The best of Canon's EF-S 18-55mm variants with quiet STM motor for video.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, introduced in 2013, is the most capable iteration of Canon's APS-C 18-55mm kit zoom line. It replaced the IS II as the primary bundle lens for entry to mid-range Canon DSLRs including the EOS 700D, 760D, and 800D. Covering 29-88mm equivalent on APS-C, it introduced Canon's Stepping Motor technology to the kit lens class — enabling near-silent autofocus during video and smooth continuous AF tracking on STM-capable bodies. The optical formula uses 11 elements in 9 groups with modest improvements over the IS II. IS is rated at approximately 4 stops. At approximately 205g with a 58mm filter thread and a metal mount, the IS STM sets the practical standard for the EF-S 18-55mm range.
Optical performance is the strongest of the EF-S 18-55mm variants. Centre sharpness is good from f/5.6 at most focal lengths, with better corner performance than the IS II particularly at 18mm. Barrel distortion at 18mm and pincushion at 55mm are present but corrected automatically by Canon in-camera processing on compatible bodies and handled cleanly in major raw processors. Chromatic aberration is controlled for the class. The 4-stop IS system is effective for handheld static subjects at 1/15s at 18mm. The STM motor provides essentially silent AF, a practical advantage for video recording and in situations where AF noise is disruptive — a clear differentiator from both the IS II and non-IS III.
EF-S mount only, 58mm filter thread. Compatible with all Canon EF-S and EF-mount DSLRs, and with EOS R cameras via the EF-EOS R mount adapter. A subsequent variant, the EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (2016), uses a slightly slower constant aperture in exchange for a more compact profile; the two are optically similar but the f/4 variant is more compact. The metal mount is a durability improvement over the plastic mount of the IS II. No weather sealing. The zoom barrel extends at 55mm. Identifying the IS STM variant from older versions: STM is printed near the front element label; the IS II and earlier do not carry this text.
The IS STM is the recommended EF-S 18-55mm choice for most buyers — STM motor quiet operation is practically significant for video use and the metal mount improves build quality. It is widely available used at low prices given how many were bundled with cameras. The metal mount is worth inspecting for any play at the body interface before purchase. Confirm IS engages, verify AF operates silently throughout the focal range, and check the zoom ring moves smoothly without binding at any point.