The Canon EF-M 11-22mm IS STM is an ultra-wide zoom designed for the EOS mirrorless system; it’s not compatible with Canon DSLRs. Announced in June 2013 it’s the widest lens in the native EF-M mount which makes it a no-brainer if you need a wide but compact lens for a Canon mirrorless camera. Mounted on a Canon mirrorless camera with an APSC sensor, the EF-M 11-22mm delivers a coverage equivalent to 18-35mm, a classic range in this category taking you from moderately wide to extremely wide.

The EF-M 11-22mm weighs 220g, measures 61mm in diameter and employs a retractable design, shrinking to 58mm in length; simply hold the locking lever down and twist the barrel to extend the lens for use, or leave it in this only slightly longer configuration for quicker access. The optical design consists of 12 elements and nine groups, has seven aperture blades, a closest focusing distance of 15cm, and optical stabilisation with three stops of compensation; meanwhile focusing is performed by a smooth and quiet STM motor and there’s a 55mm thread for filters, but like all non-L Canon lenses, the hood is an optional accessory.

With its wide coverage, the EF-M 11-22mm is ideal for big landscapes, architecture, tight interiors, large group shots (albeit with some risk of distortion), and also great for vlogging at arm’s length when you don’t want your face to occupy too large a portion of the frame, especially when deploying digital stabilisation on the more recent bodies; when filming video, the lens also supports improved Dynamic Image Stabilisation, and the STM motor ensures focusing is smooth and quiet. Ahead of my full review, I’ve included a selection of sample images shot with the EF-M 22mm f2 below.

Above: Canon EF-M 22mm, 15-45mm and 11-22mm lenses.

Canon EF-M 11-22mm sample images