18-55 kit mk II better than initial one ?

Anyone can compare if happened to have both ( with 350 and 300d ) ?

How about the USM version of the kit , is that optically better ?

I pretty much like my kit lens OK , but I heard the new "kit" is better...

Cheers and many thanks

According to Canon, the 18-55 and 18-55 II are optically identical. Canon also claims the USM version is very similar. I've seen test shots trying to prove a difference, but at best they looked different, not better or worse. There could have been a number of reasons unrelated to the lenses that explained the differences.

I have access to each version. The "II" version appears to have a running change in the multicoating when compared under direct illumination to the original version. (deeper, more spectrally pure reflections off the front set of lens elements) I can't honestly say this apparent coating change makes any noticeable difference in image quality or freedom from flare and reflections, though, nor would I recommend that someone sell or trade a version I at a loss just to "upgrade" to version II. If you seriously want a better lens in that zoom range, look into the Sigma 18-50mm constant f/2.8.

ntl;kjlkj

I have the first version and my buddy has the second. They seem to take the same pictures.

Jon.
--
Come visit us on the web!!
http://www.largescale-trains.com

And check our photos out @
http://photobucket.com/albums/v601/jfoster48386/

The new lens is slightly better wide open and at wide angle and the old lens is better at the long end.
But Phil also says he recommends to forego the kit lens and get the 17-85IS.

--
Still learning to use the DRebel (only around 12.500 shots)
Public pictures at http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/

Paul De Bra said:

The new lens is slightly better wide open and at wide angle and the
old lens is better at the long end.
But Phil also says he recommends to forego the kit lens and get the
17-85IS.

--
Still learning to use the DRebel (only around 12.500 shots)
Public pictures at http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/

Click to expand...

--
TonySD

Dooes the Mk II have a slimmer rubber grip for the zoom and a slightly wider ring to grip for manual focus?

My MK11 is terrible wide, so much so the Canon rep looked at a picture and immediately said "send it in for repair". The corners are a complete blur - tree branches are indistinguishable - and there is incredible CA. I found this shooting my lens and my dealer's Mk1 both on my body at the same subject. I'm waiting to see what I get back. Some say they will send a new lens, others say it will be corrected and calibrated (my hope).

alan.

Paul De Bra said:

The new lens is slightly better wide open and at wide angle and the
old lens is better at the long end.

Click to expand...