Canon EF-M18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM ($299.99 direct),($74.91 Amazon) is the standard lens for EOS M($575.00 Amazon). Compact interchangeable lens camera. The EOS M can be purchased bundled or separately with the EF-22mm f/2 STM ($249.00 Amazon). The 3x zoom ratio covers a field of view that is 29-88mm in length (35mm equivalent). It feels extremely sturdy thanks to its all-metal construction.
This lens has more depth than the 22mm prime version, measuring 2.4x2.4 inches (HD) and weighing 7.4 ounces. Through its zoom range, the lens can focus up to 9.8 inches. Despite a narrow f/3.5-5.6 aperture range—it's f/3.5 at 18mm, but narrows to f/5.6 at 55mm—you can still create a good amount of background blur when working close to your subject.
Although there is an automatic focus ring available, it uses electronic focus technology. It activates the motor instead of physically moving the glass. It causes a delay in manual focus adjustment.
You can get sharper images at slower shutter speeds with optical stabilized lenses. This is provided your subject remains cooperative for the shot. Canon sells a lens hood for $29. A hood will reduce lens flare, increase contrast and eliminate stray light from unorthodox angles.
Imatest illustrates that the lens can be sharpened throughout its zoom range with the EOSM. The lens achieves 2,314 lines per image height at 18mm f/3.5, which is noticeably more than the 1,800 lines used to create sharp photos.
The maximum aperture is limited to f/5 at 35mm. However, the lens can manage 2,268 lines when zoomed in to that focal length. The lens manages 2,285 lines at an aperture of f/5.6 when it is extended to 55mm. The lens has excellent sharpness, however it does exhibit some distortion.
The barrel distortion is 2.7% at 18mm. This causes straight lines outward. The barrel distortion becomes pincushion distortion as you zoom in. Straight lines will curve in when there is pincushion distortion. It only shows 0.6% of the distortion at 35mm, and it rises to 1.1% at 55m. Lightroom can fix distortion, while other cameras allow you to make corrections on-camera for JPGs.
Amazon's Sony Alpha NEX-6 comes with a 16-50mm retractable zoom lens ($154.94 Amazon) which can show incredible distortion but will not be apparent if you are shooting in JPG. Olympus' collapsible zoom lens of 14-42mm that it offers with its PEN camera is smaller and sharper, but shows very little distortion.
The EF-M18-55mm f3.5-55.6 IS STM, if you purchased the EOS M lens with the 22mm f/2 STM focal length and are feeling limited by a single focal point, is the only option. The zoom has an impressive sharpness, however it only has a very small aperture.
This limits your ability to use it in lower light, even with its optical stabilization system—the EOS M does not have a built-in flash. If you want straight lines in your photos, the lens exhibits a lot of barrel distortion from wider angles. This can be corrected in software. It's an excellent example of an 18 to 55mm zoom. However, a faster aperture or smaller design could make the lens more practical with the EOS M.