In response to demands of photographers, this standard zoom lens is designed with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining the compactness and lightness of previous models. Its stabilization allows sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible. It consists of 11 elements in 9 groups and uses an Aspherical lens element to correct aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range and a circular aperture for exquisite rendering of out-of-focus backgrounds. Without a lot of size, weight or cost, this lens expands picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.

Read more at Canon USA

Reviews

Canon EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS review by dpreview.com

Canon’s 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS is the latest in its line of inexpensive dSLR kit lenses which began with the original 18-55mm in 2003, as an accompaniment to the groundbreaking EOS Digital Rebel/300D (widely considered to be the camera which started the affordable dSLR revolution). The focal length range was chosen to be equivalent to the popular 28-90mm kit lenses then available for entry-level 35mm SLRs, and lightweight plastic construction was used to keep costs down.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens Review – the Rebel and Rebel XT Kit Lens by photo.net

The 18-55/3.5-5.6 is a very good lens for $100. It’s weaknesses show up at the ends of its zoom range (18mm and 55mm), especially in the corners of the frame when used wide open where resolution and contrast can be rather poor. To get decent sharpness in the corners requires stopping to f8 at 18mm or f11 at 55mm – but you still won’t get the same image quality as you would from a a prime or “L” series zoom lens.