Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Announced July 23, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a capable, well-built kit lens that offers reliable image stabilization and smooth, quiet autofocus for travel. Although it provides solid performance for its class, users may encounter significant distortion at wider angles and softness when shooting wide open.
Weighted from 6 reviewer scores
Pros
- Solid, high-quality construction with a metal mount
- Quiet and efficient autofocus performance
- Effective optical image stabilization for stills and video
- Smooth and precise zoom ring operation
Cons
- Limited aperture range with softness and vignetting at wider settings
- Difficult or slow manual focus experience
- Noticeable geometric distortion and corner shading at wide angles
- Susceptibility to flare and chromatic aberrations
- Launch price $299 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 25 cm (0.25x)
- Filter thread 52mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 210g · 61 x 61 mm (2.40 x 2.40 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 6 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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You won't get the full benefit of a 24 megapixel camera by using this lens, but if it's stopped down to f8, then you will get pretty sharp pictures.
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The Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a competent standard zoom lens for the new EF-M system, rather than a spectacular one.
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The Canon EF-M 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM is sharper and better made than many 18-55mm lenses, but shows noticeable distortion at wider angles.
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This lens performs magnificently, so I'd strongly suggest it for the EOS-M if you want a zoom.
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The short answer is that they’re good, not super-telephoto L prime good, but much better than I expected from a kit 18-55mm lens. Unfortunately, that’s about all I can say on the subject.
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The Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, to my surprise, is actually a great kit lens choice if you're choosing to travel light with one or two lenses like the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 or the Canon 32mm f/1.4.
