Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

Canon EF-M

Review

The Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a versatile and compact lens designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless EF-M camera system. This wide-angle zoom lens is ideal for landscape photography, architecture, and even vlogging due to its lightweight nature and impressive focal range.

One of the standout features of this lens is its image stabilization (IS), which offers up to 3.5 stops of shake correction. This is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting in low-light situations or for capturing video footage without excessive shaking. The lens is equipped with a stepping motor (STM) that provides smooth and silent autofocus, making it great for both photography and video applications.

The 11-22mm focal range translates to a 35mm equivalent of roughly 18-35mm, which is perfect for capturing a wider field of view. The lens also features a compact and retractable design, making it an excellent choice for photographers on the go. When retracted, it easily fits into a small bag or can be carried in hand without adding much weight or bulk to your setup.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The aperture range of f/4-5.6 isn’t the fastest, which may limit your ability to shoot in extremely low-light conditions or achieve a shallow depth of field. Additionally, while corner sharpness is generally good, there can be noticeable distortion, especially at the wide end of the zoom range.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel and everyday use.
• Effective image stabilization (IS) for low-light and handheld shooting.
• Smooth and quiet autofocus with STM technology, ideal for video.
• Versatile focal range great for landscapes, architecture, and vlogging.

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 may limit low-light performance.
• Some distortion present at the widest setting, which may require post-processing.

Verdict

Overall, the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is an excellent lens for those looking to expand their creative horizons with a wide-angle perspective. Its combination of image stabilization, portability, and quality autofocus makes it a valuable addition to any Canon EF-M shooter’s kit. While it may not be the best choice for ultra-low light scenarios or those seeking extremely shallow depth of field, it delivers solid performance for a variety of shooting situations, making it a worthy investment for both amateur and enthusiast photographers.