Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 28-200mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
This kit lens is a decent entry-level option for beginners learning DSLR photography, offering good image quality and image stabilization at a low price. However, many users report that the autofocus is slow and unreliable in low light, and the build quality feels cheap and prone to breaking after several months. While it serves well as a starter lens, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or better-built lens as skills improve.
Pros
- Good image quality for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile focal range for everyday use
- Great starter lens for beginners
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus in low light
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Autofocus motor noise in video
- Soft image quality at telephoto end
- Limited maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 55mm)
Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 28-200mm
The Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. lens is widely praised for its compact size, versatile zoom range, and macro capability, making it an ideal travel companion. Users appreciate the optical stabilization and the convenience of not swapping lenses, though some note softness at extreme ends and a slow aperture. Overall, it's a solid all-in-one solution for outdoor and travel photography.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile zoom range (28-200mm)
- Macro capability
- Effective optical stabilization
- Convenient all-in-one travel lens
Cons
- Soft at wide and telephoto ends
- Slow maximum aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Not ideal for low light without stabilization
- Requires stopping down for sharpness
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 28-200mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 17 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.41 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Micro Motor | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 6.5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 140 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 0.5x★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 28-200mm
- Strong stabilization (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong bokeh (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 83 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.