Canon kit lens poll

I am conducting this poll to try and get an idea of when the median fail time is of the 18-55 IS lens. We know it's not a very expensive lens by an stretch. But I'm interested in just how long they tend to last before the ribbon cable breaks. This was brought to my attention by a fellow forum member and it would be nice to have some data. Please only vote on this if you do use the lens. If you vote maybe it would be nice to comment if/how the lens failed and under what circumstances including age. Thanks so much.

I often put it in my pocket when walking, because another kit - the 55-250 is on my camera. They are both server me well.

Thanks for the response. It would be great to get a big sample for this.

So far from the data it seems pretty reliable.

Can anyone provide data as too how long or short these lenses have been in use?

Frodge wrote in post #16558130
Can anyone provide data as too how long or short these lenses have been in use?

my 18-55IS has been in service five (5) years

news flash: the 18-55IS is reliable

www.photozone.de

Do you have any results from other tests or polls?

This is a quote from another thread:

xarqi wrote in post #16555532
I'd say get the YN flash and triggers. Replace the 18-55 when the AF cable inevitably breaks.
You can do a lot more with flash than you can with just a faster lens; it's not all about exposure.
Examples:
- maintain decent DoF in low light;
- fill flash to prevent harsh shadows in bright light;
- position light source for correct modelling of subject;
- swamp artificial light sources with awkward colour spectra;
- freeze really fast action;
...

Xarqi seems to have some sort for information leading to the conclusion that there is a design flaw with the lens. I'm just trying to understand the median fail rate.

Another lens to consider if you haven't yet

http://www.amazon.com …=8-2&keywords=sigma+18-50

I bought this as an alternative to the kit lens for my T2i because I hated the 18-55mm's focus ring and the Sigma was a bit faster. Turned out to be an excellent lens, I kinda wish I still had it (sold it with my T2i).

Frodge wrote in post #16558202
Xarqi seems to have some sort for information leading to the conclusion that there is a design flaw with the lens. I'm just trying to understand the median fail rate.

yes, but first do a search on design flaws with the 18-55IS and see how many hits you get. ..........

maybe it's only Xarqi with the mysterious "design flaw"!

Used my 18-55 for a little over a year now. Shot lots of video with it as well and no problems.

Great info. My guess is that this flaw is not so widespread.

had mine for 3 years. I don't use it much, but it still works. I know I got a bad copy though, mine front focuses at wide angles, and back focuses at longer focal lengths.

I have 2 of them 1 six years old the other 1 yr old both like new.

Well, I promise it isn't just me, but like you, I didn't know how wide-spread the issue was and sought to find out with a poll (https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1067339). it did not elicit a great many responses (only 15 to-date), but over 25% report an AF failure within 5 years, with no reports of any other fault. Nor have I read of any other spontaneous fault in these lenses anywhere else.

Here are a few user reports on POTN that may be related:
https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=16496093&p​ostcount=9
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1164002
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1078943


One snag with this current poll is that it does not readily distinguish among the various IS lenses, in particular, the STM lens which, with its new AF system, may not suffer from the same issue, if indeed there is an issue.