Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens. Has image stabilization. Very light use, mint condition, no issues. Includes hood. Smoke/pet free.
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS: A Versatile Superzoom Lens
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a compact and lightweight superzoom lens designed specifically for APS-C format DSLR cameras. It was introduced as a companion to the Canon EOS 50D, and its release in August generated considerable interest among photographers looking for an all-in-one solution for travel and everyday shooting¹.
Here are the key features and details:
Focal Length Range:
- The lens covers an impressive 11x zoom range, equivalent to 29-320mm in 35mm film terms. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto shots.
- Whether you're capturing sweeping vistas or zooming in on distant subjects, the 18-200mm range has you covered.
Maximum Aperture:
- The lens has a variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6. At the widest focal length (18mm), the maximum aperture is f/3.5, while at the longest focal length (200mm), it's f/5.6.
- While not exceptionally fast, this aperture range is typical for superzoom lenses and allows for decent performance in various lighting conditions.
Optical Image Stabilization (IS):
- The EF-S 18-200mm features Canon's image stabilization technology, which compensates for camera shake.
- With up to 4 stops of effective correction, you can confidently shoot handheld even at longer focal lengths.
- The IS system also includes automatic panning detection, which is handy for tracking moving subjects.
Optical Design:
- The lens comprises 16 elements arranged in 12 groups.
- It incorporates two Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass elements and two aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure sharpness across the entire frame.
- Canon has made significant improvements over its earlier 28-200mm lens design, resulting in better image quality.
Autofocus System:
- Here's where things get interesting. Unlike some mid-range Canon lenses that use ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) autofocus, the EF-S 18-200mm employs a micro motor system.
- While this choice might raise eyebrows among photography enthusiasts, it doesn't necessarily impact performance significantly. However, it's worth noting that some competing lenses (like Tamron's 18-270mm) offer ring-type USM autofocus.
Minimum Focus Distance:
- The lens can focus as close as 45cm (1.5 feet) across its entire zoom range.
- This allows for decent close-up shots, especially when you consider the lens's versatility.
Compatibility:
- The EF-S mount makes this lens compatible only with Canon APS-C DSLRs (crop-sensor cameras).
- If you're using a full-frame Canon camera, you'll need to look elsewhere.
In summary, the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a convenient travel companion. Its compact form factor, wide zoom range, and image stabilization make it ideal for capturing everything from cityscapes to wildlife. While it may not be the fastest lens out there, its versatility and convenience make it a popular choice for many photographers.