Differences between versions of 18-55 lens

[Bsmooth]

What are the differences between the 2 versions of the Canon 18-55 lenses included with the 20D? I have noticed one is a USM type and one is not.What are the major differences and do they actually affect image quality? I did read a little at Bob Atkins photography about it but it wasn't real clear to me. I would like to get this lens with the camera but B&H don't have the USM version in stock,just the other one. Let me know what you think.Thanks again for the great forum!

[Medic1]

I have the non-USM version. Its not a bad lens for a kit lens. I have not even seen the 300D offered with a USM version, just a 17-85. Whats the price difference?

[kb244]

The "Digital Kiss" (The 300D/Rebel in Japan) comes with the USM version of the 18-55.

[Bsmooth]

Difference is about $30 I think.

[ron chappel]

They are optically identical so there is no point in trying to get one or the other for image quality reasons.
The exact difference in in the type of motor used to drive the autofocus-nothing else.
That lens uses a cheap type of 'ultrasonic' drive that is not really any different to the standard lens,it will be abit quieter and *maybe* abit faster at focussing.

Canon do make lenses that use a 'ring' type ultrasonic motor-these have genuinely fast focus as well as built in manual overide .But that lens is not one of those

[Citizensmith]

Actually there are 3 versions as the new rebel comes with a Mk2. Optically they are all the same. The basic model uses an AFD focus motor, the USM version uses the weak Micro-USM which is not a lot different. The Mk2 looks a little different but appearance is the only change.

Basically the differences are so slight as to not be worth bothering about.