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 Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens is a solidly performing medium-zoom lens, with good optics and image stabilization, that will appeal to more than just the entry-level crowd.

Optical image stabilization delivers sharper handheld photos at slow shutter speeds; lightweight, compact, and affordably priced; good optics for its class

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

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 suggest this lens because it isn't too hard on the pocket. and combined with the 55-250 IS it would provide a easy to carry IS kit, and would not cost to much. It is a very nice lens for beginners. If i got to do it again i would.

Well to sum it up quickly YES; The IS System is very helpful in low light situation; Helps provide a very sharp picture compare to the Non-IS version of this lens

No real noticeable weakness as of yet; Focuses fast (for the price) and no back or front focus problems.

The previous reviews for this item seem to be for the "old" kit lens. The item reviewed here is the Image stabilised version of this lens. It is the kit lens for the Canon EOS 450D. This is one of the most under-rated EFS lenses canon makes.

very good optics at 18mm; Image stabilisation works very well.

Slow Auto Focus; comparatively poor optical quality at longer ranges; looks and feels cheap

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

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

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