Side-by-side comparison of the 18-55mm IS to the non-IS mk II version suggests that it offers more than simply the addition of an IS unit. The new lens is slightly longer than its predecessor (70mm vs 66mm), and the front element is substantially larger in diameter (44mm vs 37mm); the optical...

Much improved optics compared to Canon's previous non-IS 18-55mm kit lens; Effective image stabilisation; Very compact and lightweight; Good macro performance

All plastic construction; Rotating front element a pain for filter users; Narrow and very loose manual focus ring; Near-useless lens hood

The EF-S 18-55IS is the latest incarnation of Canon's general purpose "Kit Lens" for the Digital Rebel line of DSLRs. This time Canon has added a new Image Stabilization (IS) system to the lens, which they claim can add as much as 4 stops of extra stability when handholding the lens.

Canon's new 18-55mm zoom is an attractive proposition thanks to its relatively cheap price and the inclusion of image stabilisation.......

Fantastic value for money

Poor manual-focusing experience

Flexible lens perfect for someone new to SLRs and only someone with an ego wouldn't use it when on holiday. It's light and won't be a burden around your neck. It's images lack a bit of punch but clarity and colour can always be enhance in post.

IS makes low shutter speeds easier to use; Quite sharp all round; Gets a reasonably shallow depth of field at 55mm at f/5.6; Cheap, compact and light; Common 58mm filter thread

Some lateral CA, manual focus ring is difficult to use; Not the most accurate autofocus results; I've noticed coma wide open in some shots; Colour rendering is a bit flat; Not exactly a solid design (should survive a slight knock, but not much more)

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens adds image stabilisation to the company's older kit lens, otherwise they are basically the same. It's compatible with all Canon EF-S digital camera bodies, such as the EOS 450D and EOS 40D , but it won't fit on the EOS 5D or any cameras in the EOS 1D or 1Ds series.

Optical image stabilisation delivers sharper handheld photos at slow shutter speeds; Good optics for its class; Lightweight and compact

Poor manual focus ring design; Plastic construction less desirable than metal; 55mm maximum focal length may leave you short

I've been using this lens for the past one month now and I must say I am pretty happy with it overall. I mostly use it as my travel lens. It has been fairly consistent I've had minimal blurriness although I would say it is not as sharp as my EFS 55/250 when it comes to it's focus.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight

Slow Focus; Weak Casing

This lens is a kit lens but it's still very good, especially for a kit lens. Here are some more detailed pros and cons from my use of this lens:Pros:-Very light, granted it is mostly plastic-Sharp photos (especially in RAW mode)-Decent walk around lens-Image StabilizationCons:-Build quality isn't...

Easily Interchangeable; Good IQ; Lightweight; Sharp Focus

Weak Casing

I am very pleased with this lens. I have had my camera for several years but did not have this lens. It is a great addition and is great for standard picture taking.

What more do you want in a basic zoom lens? 3x zoom, compact, image stabilization to help compensate for it not being a particularly fast (wide aperture) lens. Appears to be pretty sturdy for a budget lens and I've had good luck with all the other Canon AF lenses I own.

an OK lens for the price, but you will outgrow it fairly quickly if you care about your photography

cheap; lightweight and sharpness is OK

There are much better lenses for not that much more money