Canon EFS III (non IS) Lens vs EFS II IS
 

Was just thinking of picking up a Canon EOS 1100D but one store advertises it with a:

Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - f/3.5-5.6 III Canon EF-S And the other a:

Lens model EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II i'd imagine the EFS IS II would be a slighly better system as it seems to be kitted with other higher priced EOS models but the EFS III seems to be newer.But I dont know anything about canon lenses, As my previous experience stops with T adapter mounts etc.

Both Lenses have the same focal lengths (zoom, 18-55) and maximum apertures (f values f/3.5-5.6), the only difference is the IS which is Canons Image Stabilization system. All it means is that you will be able to shoot clearly with slightly longer shutter speeds than the Non IS lens as the mechanism trys to correct any movement caused by you holding it. Depends on the price difference... but for starters you will probably be fine with the non-IS variant.

Does anyone know where to find spec sheets or even a product info page for the 18-55mm III lens?

I'm not terribly interested in them but I spent quite a while trying to help Slade_x and find some official info on them but all I got was a lousy press release from Canon Philippines :/

In the process of searching I realized just how many variants of the EF-S 18-55mm Canon has made over the last 8 years. It's like up to 7 variants now - ridiculous.

The advanced Image Stabilizer in the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is an intelligent piece of hardware that helps keep pictures clear and in focus, delivering a level of sharpness that is equivalent to a shutter speed setting up to four steps faster. This function not only benefits dynamic photographers, but also allows for steadier images when photographing subjects in dimly lit settings such as children playing in the shade.

The IS is also intelligent enough to distinguish between normal photography and panning shots so users who are shooting sports or videos will not have their panning shots disrupted. In other words, the additional step of selecting appropriate ISmodes for each shooting intent is eliminated. Close-up shots now look better than ever as these lenses use a circular aperture, resulting in a pleasant, out-of-focus, bokeh effect. Festively-lit occasions like Christmas or romantic mood lighting would be most appropriate for this effect.

For users looking for an extremely affordable all-around lens, the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III is a variant that includes all these features and functions save for the Image Stabilizer. http://www.canon.com.ph/ABOUTUS/PRES...powerBoth.aspx

If what that quote says is true I suppose the closest product page I have for now is the page for the IS II:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppor..._3_5_5_6_is_ii

Thanks, from that it sounds like the IS system would make it easier for beginners to take more difficult/active long exposure shots?

Thanks for the links, seems like the older EFS II is the superior lens and the new (affordable) EFS III just boasts the same level of quality without image stabilization

They are almost the same price though, so basically if you were in the market for a new entry level dslr and thought the newer variant was a better bargain because it was newer (cost effective), you would be getting less for your money

The kit with the EF-S III is €470.99
The kit with the EF-S II IS is €479.99

So for the €9.00 difference the IS lens is actually the bargain it would seem, correct?

Yeah I'd say so.

Some people will argue that IS is "not needed" at the relatively wide-ish angles, but I find IS very useful when handholding.

I've no idea what this III version is all about, but if it has even slightly better optics, then of course go for the III non-IS version, if they're optically identical then sure, get the stabilized one.

I don't think it's that clear-cut. Any handshake-induced blur (which is easy to do in low-ish light) can more than negate any slight optical advantage a non-IS lens can have.

To be honest I think at this price the addition of IS probably adds more value than any incremental differences in optics. At least for me it would.

Think i found the answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF-S_18-55mm_lens

Canon released a new version of the non-stabilized EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 III lens in line with the new stabilized EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II, the non-stabilized with likely to come on future lower-end "Rebel" models and higher-end "Rebel" models. The new version of the non-stabilized lens is much sharper than the older version, very similar to the new IS II version, only not having Image Stabilization It seems they based the III off of the new II IS but left out stabilization for cost.

When i look online:

Amazon has the III kit for £389.50 / €447 including delivery http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Digita...5264123&sr=8-3

and the II IS kit for £469 / €539 without including delivery http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-11...5266155&sr=8-3

Pixmania IE do the III Kit one for €455: http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/9044923...8-55mm-dc.html

Pixmania UK for even cheaper for £379.90 / €436: http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/9044...8-55mm-dc.html

And i just found official launch prices from april 2011

Body only: £419 / €481
Body with DC III (non IS) Kit: £459 / €527 = Seems this kit has fallen a lot in price
Body with DC II IS Kit: £499 / €573

It seems at launch for most stores they were differentiated easily by cost. It clears up a lot for me now [yes]

While you do have a point there, you've got to remember it's Canon's low-end IS unit, nothing earth shattering there like the 4+ stops, better units.

Also, as you've already mentioned, this is a rather wide angle lens which demands less stabilization. I'm not on that group who claims IS is useless with this range of lenses, but still, the edge in sharpness that can be achieved with slightly better optics wins the cake, for me at least, considering the reasonable high ISO performance today's bodies have and the lighting I'd use it with.

Oh then if it's based on the II (Assuming same optics), the IS would be a worthwhile addition.

Thanks for the help,

Does anyone think i could expect much from macro shots with that lens or would i really want to purchase a good macro lens while im at it?

It can do nice close-ups actually, but real macro work? No.

Is that a no to just the kit lens or a no to the whole 1100D setup even with a macro lens, is the 12MP and ISO not enough to achieve real macro >1:1?

I have been seeing some amazing macros with just the 550 and 600D with kit lenses but i cant find any for the 1100D

Just no for the lens. Do not confuse macro with close ups, those kit lenses are not capable of macro shots at all. You can purchase some attachment filters or snap-ons that you can attach to any lens, and be one step closer to macro capability.

The body can shoot macro, of course, when paired with a macro lens.

And another tip- don't bother with macro too much. As I've witnessed, macro always attracts people when they're beginners, something very gimmicky about it makes it fun but you'll get bored with it very quickly.

Yeah sure the gimmicks always attract the beginner, its a strong incentive when you witness impressive shots http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...s/biggrin1.gif

Id image macro would be very close up imaged (much)larger than actually is

I found these pics taken with a 600D w/ a Kit lens (18-55mm IS II) these dont seem like just close ups to me

Original thread
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...8&changemode=1

large images:
http://g2.img-dpreview.com/A5DA4EBF0...B497FD4C69.jpg

Very impressive for the claim of a kit lens (non macro specified)
http://www.pbase.com/cjed/image/134906927/original.jpg

AFAIK, the 18-55 is under the 1:1 line and thus cannot be classified as a macro lens.
It sure can do some nice closeups @ 55mm, indeed, I own that lens too and have also shot such shots.

When I say macro I mean something like this:

http://www.thephotoargus.com/wp-cont...009/10/mp2.jpg
(taken from Google Images)

If you are just getting into it, I would stick with the stock EFS II first, play around with it and then decide if you need another lens. I bought a 600D with the EFS II before the summer and also got a 50mm F1.4 lens for £300. While the 50mm is a great lens (and even I can see the difference in quality vs kit one), I mainly take video so need IS, which meant it didn't get used much.

Has anyone ever bought any items from digigood (169,721), i found this as i was browsing for the sake of it:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/NEW-CANON-EOS-REB...item19c7a2a6f6

Its almost €85 cheaper than anywhere else but it is a US model, im not sure if they are stored in a warehouse in the uk (already imported) as some feedback indicates 2 day delivery time for uk members or if they are just sent direct from the states. €85 is a nice little saving but i wouldnt want to get stuck for customs duty or anything as it would obviously be more than the savingshttp://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ies/blush1.gif

Maybe other places offer the same camera with a better/longer warranty, thus the price difference, maybe? Just a thought really... Personally, I tend to pay a bit more for products that come with longer warranties. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ies/laugh1.gif

yeah everywhere i look only gives a 1 year warranty. Pixmania gives a 2 year warranty for €729 with the option of an extended 3 years for €65.97 or 5 years for €109.71

I ordered the 600D from pixmania early this morning