Great Lens! I have done some tests with it and it is sharp and the video isn't grainy. Autofocus during video is just fine! (Update) The pictures are definitely not sharp, good color, and autofocus is is slow because it is not usm. Not as sharp as an L Lens, but it works for now.

Engineered exclusively for the EOS M digital camera, the new Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a compact and lightweight lens with good technical specs that offers an efficient performance with easy portability.

The Canon EF-M 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM ($299.99 direct) is the standard zoom lens for the EOS M compact interchangeable lens camera . You can buy the EOS M bundled with it or the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM , so buying it separately to supplement the prime lens is not out of the question.

Sharp; Optically stabilized; 3x zoom range; Well built

Small aperture; Noticeable distortion; Electronic manual focus; Hood not included

Canon's EF-S 18-55mm kit lenses have always been small, light and cheap and the latest versions have the very useful image stabilization feature. These lenses have been and continue to be a good value when purchased as a starter lens in a DSLR kit, but they have never been a strongly desired lens...

Handling and features This is the latest incarnation of Canon's 18-55mm image stabilised kit lens for EF-S compatible EOS cameras sporting their new STM stepping motor technology, which promises to provide smooth, silent autofocus, especially well-suited for shooting video.

The more I use this lens the better it gets. I bought the M3 body with this being the kit lens. At first I set this lens aside and used EF lense with converters, thinking the kit lens would be inferior. I started attaching the EF-M on hikes and bicycle rides to reduce weight.

It's 100% better than 18-55 IS II. It's fast, quiet and sharp. Awesome for video. Front lens doesn't rotate. Ring of manual focusing is wide and convenient. I like it!

Gary Wolstenholme reviews Canon's latest EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens.

Good sharpness throughout the zoom range; Lightweight; Fast focusing; Effective stabiliser; Close focusing

High CA levels; Plastic lens mount; A touch expensive when bought on its own

Standard zoom kit lenses are often the first thing that new DSLR owners upgrade, as they typically aren't built to last, don't have many features and deliver at best average image quality.

Great all purpose lens for the much maligned EOS- M. Since Canon released a new firmware update addressing the focussing speed the camera focusses much more quickly to a point where speed isn't an issue. The 18-55 lens is a great lens to keep attached for everyday use.