EF-s 18- 55 1:3.5-5.6 IS, 1:3.5-5.6 IS stands for what?

[kj lee]

1:3.5-5.6 IS stands for what? who does it affect the performance?
how much is only consider a good lens?

can it take micro photography?
if i were to buy canon 600d / 60d, does it have the flower feature thing for micro photography?
i sud pick which lens that goes well for the camera?a efs 18- 55mm lens or a efs 18-135 lens?

[RichardTaylor]

1:3.5-5.6 means the maximum aperture is F3.5 at the wide end (18mm) and F5.6 at the long end (55mm)

IS means that it has image stabilisation, meaning that you hand hold the lens at slower than normal shutter speeds. It helps when shooting relatively low light static subjects (like city street scenes)

(1) Example (not with the above lens).

Camera Canon EOS 5D
Exposure 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture f/5
Focal Length 24 mm
ISO Speed 1600
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Flash did not fire

Is it a good lens. It is good value if it meets your needs.
See this for a tute on standard lenses.
Lenses #2 - Standard lenses
It is ok for shooting hand held in relatively good light. Vacation/travel landscapes, people etc.

It is not good (it is extreemly poor) for shooting moving subjects in low light (evening or interiors)
It is not a fast lens.
See this tute re fast lenses.
Lenses #6 - Fast lenses

For the type of lens it is (a general purpose kit lens) it focuses relatively close (think whole flowers) but not near as close as some of the P&S cameras

(2) Like this. (not with that lens)

Camera Canon EOS 5D
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 97 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV

(3) But not like this. (taken wit a Canon G11 on macro setting)


The close focussing ability of a (D)SLR + lens is determined by the lens not the camera body.

Your lens choice is up to you.
The 18-135 will give you more reach. (in other words it will appear to shorten the distance between the camera and subject.
The links on this thread of yours may help.
how far/ what can i see with a 18-55mm lens? compared to 18-135mm

[RichardTaylor]

In relation to the PM.

The "kit lenses" will be fine for shooting static subjects in low light.
You just need to use a good tripod and remote release to prevent "blurry" images cause by camera shake.