Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras: Customer Reviews & Product Details

I bought this lens last September. I used it on one occasion and then it sat in my camera bag until January. I took it out to photograph a snow storm using my 7D body on a tripod. After a few shots, I removed the camera and lens from the tripod, removed the CF card and copied the images to my computer. When I put the card back in and picked up the camera the lens lock was broken and the lens jammed.

I attempted to use it with manual focus but that failed (it cost me a wedding shoot.)

I sent the lens to Canon's California Repair Center and after a couple of days I received an email stating that they would charge me $124 to repair the damage. I called and was told that only factory defects were covered under warranty. I attempted to explain that the poor design of the lens lock WAS a factory defect. All I got was an offer to knock 20 percent off the repair price.

The lens is still at the repair center. I don't know what will come of this.
Other than one very cheap and poorly designed part, the lens is great. But what good is a great lens if you can't use it?

Until Canon addresses this issue, DO NOT buy this lens unless you enjoy throwing hundred dollar bills at it for something that could have been avoided with a 5 cent part.

Update: I've been unsuccessful in getting Canon to repair or replace the lens. I finally gave in and had them charge me for the repair since, "the warranty does not cover broken parts." I need the lens so it's cheaper to pay the $100 than buy a new lens.

I told the woman who stonewalled me that I would review this lens in as many places as possible to let people know that: 1) it has a poorly-designed lens lock and 2) that Canon's repair/warranty policies are horrible.

I cannot recommend this lens to anyone. I would also suggest that potential buyers look carefully at ANY Canon lens to see if it has a lens lock of the same style that this one does. I'd suggest that buyers stay away from this style of lens. Personally, I plan to find a way to ensure that the lock cannot be engaged in hopes of preventing another costly and time-consuming repair.

Second update: I called Amazon.com's customer support line and after a bit of discussion, the person I spoke to refunded the amount that was charged by Canon. I'm very grateful for Amazon's help in this matter. I do a great deal of my shopping through Amazon and I'm happy to report that I'll continue to do so.

This lens can produce some very sharp images, with a bit of care about shutter speed. The vibration dampener works very well. It's a bit large and heavy, but is worth the extra weight. The one downside I've seen is the clumsy location of the lock button, under the lens on the right side. Most photographer's hands are not positioned when shooting for easy reach of this feature.

I am a professional photographer specializing in weddings for over 30 years. I have used medium format cameras, 35mm cameras, and now digital since the Canon D30 hit the market. I have used all types of lenses, Prime, USM, IS, even the pricey L series. Not much of a fan of the L series too heavy for my likes. I have used USM lenses solely because of the focus speed, but after using the 18-200mm I couldn't believe how fast and spot on the focus was, I lock my focus with the rear AF-ON button using the center zone. I was amazed when I did use auto zone focus the lens still performed spot on! I photographed with a Canon 40D with the 18-200 for an entire wedding... over 10 hours and 2600 images with fantastic results. I read somewhere that Canon updated the connection on the rear of the lens to communicate better with the camera body, perhaps the reason for eliminating the Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) on this lens and other EF-S lenses. Selling my 1D MKII for a Canon 7D and most of my lenses for more EF-S... perhaps another 18-200mm!

An excellent lens. I'm not that picky about what's happening at the 18mm and the 200mm ends of the lens. I've been looking for the problem discussed in other excellent reviews of this lens, but I don't see it. I'm sure that's important for the professional photographer. But for the hobbyists among us, you can't do much better than this. I haven't used my 18-55mm since I bought this lens. I highly recommend this lens and would buy it again if I needed to.

This is the best all-around lens for Canon digital cameras. It is easy to use, precise and compact. It is a bit on the pricey side but worth every penny! It also fits my older Canon film camera that I have had for years. If purchasing this lens make sure you also purchase the hood and daylight filter/UV filter to not only protect the lens but to cut out unwanted UV rays.Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras. The photos it takes are marvelous, clear and with excellent color.