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

I recently purchased a sweet Canon 400D /XTi Rebel from Amazon.co.uk (￡45 cashback!) and this standard zoom lens (Canon EF-S 18-55mm ) came with it. As far as I know, you cannot purchase the Canon EF-S 18-5mm on it's own, as it's designed specifically to be sold with the 400D/XTi Rebel package.

Cheap and light

Grainy photo quality; low zoom

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

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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

Canon's new 18-55mm zoom is an attractive proposition thanks to its relatively cheap price and the inclusion of image stabilisation. The lens is a lightweight, easy-to-use design that has a folded zoom action where the front element moves out, then in, then out again as the focal length is...

Fantastic value for money

Poor manual-focusing experience

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is the current generation budget "kit" lens for Canon EOS APS-C DSLRs. Compared to its predecessor Canon did not only improve the optical design - they also added an image stabilizer, changed the finish and introduced circular aperture blades for a better bokeh...

At $175 (street), this digital-only wide-to-normal standard zoom offers Canon EOS Digital Rebel shooters image stabilization for only about $35 -- and 1.3 ounces -- more than Canon's non-IS kit zoom.

Just a terrific lens for a "kit" lens.A best buy.It is a huge improvement over the older kit lens.The IS is superb.I think it's a best buy and Canon finally has built an very good,inexpensive consumer lens.

WAY better than old non-IS Excellent IS sharp(shockingly good)

plastic build feels cheap(but is very adequate)

My perfect budget DSLR kit would include this lens for everyday use and macro photography, the Canon 55-250 zoom lens, and a 50mm prime lens for low light. Get a set of 58mm filters to protect your lenses, the filters are much easier to clean, and breaking a filter is a LOT cheaper than breaking...

Note: This lens is the kit lens that comes with the Digital Rebel XSi and a few other Canon cameras; The lens has a decent zoom, and is easy to use, even for beginners; Image stabilization works well and is quiet; Cheap

Sometimes this lens has problems focusing in low light; The focus ring is actually the end of the lens, so for beginners it is a little tricky to find; Aperture is not as fast as I would like, but it certainly works for low light photography, as long as you have a good tripod.