Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS
Last updated (16 May’10):
- Review by DigitalPhotographyGear.com
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS is a telephoto zoom lens features 55-250mm at focal length with maximum aperture of f/4 to f/5.6. The lens construction has 12 elements in 10 groups, with including one UD-glass element and has diagonal angle of view at 27 degrees (at 50 feet) to 6 degrees (at 15 feet), with APS-C image sensors. Focus adjustment: DC motor, gear-driven (front focusing design), Closest focusing distance at 3.6 feet (0.31x maximum close-up magnification) and has a filter size of 58mm. The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS lens weighs 13.8 ounces and it measures 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches long.
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Reviews
DigitalPhotographyGear.com reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS and writes;
“Many praise the value of this lens. It is very reasonably priced and delivers quality results when compared to other lenses that retail at a similar price point. The autofocus on the 55-250mm EF-S lens is fast and quiet. Additionally, the lightness and compact nature of the lens allow for easy handholding and storage. Image stabilization is also a very popular feature of this lens.”
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CNET.au reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS and writes;
“In our testing, we found the lens displayed minimal distortion across its entire range, which is excellent for its price class. The lens exhibits excellent sharpness at 55mm in our lab tests, and slightly less sharpness at 135mm but still very good. However, fully zoomed out to 250mm the sharpness dropped off to just acceptable. While zooming, the lens maintains its maximum aperture of f4 from 55mm to 85mm, at 100mm it narrows to f5, and turns to f5.6 at about 140mm.”
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CNET reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“The bottom line: A lightweight, compact design coupled with its stabilized 400mm-equivalent focal length zoom and affordable price make the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS a versatile lens for entry-level shooters and amateurs on a budget.”
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PopPhoto reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“A bit heavier and longer than the non-IS 55-200mm that it replaces, this lens is still compact enough to throw no shadow at any focal length when used with the Rebel XTi’s built-in flash.. A natural for globe-trotting vacationers and soccer parents, this is the obvious second lens for Canon EOS 40D and Rebel XSi owners… And you can’t beat that price..”
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Lenstip.com reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS and writes;
“After spending less than 300 USD we can get a lens with a good resolution at the whole focal length range, with well controlled chromatic aberration and optical stabilization – maybe not being 4EV, but still relatively effective. At the risk of being honestly blunt (as I tend to do in my reviews), I sincerely think that the Canon 55-250 IS is a better choice for amateurs than its competitor, the Nikkor 55-200 VR. In many categories, the Canon’s performance is the same, in couple of them its even better and it offers a wider focal length range.”
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SLRGear reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“The 55-250mm ƒ/4-5.6 is impressively sharp for a ”kit” lens, even when set to its widest apertures. The sharpest performance for this sample is available in the mid-range, when set to 100mm and ƒ/8, where it is tack-sharp from corner to corner.”
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Photozone reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“The AF speed is pretty good and the noise level during operations remains on a very low level. Unfortunately the test camera (EOS 350D) didn’t really like the lens. At 55mm it had big troubles to lock on reliably and in the field things weren’t all that convincing beyond either. This aspect is much better on an 40D or 400D though. “
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BeyondMegapixels reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“So was it worth the three months of waiting? Yes it was. This is one of those times that you will actually get more than your money’s worth. The lens doesn’t disappoint, and it certainly won’t be leaving my camera anytime soon.”
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PhotoReview.au reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“Vignetting (edge darkening) was noticeable at the widest apertures and became particularly obvious at the 250mm setting. However, stopping down by two to four stops effectively subdued most of the effect. We found a fair amount of barrel distortion at the 55mm setting”
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TheDigitalPicture reviews the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and writes;
“The 55-250 delivers better image sharpness at 250mm than the 70-300 does at 300mm. The 70-300 shows less vignetting wide open on a 1.6x body. The 70-300 has less distortion over most of its focal length range… My recommendation is to get the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens over the 55-250.”
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS User Reviews
Great zoom for the price! | Rating:
“I purchased this for use on my Canon Rebel T1i. It is an amazing lens for the price. I am new to photography so I can’t compare it to more expensive lenses, but it feels great to me! The bokeh is nice to when you zoom in from far away and use a high f-stop. Have fun with it!” – by R. Grow
Very impressive lens | Rating:
“I did a lot of research prior to buying this lens. I have a Canon Rebel XSI, and the combination of this camera and the 55mm to 250 mm telephoto lens is excellent. The image quality is very, very good. I purchased it from Quality Photo through Amazon.com and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Great price, fast delivery.” – by Earle F. Stone “Photo bug”
I love my lens | Rating:
“So, this is my only telephoto lens, so I can’t really compare to others. I do own 2 different types of lenses, & I find myself going right back to this one. I think for the price, quality, & features it has won’t disappoint you. I have some great shots with this lens & I’m always so happy using it. I’m an amateur photographer on a budget & this lens is perfect for me right now. If I could’ve afforded the extra 50mm for a longer range, I would’ve, but I’m still in love with what I have.” – by Joanne C
Excellent value and performance | Rating:
“From day one, I was getting great sharp photos again, even at max zoom of 250mm and handheld. We have some Sandhill Cranes wintering over here and this Canon autofocus IS lens did not disappoint. Was able to get some shots that looked like a National Geographic photographer had taken them. If your hands are not as steady as they used to be, and your eyes are getting weaker, this lens is your great equalizer. “ – by gadgetguy
Great Lens! | Rating:
“Great intro lens with little to no issues. Slightly noisy in AF mode, but a beautiful lens that takes exceptional pictures. Get it now, you won’t be displeased.” – by R. Neumann
good for the price | Rating:
“You’ll find this lens slow in lower light but that’s to be expected. I’m really enjoying the longer reach and nice bokeh. I just purchased a close up lens to add to this lens when I’d like more of a macro look, which is a good option if you’d like to avoid buying a dedicated macro right now.” – by S. Nehring
Excellelnt for Shooting People and Animals | Rating:
“Did you ever want to shoot someone or some animal? You can shoot people and animals near and far, with them standing alone or in crowds (candid), sunny or cloudy, day or night, with this one lens. This slightly soft lens actually improves the appearance of people. And the Image Stabilizer lets me get great pictures even at 250mm with a shutter speed of 60. I have an excellent shot of my dog outside at night, 250mm, shutter speed set at 30.” – by WILLIAM MCLEAN
Like the lens! | Rating:
“I do not have experience with the faster (and more expensive) top-grade lenses, but this one does the job just right. For the price, this lens is great. I shoot mainly outdoors for photos I want to display on my walls or for family, so this lens is just right for my photography needs.” – by Erin Bannister
opinion
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Sample Photos
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Sample Photos @ The-digital-picture.com
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Sample Photos @ Flickr.com
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Sample Photos @ Pbase.com
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Sample Photos @ Photozone.de
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Sample Photos @ Amazon.com
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Features & Specifications
Features
* Affordable telephoto zoom lens
* 88-400mm equivalent focal length
* 4-stop Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
* UD element
* Super Spectra coatings
* Circular diaphram
The all-purpose telephoto zoom for EF-S mount EOS cameras.
Affordable, powerful telephoto zoom
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is a telephoto zoom lens combining powerful performance with high image quality. With a focal length equivalent of 88-400mm in 35mm format, it is ideal for photographers seeking an affordable, versatile lens for general-purpose telephoto photography.
Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
To combat the effects of camera shake, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS incorporates Canon’s latest 4-stop compensation Image Stabilizer technology. This allows the use of shutter speeds up to 4 times slower with no perceptible increase in image blur. Automatic panning detection automatically turns off the Image Stabilizer in either the horizontal or vertical direction when following moving subjects.
UD lens element
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS employs a Canon UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens element to suppress the effects of secondary chromatic aberrations – for crisp, sharp, high-contrast images without fringing throughout the zoom range.
Super Spectra Coatings
Canon’s Super Spectra coatings combat ghosting and flare by absorbing light that may be reflected off digital camera sensors or internal lens elements. Super Spectra coatings also help ensure accurate colour balance and sharp, high-contrast results.
Circular aperture diaphragm
For shots taken at large aperture, a circular aperture diaphragm creates smooth, even bokeh (background blur) – ideal for emphasising subjects shot against distracting backgrounds.
Lead-free glass
Only environmentally-friendly, lead-free glass is used in the construction of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS.
Accessories
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is supplied with a lens cap and dust cap. A lens hood (ET-60) and lens case (LP1019) are available as optional accessories.
Specifications
* Focal length: 55-250mm
* Maximum aperture: f/4 to f/5.6
* Lens construction: 12 elements in 10 groups, including one UD-glass element
* Diagonal angle of view: 27 degrees (at 50 feet) to 6 degrees (at 15 feet), with APS-C image sensors
* Focus adjustment: DC motor, gear-driven (front focusing design)
* Closest focusing distance: 3.6 feet (0.31x maximum close-up magnification)
* Filter size: 58mm
* Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches long
* Weight: 13.8 ounces
* Warranty: 1 year
Popularity: 7%
See also: Canon Lenses | Lens Reviews
I own this lens and must say it has an exceptional price/performance ratio !
It’s tack sharp from edge to edge !
The focus is fast and silent for a non USM lens !
Sure, one would love to have a wider aperture but for that price it does very well.
A must have for small budgets.