Canon EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS II

[LuCoOc]

Canon seems to have announced a new version of this lens today. I haven't found it in the forum yet so simply wanted to inform you guys about it.
This link is from the German canon homepage:

http://www.canon.de/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/EF-S/EF-S_18-55mm_f3.5-5.6_IS_II/

[neuroanatomist]

Canon seems to have announced a new version of this lens today. I haven't found it in the forum yet so simply wanted to inform you guys about it.

It was incorporated into the 600D/T3i announcement:

"Introducing the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

Launching with the EOS 600D is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II – a new kit lens that provides excellent performance for beginners. A lightweight construction makes it easy to carry, and Canon’s acclaimed optical Image Stabilization also minimises the risk of blur, allowing photographers to use shutter speeds 4 stops slower while still maintaining a blur-free shot. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II will succeed the existing EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS in Canon’s lens line-up."

[gbaturin]

Wow, another FAIL from Canon. If they wanted to launch a new EFS they should have replaced the 17 55. any lens with  variable aperture is a FAIL. And that includes the new L 70 300. Whatever happened to the good old days of the 70 200 series...Gone, lost in the wake of the credit crunch... 

[CR Backup Admin]

Wow, another FAIL from Canon. If they wanted to launch a new EFS they should have replaced the 17 55. any lens with  variable aperture is a FAIL. And that includes the new L 70 300. Whatever happened to the good old days of the 70 200 series...Gone, lost in the wake of the credit crunch... 

Not all users can afford expensive lenses, thats why every camera and every lens maker has variable aperture lenses. We are talking a kit lens for a $700 camera kit, and you think it should be a $1500 lens?

[pgabor]

Sorry for u guys:

"The 600D gets a 'new' kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II. According to Canon this is identical in specification to the previous version, and features exactly the same optics and IS system: it simply has a revised external design. The visible changes suggest a paring down of production costs, for example the 'white square' alignment mark for mounting the lens is now simply painted on, rather than moulded. The camera will also come in a kit with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens."

source: http://dpreview.com/previews/canoneos600d

[gbaturin]

Wow, another FAIL from Canon. If they wanted to launch a new EFS they should have replaced the 17 55. any lens with  variable aperture is a FAIL. And that includes the new L 70 300. Whatever happened to the good old days of the 70 200 series...Gone, lost in the wake of the credit crunch... 

Not all users can afford expensive lenses, thats why every camera and every lens maker has variable aperture lenses. We are talking a kit lens for a $700 camera kit, and you think it should be a $1500 lens?

Yeah, I bought an 18 200 with my 50D two years ago, and I am still sorry I did not dish out the extra 300 bucks for a 24 105. Anyonone buying an xxD or higher should not go for anything less than L series. I will set things right as soon as I buy all those toys and gear for my kid 

[gbaturin]

Sorry for u guys:

"The 600D gets a 'new' kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II. According to Canon this is identical in specification to the previous version, and features exactly the same optics and IS system: it simply has a revised external design. The visible changes suggest a paring down of production costs, for example the 'white square' alignment mark for mounting the lens is now simply painted on, rather than moulded. The camera will also come in a kit with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens."

source: http://dpreview.com/previews/canoneos600d

This info is an EPIC LOL    another brilliant example of Canons post crisis marketing strategy.

[neuroanatomist]

Bummer.  But very smart - take a cheap lens, and make it even cheaper to produce.  Pure profit.

Yeah, I bought an 18 200 with my 50D two years ago, and I am still sorry I did not dish out the extra 300 bucks for a 24 105. Anyonone buying an xxD or higher should not go for anything less than L series.

Were you 'seduced' but the wide focal range?  Any superzoom lens represents a compromise, and optical quality is usually on the chopping block.  On a crop body, the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS outperforms the 24-105mm f/4L IS (although they cost about the same).

[gbaturin]

Bummer.  But very smart - take a cheap lens, and make it even cheaper to produce.  Pure profit.

Yeah, I bought an 18 200 with my 50D two years ago, and I am still sorry I did not dish out the extra 300 bucks for a 24 105. Anyonone buying an xxD or higher should not go for anything less than L series.

Were you 'seduced' but the wide focal range?  Any superzoom lens represents a compromise, and optical quality is usually on the chopping block.  On a crop body, the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS outperforms the 24-105mm f/4L IS (although they cost about the same).

Yeah, I was won over by the superb zoom range and modest price... But now I know I should have known better    The 18-200 is a great lens to have, but not more than that. I'm not even considering buying the 17-55, because I'm planning to move up to FF in the next year or two.