The Canon mirrorless camera range has some excellent models, and to accompany this range of cameras, there is the Canon EF-M lens series. One such product is the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM.
This is a multi-use lens that encompasses a wide focal range. The focal distance of 18-150mm allows you to cover a myriad of photographic techniques including wide-angle, portraits, street photography, and telephoto.
In this article, we review the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and dissect what it has to offer. We also look to see if it is a worthwhile lens for Canon EOS M camera owners.
Main Features
First, let us look at the main features and specifications of this lens. The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is meant to be a multi-purpose lens, and with such a wide focal range, it can be used for various purposes.
To complement this varied usage, it has a great set of features including image stabilization and Canon’s STM motor for autofocusing. The following are the basic specifications of this lens:
- Weight: 300g
- Maximum Size: 60.9 x 86.5mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.5
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Image Stabilization: four-stops
- Closest Focusing Distance: 0.25m
- Lens Hood: EW-60F
As you can see, it is much heavier than other Canon EF-M lenses, but the difference in weight is due to the internal mechanisms and the lens elements needed for the 18-150mm focal distance.
We would advise using the lens hood with this device to protect the lens element and provide maximum protection from glare.
Design
As with other EF-M lenses, the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM has a distinct design with a stylish diamond patterned textured grip. This makes the lens easy to hold and you can quickly cycle through the different focal distances.
As mentioned, this lens weighs 300g. In addition, it is quite large when extended to 150mm. This means that it is not the best lens for travel, as it is bulky in comparison to other EF-M lenses.
This is to be expected from a multi-purpose zoom lens like this, though the positive side is that if you use the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM you will not need to take any other lenses with you.
The lens transitions smoothly when switching between zoom distances. You do not have to apply much force, which is great for video recording if you want to create zooming effects or transitions.
Performance
The performance of this lens is OK. As a multi-purpose zoom lens, it doesn’t provide the same quality as a dedicated prime lens or a smaller zoom lens. For example, the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM offers better image quality than the 18-150mm can at 22mm.
This is because the primes and smaller zooms are specialist lenses. The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, in contrast, must sacrifice some quality in order to achieve the 18-150mm focal distance.
Regardless, it still produces good quality images. It is only at the extreme ends that you will notice some distortion and softening.
While the image quality is just OK, the autofocus and stability are much better. This lens has built-in image stabilization which is an absolute must for the 150mm focal distance. The image stabilization offers four-stops of shake correction.
In addition, it has the patented STM autofocus motor that all EF-M lenses have. This means that it has a quick and virtually silent autofocus system.
How Does the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Compare?
So how does this lens compare to a full-frame EF-S lens? Remember that you can use the Canon lens adapter with EOS M cameras so that you can connect full-frame lenses to your mirrorless devices. Taking this into account, a great comparison is the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.
This is a similar multi-zoom lens that could be used as a great kit lens for your Canon mirrorless camera. We have created a basic specification table below:
| Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | |
| Minimum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Image Stabilization | Four stops | Four stops |
| Weight | 300g | 480g |
| Dimensions | 60.9 x 86.5mm | 76.6 x 96mm |
As you can see, there are some noticeable differences. Firstly, the EF-S lens is noticeably larger and heavier. At 480g and an overall length of 96mm, the EF-M lens looks positively small in comparison!
Both lenses have built-in image stabilization that corrects the camera shake up to four stops. In terms of quality, both lenses provide similar consistency and performance, though you can expect a little distortion and softening at the extreme ends of the focal distance.
Another key difference is the price. While the EF-S lens is cheaper than the EF-M alternative, you must account for the lens adapter too. If you wanted to use the EF-S lens, you must purchase the lens adapter first. This will make the overall cost for both lenses roughly the same.
So which is better? It is mainly a case of personal preference. You could opt for the native EF-M lens, or you could purchase a lens adapter and try the EF-S variation instead. This would also give you access to the full EF-S range of Canon lenses, together with the ever-growing EF-M lenses.
Should You Invest in the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM?
If you want to create professional-grade photos with your EOS M camera, we would recommend purchasing prime lenses, or smaller zoom lenses. Prime lenses like the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM will provide sharper image quality.
However, if you just want a multi-purpose lens for your mirrorless camera that you can use for a range of photography ventures, the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is a great choice. By using this lens, you can make a one-off purchase. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars buying several different lenses for different purposes.
