Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens review with samples

[@chris14091975]

this channel is simply the best photography channel on KZbin.

[@JoshBenBernales]

I’m loving my new M6 with the 18-150 for vlogging! But then again I don’t care so much for the crispness of the video and I have other glass for better image quality. I find the range really nice for a vlog setup.

[@jontaylor1586]

Hi, Christopher. I was wondering if you've considered rendering your reviews out in 4K to better show your sample images. I know rendering out to 4K might be technically annoying, so it's not a huge deal. Still, your reviews are great!

[@ShahanurSharif]

What is the best super zoom or all in one lens to buy for travelling, and low light street photography for EOS M mount, that is light and small as well?

[@jasonattal4465]

Good review of the ef-m 18-150 ! I sold my 6D with 24-105, 70-300, 24, 40 and a 90 macro in January 2018 in order to buy a M5 + 18-150 + 11-22 + 22 and a 28 macro. (I kept the 40mm because I received the adaptor for free). I love taking pictures again ! The 18-150 is a good lens when you're traveling, I know it is not really sharp (but I'm not a pro). The only things I would have love is a lens hood ! Why Canon ??? Before 2018 : around 3200g in my bag Now : around 1181g in my bag. I saved 2kg...

[@ericdanthon2]

If it is better than my 15-45mm then I would say that it is sharp. Surely sharper than the 55-200mm.

[@Lurreable]

It'd be interesting to see how it performs on the M6 mark II.

[@dct1]

Same!

[@AvaAdores]

me2 :)

[@elgringoperdido.]

same

[@josh6499]

He said it resolves approximately 14MP, so the M6II sensor wouldn't be put to full use at all.

[@schm147]

@@josh6499 I disagree. I have this lens and an M6 Mark II and can confirm that the quality is spectacular and razor sharp all around. Even its low light performance is impressive.

[@inpursuitofhappiness4873]

One word - green. Lot's of green CA. Thanks for another great review. I'll definitely go for the 55-200 instead. Though I was expecting that anyway, this helped really show the weaknesses of this lens.

[@dominiclogue5924]

Hi, what alternative would you suggest for this lens?

[@dwslump]

Very good video! :) I have mixed feelings with the 18-150mm I got the 18-150mm around 6 months back, so I could travel light with 1 zoom lens and 2 primes... However, I felt that the 15-45mm + 55-200mm (the "zoom" combo that I was using before) had a way better image quality. I believe that I got a very good copy of both lenses, they are pretty sharp, with a good color accuracy. I feel that my 18-150mm has a somewhat lower saturation and it is a significantly softer than the 55-200mm. The 18-150mm is amazing for not having to exchange your lens, but I feel that the image quality falls short...

[@naseemmohamed2583]

`hw do you feel with this lens

[@slimphotog]

Can we assume that the new 18-150mm lens for the R7 & R10 is based on this same design and will have similar mediocre results?

[@MohebIskander]

Thanks for the the great reviews Christopher, definitely one of the best channels on KZbin, and I love how you deliver the message! I’m new in photography, I use a Canon M50 with a kit lens 15mm-45mm, plus I bought the new Canon EF-M 32mm/f1.4 I’d like to start using a zoom lens, and I’m confused between Canon EF-M 18mm-150mm, Canon EF-M 55mm-200mm of Tamron E-M 18mm-200mm, I wonder among the 3 models which one you recommend for a better quality and performance?

[@christopherfrost]

I would just go for the 18-150

[@humansrants1694]

I've got some great images using this lens. If I was getting a standard lens though I would get a full size one.

[@sn0rbaard]

I have this lens, it's a pretty decent allrounder and definitely worth it if this is what you are looking for, however, only when bought used, or if you can get it for a very good deal. I'm shocked by its original retail price, considering the fact that its build is all plastic.

[@scarsabove]

Thank you for what you do for all of us!

[@DutchSnowden]

Absolut beautiful video like all the rest! Congratulations!

[@Kiana.Da.Editor.3701]

Hello, BCM. Are you a spam?

[@zvxcvxcz]

Which mirrorless cameras were getting called out around 5:30? Or more specifically, which lenses? I'm really curious on this one.

[@christopherfrost]

I've seen detailed reviews of Sony and Micro 4/3 lenses which have horrendous distortion issues (which they attempt to cover up with auto correction)

[@zvxcvxcz]

Ah, I totally forgot about that debacle, were they really that bad though? Or were people being a bit hypercritical because they had just discovered it? It isn't clear to me, reading the DXO explanation for their distortion measures if they do or do not include the camera corrections, I suppose they must since it isn't optional on these cameras (if I'm recalling correctly). Roger Cicala (of Lens Rentals) measures without the camera, so his measures should be reliable for that, but unfortunately they are not as of yet well organized and easy to search and compare.

[@christopherfrost]

If you shoot in RAW then a number of distortion issues come out. The Sony 16-50 PZ is particularly bad, as well as a number of Micro 4/3 lenses, including the Panasonic 12-60, Olympus 7-14...check out the reviews over at Photozone or Lenstip for the lowdown

[@parrotyee]

I've paired this with the Canon EOS M50 (Mk1) and it works well to my surprise. Works absolutely fine for beginners who want a all-around set-up. Looks really good as my setup is all one colour: semi-gloss black.

[@tobennalewisnwankwo]

Is it a good versatile lens for both talking head video, and vlogging? I'm looking for a lens that is versatile. So would this one be versatile and good enough for vlogging and talking head video's. Or are there more cheaper lenses on the market that is more versatile?

[@Nickken23]

Hi Christopher, as soon as you get the chance, can you review the RF-S 18-150mm lens? I only buy lenses after I saw a complete review of you 😅 be sure to let me know if you ever would review it. Thanks in advance!

[@3grsofia414]

+1 🤓

[@nsbindia]

Can you please test it with EOS M6 Mark 2

[@BAdventures]

Good honest review. The performance of this was not good. But I like your presentation style 👍🏻

[@gabic2664]

Christopher, how can you keep the lens within the area that is in focus? What aperture do you use when shooting these videos?

[@christopherfrost]

It depends what you're shooting. If you're doing landscape work then keeping to f/8-11 is a good rule of thumb

[@pieterdewit5335]

Hi Christopher ! I love your reviews and think I’ve watched almost all of them :P I have a Canon M3 and M6, and also own this lens (amongst others). It’s good enough for me, to keep my camera small and portable, but with a good enough zoom range. I got a cheapish used Canon 70-300 IS USM II for more reach when I go hiking, and also want to get a fast zoom lens for lower light situations. I’m checking out the Sigma 17-50 2.8, and was wondering if it’s actually that much better then this lens, since this is more modern. I also got an 0.71x focal reducer, so also considering a Canon 24-105 f4 to put on there (would be about 17-75 f2.8 equivalent). Would you say the improved image quality is worth the extra weight and size ?

[@christopherfrost]

Personally I don't like adaptors - I just get the camera system I want that has the lenses I need without adaptors :-)

[@pieterdewit5335]

Oh, but I have the camera I want, with the lenses I need ;) But after a while I noticed I like to be able to play/experiment a little. For instance: I made my own focal reducer for EF-M, before one existed for EF-M, by buying a focal reducer for E-mount (that has the same flange distance) and an adapter for EF-EF-M and joining the two and connect all the electronic contacts.I have all native EF-M lenses I need, two fast Samyang primes and like I said the 70-300 mm USM II for range when I'm hiking.I love all of them and the pictures I can take with them, but it's my first (ok...first two :P) camera system and I was curious if a f2.8 17-50 would be that much better (I have nothing to compare the two, but your video's). But it's hard to judge the actual quality from a 1080P video and quite expensive to gamble, if the results are the same or worse, but with a big and heavy lens...so I was looking for a expert opinion (though I understand it's hard to give advice in this topic, since things can be very objective).Maybe if one comes on my path as a small bargain, I'll just give it a shot.Non the less, still thankful for your great reviews !

[@mathew2786]

I like the ending of this review, for those looking for sharpness, you better look elsewhere. Thanks for this review. Will be getting the 55-200mm. More worth it! I have my 15-45mm kit lens, 22mm and Sigma 30mm. The 55-200mm lens is what I need for extra reach I need plus the good sharpness of the photos. Thanks again.

[@anirbandebnath4]

I am a beginner in photography. Which one should I get for the m50 . 15-45mm or 18-150mm. I am more interested in clicking travel pics.

[@MindiandAnthony]

Hello Christopher! Thank you for your videos!! We're going on Safari next month, and shoot video with our Canon M50. Thinking about getting a telephoto lens. If you could only pick ONE... between the 18-150mm or the 55-200mm EF-M lens? Thank you!

[@christopherfrost]

If it's the only lens you take with you then it'd better be the 18-150. If you can take your 15-45 kit lens as well, then definitely the 55-200

[@palmoil7283]

Just wondering i got a canon m3 with 15-45mm lens, will changing the lens to 18-150mm makes the image quality better, i feel that 15-45mm quite blurry.

[@kouvarou11]

Hi. Would you suggest this for video creation?

[@Ella1556]

Hai Christopher... in your opinion what is best lens for EOS-M ??

[@christopherfrost]

There's no one GREAT all-round lens but I really like the 15-45

[@namasayagemes9208]

I have canon m3 and i'm planning to buy a new lens,between EF M 18-150mm and EF M 55-200mm. Which one do you think is better and worth it? (since the ef m 18-150mm is more expensive that the ef m 55-200mm)

[@padminiram798]

Do you prefer this or 24-105 as a walk around telephoto?

[@robertcheaib]

Thank you. You made me save the money :)

[@brandon.r3411]

Nice videos I like how you keep the same formula for each lens it makes it easy to follow... But I do have a question I'm looking at purchasing a Canon M50 and I need a lens to do weddings a zoom or tele lens which one do you think would be the sharpest and give me the footage in low-lighting conditions the 18 and 150 or the 55 to 200 thanks

[@christopherfrost]

You're trying to do wedding with an M50?! I hope you're not charging anyone money for that

[@xSinful]

Christopher Frost Photography what do you mean? Are u saying that m50 has bad video quality oe what?

[@christopherfrost]

There's no way that I would personally try to professionally shoot a wedding with anything less than a full-frame camera (although a Fuji camera might be fine), or if shooting video, 4K

[@YourMajesty143]

@@xSinful - It can be done if you're not the only wedding shooter, but there are plenty who have done it solo: www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4436518 Keep in mind, the issue isn't the crop sensor, it's the battery life. There are hacks to extend the battery life that could help. You may want to check out some wedding photographers on KZbin who have shot with an m50. Don't ever let anyone tell you something isn't possible. A crop sensor can be adjusted to full frame if you get the right lenses and most wedding photography is done in portrait style, with a few wide angle shots. So figure out what typical clients are looking for you to shoot, and then buy the lenses that provide those images.

[@714iceberg]

@@christopherfrost what other canon mirrorless would you use instead for a wedding? Considering i will be investing in canon mirrorless lenses i want the best body

[@aliffirdauzi]

Dear Chris, I already have the kit lens 15-45mm, and additional prime lenses of 22mm pancake and the plastic fantastic 50 mm f/1,8. Which zoom lens one I should have for? The 18-150mm, 55-200mm or tamron 18-200. Btw my gear is M3. Thanks....

[@christopherfrost]

The 55-200 is what I'd go for

[@huckmoses]

hi Christopher. i am wondering, what are your thoughts on your Fuji camera? i use Canon and after testing Sony for a potential upgrade, i wasn't feeling its color. it was then that i realised that color by the camera is quite important to me. what do you think of the Fuji look? will i love it as much as Canon's?

[@christopherfrost]

Fuji's colours are great indoors, but I found them disastrous outdoors for landscape work. After six months with a Fuji X-T10 I just gave up because, while the camera and lenses were lovely, the colours were making me crazy

[@huckmoses]

thank you! that's an insight i've never heard anywhere else before, gotta take it into consideration. it's really hard to let go of the Canon look, but they're just so stingy when it comes to video technology.

[@morningherald8370]

mr Frost, is that OK when I clean the surfave of lens with liquid in Cleaning kit package 3rd party product direct to the surface? because i had bit oily surface in lens surface. is it safe? and not break the coating? thanks

[@christopherfrost]

I just use a microfibre cloth. I couldn't comment about lens cleaning solutions because I don't use them

[@zainalu]

Hi! Is it sharper than 15-45 mm? Which kit lens to buy? In my country there's not much of a difference in price.

[@christopherfrost]

The 15-45 might be just a tiny, tiny bit sharper - not much, though

[@tsizzle]

Should I get this or the 55-200mm EF-M lens?

[@bh69videa]

I wanted this lens, but after I saw several photos with really very bad CA glow and color shift, low contrast and terrible bokeh too, I was very disapointed. M50 is nice camera, but both 15-45 and 18-150 are not worth it :-( Only 11-22 looks quite fine. There are many cameras nowdays, but very few good lenses. they are produced cheap, construction is focused to sharpness at cost of another - often more important features for feeling from resulting photo like contrast and color transition and pleasant soft bokeh. I would prefer 12-15Mpx APS body and nice 17-70/4 lens ...

[@EricsMode]

Are you going to be testing or getting the Canon Eos M6 Chris?

[@christopherfrost]

Nah, although I'm sure it's great. I need 4k video capability for video editing

[@zvxcvxcz]

NX1 still king :P But I know, Samsung is out of the market, so get whatever you were going to get. It's pretty pathetic though that no one else has really stepped up to the plate in the more than two years since that release though.

[@christopherfrost]

It was an amazing camera apparently :-)

[@wildbill9919]

Chris, does it have rounded aperture blades?

[@christopherfrost]

Not sure, sorry

[@quirky524]

Superb review.

[@cedricnas6911]

Hi sir chris, I am confuse which to buy, this lens or ef-s 18-135 is stm. Is 18-135mm better than this one? My camera is canon m50

[@christopherfrost]

The 18-135mm lens is for digital SLR cameras, so if you go for that, you'll have to get the Canon EF - EF-M adaptor

[@raminkhajavi5704]

@@christopherfrost I have Canon M50 and an EF-M adaptor, now I am tossing between EF-S 18-135 STM/USM or EF-M 18-150. Which one would produce better IQ? Thank you in advance

[@christopherfrost]

@@raminkhajavi5704 They are almost the same. According to my test charts the 18-150 will give you very slightly sharper images at wide angles, and the 18-135 very slightly sharper at telephoto. Honestly I would just go for the 18-150, it's far smaller and you won't need an adaptor (and there's extra zoom range)

[@andrelousada]

What would be a better alternative for this one?

[@sanketnegi1]

Let us know if you got 1.

[@andrelousada]

@@sanketnegi1 Canon 18-135 EF-S with adaptor. I don't use it too often and I don't mind the bulk. And I appreciate the better resell value. But I think there is a Tamron out there...

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

I like that Canon is making a mirrorless camera, I don't mind at all that it hasn't 4K video. So far the lenses seem sub-par. The new M6 with a flip-UP screen is a definite plus. I presently own the T6s with Canon's 10-18, 18-135, 55-250 lenses, all of them much better than the lineup for the Canon's M cameras. Just my two cents.

[@christopherfrost]

I think the EOS M lenses are pretty good for what they are, small budget items. Heck of a lot better than Sony's E-mount budget lenses hehe

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

Christopher Frost Photography I wouldn't pretend to know what Canon aught to do, it is their business. But, I'd like to see high quality lenses for the M cameras. On the other hand. Do Canon's EF-S lenses work well on the M camera lineup with an adaptor? What would be the crop factor? Thanks Christopher.

[@christopherfrost]

They work just fine with the adaptor, with the usual 1.6x cop factor of an APS-C sensor

[@PaulHojda]

Wow the contrast of this lens is pretty terrible

[@florannpolicarpio6760]

Is the IQ of ef m 18-150 better than canon stm 18-135? Planning to get m50 to use for family and travel photography. Gonna pair it with 15-45 & /or 22 f2. Tnx and more power.

[@christopherfrost]

They're broadly similar - the 18-135 STM might have a small advantage

[@florannpolicarpio6760]

@@christopherfrost thanks very much... I've been watching your channel for a long time now and really liked it so much. May I suggest the fuji 35mm f2 as I've heard it was the best fuji lens second only to the 16mm f1. 4 Thanks and more power to your channel. Btw I'm just using my wife's account as my phone was being used by my son at the time I was intending to ask you. Tnx

[@JoshGmit]

and i thought it wouldn´t replace the 18-55, because this looks like an alternative kit-lens like the 18-135 for the APSC-DSLRs.

[@martinzhang5533]

Josh Gmit it seems to be not optically on par with the 18 135 though

[@AeroPR]

The similar Fuji lens' build quality smokes this out of the water.

[@hasnanardiansyah2852]

Can i use this to eos m10 ?

[@ericdanthon2]

A great lens that is for what you need the camera to do. Only limited by the talent of the photographer. Replaces the 15-45mm. Better than 50-200mm imho but it is good as well than any non native lens with adapter.

[@bodinian]

I'm taking advantage of being young and carrying more lenses to get better results. EF-M 15-45mm at 15mm for wide angle shots; EF-M 22mm f/2 for snapshots and architecture; EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for portraits; and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM for telephoto. I rarely do all of them on the same trip so don't always carry all of them, but when I intend to take a variety of shots then I put my legs to work and put them all in my bag to get the best results. I'm considering getting the EF-M 11-22mm to replace the kit lens for wide angle, but I'm on the fence because of how few wide angle pictures I take

[@aliffirdauzi]

should I get this lens or Tamron 18-200 lens that has the same f/3,5-6,3 aperture?

[@christopherfrost]

I haven't tried that Tamron lens yet

[@rickys3481]

I regret entering eos m system, is there any decent usable lens for this system?

[@christopherfrost]

Sure. Macro 28mm, the 22mm f/2, and the 32mm 1.4

[@christopherfrost]

The 11-22 is very good, too

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Better buy 11-22 and 55-200. This one is poor. It will save you money, but the image quality will be noticeably lower.

[@sanketnegi1]

Are yo usure the quality of 55-200 is better than this. I wonder why 18-150 is more expensive than this.

[@ChewMhojadee]

how does it compare to the Tamron 18-200 ef-m zoom?

[@christopherfrost]

Haven't tried it unfortunately

[@RP-ms7lu]

Physics do not permit zooms to be small and sharp with bright apperature at low cost . Yet it is nice at this price and size.

[@laszu7137]

This lens has value of 100 dollars at most.

[@eliassaadeh8632]

Link?

[@RealTechGeek]

Canon rebrand this lens for the RF mount. Currently it is bundled with the R7. I got mine together though currently only way to get one with the 18 150 which goes too F6.7. Decent lens sharper and has IS. Though like every other thing on the RF mount it's way overpriced, including the rf 50mm 1.8. Better to adapt.

[@fadlya.rahman4113]

I'm in Malaysia and the lens I bought was made in Taiwan, while you n UK bought a lens made in Malaysia. Funny how supply system work.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Ive got this, not very good is it?

[@coupedroite]

Christopher, can you review the new Tamron 70-200 VC G2? And then compare it to the Canon :) Love your channel!!

[@christopherfrost]

Hopefully I will be able to, I (finally) have some Tamron lenses coming up soon

[@coupedroite]

Yeah, I watch Matt´s, but Christopher´s are my favorite reviews :)

[@coupedroite]

Awesome!

[@MarkLesterLi]

Constantly checking up your channel for a canon m5 review :)

[@christopherfrost]

I can tell you right now - it's not going to happen! Sorry hehe :-)

[@drdimento]

Awesome Review. This appears to be the worse of the EFM lenses but I have yet to find an 18 to 100+ telephoto lens do well. I won't get this lens for my kit. Thanks.

[@mizanzlk]

Made in Malaysia?

[@MrBalloon777]

canon kit 18-135 stm is better ? considering m6 vs 800d with tele kit

[@christopherfrost]

A bit better, yes

[@gilbertbermudez1452]

Why plastic though?

[@RicardoLandinginJr]

would you take this lens over Canon 18-135 STM lens ?

[@christopherfrost]

Probably - the 18-135 is a bit sharper, but this one will be much, much smaller, especially without the need for an adaptor

[@kittykat575]

I have a silly question, what's the best way to transfer images from my dslr to the computer? Full quality raw images. Is it card readers? USB? Sticking the SD card in my computer? Also, love your reviews and the inclusion of affordable gear.

[@actuallytested]

kitty kat SD card reader USB 3.0 something like Kingston

[@zvxcvxcz]

Yes, card reader is still the, best, fast, simple, reliable. Depending on your camera and software some silly "import" function will do the same thing, but even for this case usually a better/more universal way will be to mount the camera as you would an external HD and just copy them over.

[@EnesHardal]

Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX Lens review plz

[@MarjanApostolovic]

I have to say that it is a pretty boring lens... Poor built quality, not very sharp, slow...

[@Jayballmusic]

I love it

[@mhsvz6735]

Thank you.

[@FreddyKramerUnterwegs]

Interessant

[@lansiman]

canon really make sure you know that they hate their mirrorless product

[@wildbill9919]

Maybe l can find a used one much cheaper than what it costs new. This seems like a lens that would sink in value like a lead balloon.

[@christopherfrost]

Heh, you're probably right

[@wildbill9919]

@@christopherfrost lt's priced pretty high even used-about 350usd.

[@maxfactor4209]

the exterior is metal, right?

[@Yates__]

Did you even watch the video, you peanut?

[@christopherfrost]

Watch the video, and you'll find out

[@dunnymonster]

All in all a terrible lens which comes as no surprise given the focal range it has to cover. Even the build quality looks poor, Canon will need to do better than this if it hopes for success with its M series cameras.

[@ch33psk8]

another jerky zoom from canon...no thanks.. great review as always. Any advice for a smooth zoom lens for Canon m50 (with/without ES adapter) ?

[@christopherfrost]

You mean the zoom ring being not very smooth? Unfortunately we don't seem to be getting many of those with smooth zoom rings

[@BackpackeRom]

is price (overpriced) is a deal-breaker for me, just sadly. I will go with the 55-200mm

[@dwizayekti]

like lens

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I have an EOS M3, and tried this in a store recently. It's really crappy. The build quality is horrible. It's almost useless due to being only f6.3. Image quality seems terrible. I'm guessing it's $500 only because they'll probably only sell about 9 of them. LOL

[@tanthaman]

Robert LeBlanc canon 22mm f/2 is best

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Tan L I have that lens. It's one of the only decent M lenses.

[@EricsMode]

true, I need canon to release a dedicate ef-m 50mm f1.8 lens

[@krismenon8071]

Crap lens. Canon is losing it.

[@oldtechnology]

Whole Canon mirrorless series is like children toys...

[@becool365]

Is it me or does this lens actually look really ugly?

[@frankw3ll]

Too bad that Canon still dont make efm grey lens🥲

[@betacam22]

Too expensive

[@redtails]

That is a very low bang-per-buck lens. In a year after production stops they'll be on ebay for 100$ max if anyone still uses the Canon ef-M system.

[@davekelley4076]

3yrs later, you still can't get a used one for under 300!

[@redtails]

@@davekelley4076 interesting dynamic huh. Still too expensive imo 🙏

[@davekelley4076]

@@redtails Yes shockingly expensive. I went with a Sigma 18-250 used for £100, delighted with it.

[@peanutbutterjelly7421]

2nd

[@roki977]

Way to expensive...

[@coupedroite]

First!

[@peanutbutterjelly7421]

Rodrigo Altamirano 3th

[@chanchan-c9j]

사진에 웬참수리야 ㅋ

[@MapleTalkative2]

first dislike woot

[@untouchable360x]

Canon's mirrorless is very weak. Why can't they be like Fuji? Better aesthetics and lenses.

[@christopherfrost]

Fuji's colours are a living nightmare by comparison, for landscape photography

[@untouchable360x]

I never heard that Fuji is bad with landscape. You are saying Fuji in generally? I heard the X-T2 is awesome with landscape.

[@christopherfrost]

I found the same colour issue with the X-T2. It's just a personal preference for me

[@playggrrrr]

another trash from canon :D image uber sux =(