18-55mm EF-S Lens

[Brianbar]

Just recently my son purchased the all black Rebel Digital (300D) kit complete with the 18-55mm EF-S lens. I just purchased the same camera and lens for my wife for Christmas but as separate items (Not a kit).
My wife's lens is marked Ultrasonic on the side of the lens, USM around the front of the lens, whereas my son's lens have none of these markings, otherwise they appear to be the same.
They were both purchased in Canada.
Does anyone have any idea as to why Canon would do this?
Are they actually different?

Brian
10D
17-40L
28-105 USm
75-300USM
420EX

[eosster]

One is USM and the other is not. Canon offered USM version when they were releasing 20D, of course you have to pay diffenent price for it. They released USM version of this lens in Japan first and then rest of the world .

Cheers,

Charles,

[Loekito]

Yes, they actually different.

The one with USM will focus faster and quietly.
The other difference is in the price tag.

Maybe the reason why canon put non-USM version in the kit is to lower the price as much as possible.

The USM version of EF-S 18-55 actually first introduced in Japan when they launch black bodied Digital Rebel/EOS 300D/Kiss (in japan).

regards,

Loekito