Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is widely praised for its excellent image quality, fast constant aperture, and effective image stabilization, making it a favorite walk-around lens for APS-C shooters. However, many users report significant dust intrusion, lens creep, and a build quality that feels below its premium price point. While optical performance rivals L-series glass, the lack of weather sealing and occasional autofocus or IS failures over time are common frustrations. Overall, it is a top performer optically but has notable durability concerns.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Fast constant f/2.8 aperture
- Effective image stabilization (3 stops)
- Versatile 17-55mm focal range for APS-C
- Fast and quiet USM autofocus
Cons
- Significant dust intrusion inside lens
- Lens creep over time
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build quality feels cheap for price
- Expensive for an EF-S lens
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 19 |
| Groups | 5 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.64 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | pulse stepping motor | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | 3 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 55 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.17x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average macro (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm offers 6.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
