Let's try this again: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 1:3.5-5.6 IS

Cost: $45 (average market price $50)

OK, let's try another Canon kit lens... This time the first inexpensive Canon kit lens that included Image Stabilization as default, making a big difference in quality and usability of a kit lens. At the same time, the optical formula was improved to increase overal sharpness and image quality.

So how did it go? Well... not to bad. During a recent visit to Kortrijk, Belgium, I was able to take this lens for a walk at dusk. Even with the lower light, it performed reasonable well. Not as good as the Pentax 50mm prime lens I reviewed last week, but very decent for such a cheap lens (you can still find a new one for under $200).

It was a pleasant surprise that this lens actually did work with the Viltrox electronic adapter, allowing me to use auto-focus. A nice treat as I have been shooting manually for the last year or so. Did it focus well? Yes, but very slow with a lot of focus calibrating with every shot. One day I would like to try it with a Metabones V adapter to see if that works better.

Image quality is good. Sharp across all corners with very little color aberration. Nice colors and contrast. Not much more to say... but a good price/quality balance. A good walk-around lens for on holidays, or other general purpose.

I will for sure try to find some other Canon lenses from this era... good quality, auto-focus that works on my Sony, in lens image stabilisation, and just old enough to find them at a low cost. No need to pay more for a more recent lens. A keeper...

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 18-55mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.5-5.6
Minimum Aperture: F22-38
Image Format: APS-C
Lens Mount: EF
Image Stabilization: 4 stops
Optics: 11 elements / 9 groups
Blades: 6
Focussing: Auto Focus
Minimum Focus: 25cm
Filter Size: 58mm
Weight: 200g
Length: 68.5-84.5mm
Production: 2007
Serial Number: na

Made in: Japan

More information on Canon Inc.

Samples:

1/100 sec - f/5 - 30mm - ISO100 B - Handheld

1/25 sec - f/20 - 30mm - ISO100 B - Handheld

1/160 sec - f/11 - 55mm - ISO100 B - Handheld

1/160 sec - f/5.6 - 55mm - ISO 1.6 KB - Handheld

1/80 sec - f/5 - 45mm - ISO250 B - Handheld

1/80 sec - f/5.6 - 55mm - ISO3.1 KB - Handheld

1/60 sec - f/4 - 28mm - ISO250 B - Handheld

1/60 sec - f/4 - 18mm - ISO320 B - Handheld

1/125 sec - f/5 - 39mm - 3.1 KB - Handheld

1/60 sec - f/4 - 18mm - ISO100 B - Handheld

1/160 sec - f/4.5 - 36mm - ISO160 B - Handheld

1/160 sec - f/5 - 40mm - ISO400 B - Handheld

Sources:
the-digital-picture.com
usa.canon.com
dpreview.com