Canon's affordable ultra-wide zoom for APS-C, the cheapest way into wide-angle photography.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM was launched in 2014 as Canon's most affordable ultra-wide zoom. Covering a 16-29mm equivalent range on APS-C, it brought wide-angle photography to budget-conscious shooters. It undercut the more expensive EF-S 10-22mm by a significant margin while adding IS and an STM motor.
Optical quality is surprisingly good for the price with sharp centre performance and well-controlled distortion for an ultra-wide. IS provides approximately 4 stops of stabilisation which is unusual and useful in this focal range. The STM motor is smooth and quiet. Build is lightweight plastic and the lens feels insubstantial but performs well above its price point.
Canon EF-S mount only, 67mm filter thread. This competes with the more expensive EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM which has a faster aperture and USM motor but no IS. Third-party alternatives include the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 and Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 which offer wider apertures.
Excellent value used. Check IS operation and STM motor. The slow aperture is the main limitation but IS compensates for handheld shooting. One of the best value ultra-wide zooms available in any mount system. Highly recommended for landscapes, architecture, and real estate photography.