Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM vs Tokina atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM has more in its favour on paper. The atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF gathers more light for low light and background blur; the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is lighter and cheaper. The Canon lens is the mount maker's own, while the Tokina is a third-party alternative.
Choose the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM for
- less weight (240g vs 555g)
- a lower price (about £80 vs £399)
- more reach (18mm vs 16mm)
- a wider starting focal length (10mm vs 11mm)
- optical stabilisation
Choose the atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8, about 1.4 stops more light)
- a constant aperture through the zoom range
| EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM | atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Tokina |
| Focal length | 10-18mm | 11-16mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 240 g | 555 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Filter size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Made for | APSC | APSC |
| New price | £229 | £399 |
| Used at MPB (Canon EF / EF-S) | £38–£112 | None listed |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM better than the Tokina atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF?
The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM offers less weight (240g vs 555g), a lower price (about £80 vs £399), more reach (18mm vs 16mm); the atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8, about 1.4 stops more light), a constant aperture through the zoom range.
Which is better value, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM or the atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF?
On Canon EF / EF-S, the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM costs about £80 against about £399 for the Tokina atx-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/2.8 worth it over f/4.5?
f/2.8 gathers about 1.4 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon EF / EF-S (and other mounts: Nikon F). Both are made for crop sensors.