’s be honest – kit lenses are usually built to the very lowest build quality standards. This is not the case here. It feels plenty sturdy and it’s quite fun to use. The AF is reasonably fast and silent. Canon’s image stabilizer is well proven and does its job nicely in this lens as well. Read the review…

Canon has a long history in making kit lenses and inexpensive lenses that perform very decently for the price asked. The EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS sells for $299.

Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE