A quick guide to the Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens

Which version of this f/3.5-5.6 lens do you have and how does it compare with the others?

There is regular confusion as to what version of Canon's standard 'kit lens' is fitted to cameras. The EF-S 18-55mm dates back to 2003, and by 2013 existed in eight different guises. Actually, there are (Nov 2013) nine versions, since in Japan, Canon announced a white version of the IS STM version to go with the white Kiss-7 (100D)

The latest STM version is optically the best, and quietest, if you want to shoot video.

The IS, IS II and III are next downwards in image quality and differ only in external deign and the lack of IS in the III (this model indentification causes the most confusion)

The USM, I, II USM and II are similar, differing in the focus motor type (the I and II appearing only as kit option lenses, i.e. originally available only in conjunction with a camera body)

If you have a choice, avoid the original versions. The lens is not of particularly high image quality, which is much more obvious on modern higher resolution cameras. Whilst software will ameliorate some issues, there is only so much you can do to 'fix' things.

Version	USM	I	II USM	II	IS	IS II	III	IS STM
Lens features
Image stabilisation	No				Yes (4 stops)		No	Yes (4 stops)
Micro USM	Yes	No	Yes	No
Stepper motor	No							Yes
Internal focusing Front of lens moves if not internal	No							Yes
More obvious differences. Note that there may be undocumented ones too		Identical to the Mk I USM but without an ultrasonic motor	Similar optics to the Mk I, but with changes to the shape of the zoom ring and the tapered area at the front of the lens	Identical to the Mk II USM but without an ultrasonic motor	Adds image stabilisation and improves image quality problems of the Mk I and II. Improved bokeh from new aperture blades.	Identical to the IS I but with a revised external design	Similar to the IS II but without image stabilisation	Featuring a revised optical design and utilising stepper motor technology
Physical data
Weight	190 g				200 g		190 g	205 g
Diameter x Length (max.)	68.5 mm x 66 mm				68.5 mm x 70 mm			69.0 mm x 75.2 mm
Filter diameter	58 mm
Technical data
Groups/elements	9/11							11/13
Aperture blades	6							7
Min. focusing distance	0.28 m				0.25 m
Max. magnification	0.28x				0.34x
Accessories
Lens hood	EW-60C							EW-63C
Case	LP814							LP1016
Retail information
Announced	Sept. 2003 (with 300D)		Feb. 2005 (with 350D)		Aug. 2007 (with 40D)	Feb. 2011 (with 600D)		Apr. 2013 Nov 2013 (W)
Price	$239.99	Kit only	$239.99	Kit only	$199.99		Kit only	$249.99
Current?	No					Yes

In February 2017, Canon announced a new EF-S18-55 f4-5.6 IS STM lens alongside the EOS 800D and EOS 77D

The lens widest aperture is reduced to f/4 and the lens is shortened.

It's 215 g but only 62mm long, retaining the same 58mm filter size.

new 18-55mm lens size comparison

Spotting which EF-S 18-55 you have

18-55 mk1 and USM The non USM version was only found in kits
18-55 mk2 and USM Note change of focus ring and taper at front. The non USM version was only found in kits
18-55 IS
18-55 IS Mk2 Note lack of silver ring and lettering changes compared to original 18-55 IS
18-55 mk3 Note lack of IS switch compared to IS mk2
18-55 STM
15-55 f4-5.6 IS STM Shorter than the previous f3.5-5.6 version