Getting to know the lens
Choosing a lens is a very responsible process, because it is optics that projects the image on the camera’s sensor. The quality of images depends on its capabilities. The lens largely determines the speed of focusing, the convenience of working with the camera, and even the aesthetic properties of photography, the beauty of blurring the background.
Get Price Canon EF-S 18-55 f / 4-5.6 IS STM
Today we introduce you to the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM , the new “whale” lens for Canon's entry-level SLR cameras.
EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM - the "whale" in the sixth generation. Lenses of this class have been produced since 2003, improving from model to model.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM will be bundled with the new Canon EOS 800D and EOS 77D SLR cameras and sold separately. It has a number of features that turn it from an ordinary “whale” into a good universal lens for a novice photographer.
EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM mounted on a Canon EOS 77D camera
The model replaces the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS STM . The names differ in one digit, but there are a lot of updates inside. The lens inherited only the best from its predecessor.
First, pay attention to the autofocus drive. Thanks to the STM stepper motor, the lens focuses smoothly and silently during video recording. The EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM also uses a new optical design to provide better image quality. In the practical part of the review, we will test the detail and focus speed.
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 1000, F5.6, 1/100 s, 17.0 MB
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Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM is a zoom, with its help we can zoom in and out the image. The range of focal lengths is classic for whale optics: from 18 to 55 mm (3x zoom). The lens is universal: with it you can shoot general plans with a wide viewing angle, distant plots, portraits and landscapes.
Minimum Focus Shooting
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 1/160 s, 14.0 MB
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Shooting at maximum focal length
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 1/160 s, 13.0 MB
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Aperture at minimum focal length slightly lower than that of its predecessor: F4 versus F3.5. This is an insignificant difference, only a third of the exposure level. But the novelty is shorter by as much as 13.4 mm, its weight is 215 grams. It is noticeably more compact, more convenient for transportation and use. A SLR camera equipped with such a lens fits in any bag.
Relatively low aperture does not interfere with shooting in low light. The low aperture is compensated by an effective optical image stabilizer. With some skill, you can shoot without a tripod at fairly long shutter speeds and get sharp shots!
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 800, F5, 1/10 s, 12.0 MB
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Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM folded
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM at maximum focal length
If in previous models the “trunk” moved forward at both maximum and minimum focal lengths, then the newer model is more logical: at the minimum focal length, the front lens is stationary, and the larger the zoom, the more it extends.
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F4, 1/160 s, 11.0 MB
Design has become more practical, restrained. Surprised by the quality of materials and workmanship: no backlashes and creaks, all parts are perfectly fitted, the plastic of the case is credible. The progress of the zoom and focus rings is smooth, uniform, pleasant.
Due to the use of the STM motor, the focusing ring is electronic; it does not have a mechanical interface with the optical unit. The response of the electronics to the rotation of the focus ring is instant. Thanks to this solution, it is possible to manually fine-tune the focus with the half-pressed shutter button after automatic focusing. To do this, enable the corresponding option in the camera menu.
Enabling Manual Focus Adjustment in the Canon EOS 77D Camera Menu
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F8, 1/100 s, 6.0 MB
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Another plus is internal focus. When focusing, the front lens remains stationary, does not move back and forth and does not rotate. This increases the reliability of the design and makes it possible to use gradient and polarization filters. The diameter of the thread under the filter remained unchanged at 58 mm.
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F14, 13 s, 16.0 MB
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The minimum focusing distance is only 25 cm, so with this lens you can shoot small objects close-ups.
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 200, F5.6, 1/100 s, 13.0 MB
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Autofocus and optical stabilization switches are placed on the lens body, which provides quick access to important settings. By the way, they are almost impossible to accidentally knock down. In some cameras, these functions are regulated only through the menu of the camera, which is not very convenient.
Auto Focus and Optical Stabilizer Switches
The design of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM is a lot of plastic. This explains the relatively affordable price and low weight. The traditional compromise solution for the “whale” optics is the plastic mount (mount to the camera).
Plastic Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM mount
A metal mount is preferable when the photographer often changes lenses, that is, during professional shooting. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM is primarily aimed at beginners.
Canon EOS 77D / Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F7.1, 1/160 s, 14.0 MB
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In general, design, construction and usability exceeded our expectations. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM gives the impression of an inexpensive, but high-quality thing that will last for more than one year. Using it is convenient and pleasant, all controls are at hand. But how will the novelty show itself in business? We pass to testing!
