Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category
superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2008 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS:
"The EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, equipped with an Image Stabilizer mechanism that compensates for camera shake with an approximately 4-shutter speed step correction capability,*1 delivers convenience and high performance. Two UD (ultra-low dispersion) and two high-precision glass-mold aspherical lenses correct for a variety of aberrations to realize high image quality throughout the entire zoom range, while the model’s inner focus system allows for effective close-up shooting at a minimum distance of 0.45 meters (approximately 1.57 feet), rendering the EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS especially effective for close-up shots. The highly effective Image Stabilizer not only creates stable shooting environments even during hand-held shootings, but also automatically switches to the appropriate stabilization mode after distinguishing between conventional and panning shots. This allows users to shoot without worry over which mode they are in. Ghosting and flare are kept to a minimum through optimized lens position and coating, and the lens is equipped with a circular aperture diaphragm that achieves natural background-blur performance. The EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS features a “leather-tone” coating, which is also employed in Canon L (Luxury)-series lenses, contributing to an overall feeling of elegance. Additionally, the zoom ring lock mechanism keeps the lens at the shortest focal length to prevent it from accidentally extending when mounted on a camera. Compact, lightweight and a wide magnification range - this standard zoom lens features a wide focal length range from normal to telephoto equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format. It features an Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 4-stops of effective correction even at full zoom. Since Canon´s optical image stabilization system is in the lens, not in the camera, you can see the stabilized, steadier images through the viewfinder. And the circular aperture can give beautiful background blur effects. This new wide zoom ratio EF-S lens delivers excellent high-speed performance at an affordable price."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is designed and meant for Canon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 18-200 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-320 mm on your Canon camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 200 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "EW-78D") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Images of Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- An impressive focal range
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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