The compact and affordable EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers powerful telephoto performance. Its 4-stop Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection effectively suppresses Blur in low light.
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.
Development objectives The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (Photo 3) is an EF-S series telephoto zoom lens developed specifically for EOS Digital series cameras using the APS-C size sensor. The design incorporates image stabilization. The image stabilizer unit features the same construction as the unit in the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. It is light, very compact and gives superb cost performance. With just these two lenses, photographers have a focal length range of 29-400mm (35mm-film format equivalent), covering everything from wide angle to ultra telephoto. The primary aims in the development of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS are highlighted below.
Feature 1 : Image stabilization in a lightweight, compact lens We took a number of steps - the compact zoom optics, the specially developed smaller image stabilizer unit, and the optimized mechanical layout - to include an image stabilizer in this lens while keeping it equivalent in size to the non-IS EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM.
Feature 2 : Outstanding optical performance A new optical design was used to fit image stabilization within the lens' compact optics. The design takes full advantage of the small Image circle that is characteristic of EF-S lenses in order to cut weight and bulk from the optics and achieve a 4.5x zoom ratio while keeping the size nearly the same as the EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM. Sharp image quality at all focal lengths is attained by using a UD lens element, which provides excellent Aberration correction (figures 5 and 6). The focal length range is equivalent to 88-400mm in 35mm-film format.
Figure 5: Optical schematic of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Figure 6: MTF characteristics of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Feature 3 : Newly developed high-performance image stabilizer unit Equipped with a tiny image stabilizer unit (Photo 4) with the same construction as the unit on the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, this lens boosts handheld camera steadiness by about four f-stops.* The lens is also able to automatically distinguish between panning and camera shake in normal shooting, and adjusts the IS mode accordingly. This feature permits for optimal image-stabilization in both situations and frees the user from concerns about mode selection. * Generally, the effective limit for stable unaided handheld shooting is a shutter speed of about 1/[focal length x 1.6] seconds for APS-C sensor cameras.
Photo 4: Image stabilizer unit of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Feature 4 : Optimal optics for digital SLRs The lens configuration and coatings have been designed to minimize the flare and ghosting due to surface reflections from the imaging sensor that is found in digital SLRs. The configuration and coatings also provide excellent Color balance.
Other features • Fast autofocusing A high-speed CPU and an optimized AF algorithm control the compact drive motor for fast autofocusing.
• Minimum focusing distance of 1.1 m The minimum focusing distance is 1.1ｍ at all focal lengths. The maximum magnification is 0.31 (at 250mm). • Circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh The lens features an electro-magnetic diaphragm with a circular aperture that produces attractive bokeh (blurring effects). • Redesigned switch shape prevents accidental mode changes The focus mode switch has been reshaped to prevent the switch from being moved accidentally while shooting or transporting. • Improved operability and high-grade exterior finish This lens has been furnished with the same zoom-ring pattern and Coating as our high-end models, giving a firmer grip and creating a high-grade exterior finish. • Environmentally friendly design The lens optics use only environmentally friendly lead-free glass. Furthermore, the lens design meets the environmental requirements of the European Union's RoHS Directive.
Great Value for a f4.0-5.6 lenss, Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I've only had the lens for a short time, bought at same time as the Canon T2i to pick up where the 18-55 kit lens leaves off, but have taken some very good photos with it.
However, I learned taking photos at the Patriots vs Rams pre-season game that I will never get "pro" quality photos with in when shooting sports in the Burst mode, at least not at night. Actually, night games for the pros are far different than high school teams because lighting was very good. With this lens the camera had no complaint with f5.6, shutter speed of 400, and ISO 1600. But the best shots were when there was a momentary pause in the fast action and of people in the background watching the action.
Actually, with post processing, most of the shots are fine for personal enjoyment. But few would cut the mustard for more ambitious use.
Earlier I might have given the lens a 4, maybe even a 3, but since the game I have learned a lot about lenses and I now know that the photos I got were the best I could expect from this lens.
In day time settings, I have consistently gotten clear, sharp shots. I have not tried the lens in low light, but my guess is this is not the best choice for low light either because the lens does not let in enough light.
In summary, for what I do most of the time, this lens is excellent. And I really appreciate the image stabilizer.
Great Value for a f4.0-5.6 lenss, Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I've only had the lens for a short time, bought at same time as the Canon T2i to pick up where the 18-55 kit lens leaves off, but have taken some very good photos with it.
However, I learned taking photos at the Patriots vs Rams pre-season game that I will never get "pro" quality photos with in when shooting sports in the burst mode, at least not at night. Actually, night games for the pros are far different than high school teams because lighting was very good. With this lens the camera had no complaint with f5.6, shutter speed of 400, and ISO 1600. But the best shots were when there was a momentary pause in the fast action and of people in the background watching the action because a shutter speed of 400 was not fast enough to get crisp shots of moving people.
Actually, with post processing, most of the game shots are fine for personal enjoyment. But few would cut the mustard for more ambitious use.
Earlier I might have given the lens a 4, maybe even a 3, because of my game experience, but since the game I have learned a lot about lenses and I now know that the photos I got were the best I could expect from this f4.0-5.6 lens.
In day time settings, I have consistently gotten clear, sharp shots but have not yet tried shooting kiteboarders, something I enjoy doing. However, my expectation is that I will, because when the game started at 7:30 pm and there was still some daylight as well as the lights, I was able to shoot with a shutter speed of 500 and lower ISO. Based on this, I believe in sunlight that I will get the shutter speed I need. If that does not prove to be true, I will update this review.
I have not tried the lens in low light, but my guess is this is not the best choice for low light either because the lens does not let in enough light.
In summary, for what I do most of the time, this lens is excellent. And I really appreciate the image stabilizer. If I were going to shoot a lot of night football I would start saving for an f2.8 lens, but they are quite expensive.
My previous lens (Canon 70-300) lost its auto focus abilities and it would have cost as much to fix it as to purchase this new lens so I decided to buy rather than repair. In addition I now have image stabilization, something I didn't think I needed but am very happy to have. The lens is just a Bit lighter than the old one and though other reviewers complain about the plastic mount, I have not had any issues. Picture quality is very good and there is minimal extra draw on the battery when using the image stabilization. For the price I think it was the right thing for this amateur photographer.
Given to husband for birthday present. Great price and pictures, details look clear and sharp, just what we were hoping to achieve with this zoom lens.
Lens For The Budget Conscious, Saturday, 14 August 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm is a perfect choice if you shoot mostly wide angle shots and don't want to blow a ton of money on a telephoto zoom lens that you only use occasionally. This lens offers you reasonably sharp photos at a very, very good price. Here's a more indepth evaluation of this lens.
- Sharpness The sharpness is on par with that of the 18-55mm kit lens. In the right conditions, it's almost (but not quite) pro-grade. For a budget lens, it's really about as sharp as they come. I think it's safe to say in terms of sharpness this lens will satisfy all but the most fastidious of prosumers.
You best bet for seeing how sharp this lens is is to seek out professional review sites that show you a 100% crop of pictures taken with this lens and then decide for yourself.
- Chromatic aberration (CA) In bright sunlight, where chromatic aberration is most pronounced, the chromatic aberration on this lens is barely noticeable and probably imperceptible to the untrained eye. In more even lighting, this lens shows no signs of CA.
- Auto-Focus (AF) The auto-focus is fast enough for still subjects, but for very fast-moving subjects, it's a hit-or-miss. I gave this lens a good workout shooting cheetahs running close to their top speeds at the Animal Ark, Reno, NV (OT: cheetahs can run at speeds of 70 mph or greater). Most of my shots came out blurry (and that's not due to motion blur) because the auto-focus wasn't fast enough.
Like the kit lens, the auto-focus has trouble in lowlight conditions. It also has trouble with surfaces that lack texture. The motor whirs back and forth trying to lock on to a focus. It can be a little annoying at times.
- Image Stabilization (IS) The image stabilization is amazing, even at 250mm. Interestingly, you can hear a click when the image stabilization mechanism kicks in. For handheld shot, especially at the 250mm end, the IS is immensely helpful for steadying your shots. I'm very impressed. (Bear in mind, too, the rule of thumb: the shutter speed should be at least as fast as the reciprocal of the focal length.)
- Internal Focus (IF) The lack of IF would not ordinarily be a problem unless you're using circular polarized filters. The turning of the barrel throws the filter out of adjustment, so you would have to readjust the filter after the subject is brought into focus.
- Build In terns of build quality, the lens is built a lot like the kit lens. There are complaints that it looks plasticky - maybe so - but it doesn't look cheap to be sure. It's lightweight but it feels well-built and sturdy. The zoom ring feels tight, but not overly so, so there is no zoom creep.
- Alternative Just FYI, the Canon EF 70-300mm is reputed to be sharper than this lens. You might want to give this lens some consideration if the focal range is right and if you can afford to splurge a little.
--- I suspect the Canon EF-S 55-250mm is the best mid-telephoto zoom lens you can get at this price. For the budget conscious, and for people who need telephoto zoom only once in a while, this lens is a very good choice.
I bought this lens about a month ago now. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. I brought it with me on a trip to colorado recently, it took amazing pictures. The image stabilizer is a great feature, especially when zooming in far.
If you are reading review after review, trying to decide between this lens or the Tamron 70-300mm, I say, stop reading and order the Canon. I read hundreds of lens reviews (because I'm just crazy that way) and here's what happened.
I was looking for a zoom just for hobby purposes. The Tamron costs a little less and has great reviews so I ordered it. I'd used a Sigma 300mm lens in the past with pretty good results, so I had no problem purchasing a third party lens. But, within one week, I returned the Tamron. Almost every shot I took was out of focus. I am a candid photograph taking kind of girl, so using a tripod is not an option. Plus, I never had to use a tripod with my Sigma 300mm so I knew getting a half way decent hand held shot was possible. In comes the Canon 55-250mm IS. They say it's the IS that makes the difference, I don't really know. I just know I get good, clear shots most every time. Walking around my yard snaping birds and lizards. At the beach in the bright, bright sunlight. It's all good. I was afraid that losing that 50mm would be a big deal but it's not.
I have not tried this lens in low light. I would not expect to get great results because of the speed and have a much faster lens for that purpose. No, it's not the heavy dutiest thing I've ever felt but it is sufficient for it's purpose. The picture quality isn't perfect, but they are certainly good enough for non-professional use. Very good, in fact. And I doubt seriously that anyone would expect perfection from a $200 lens.
I gave it 5 stars because I believe it is a really, really good lens for the money. I bought an open box unit for $175 and could not be more please with my purchase. So glad I gave this one a shot! ;)
I bought this lense because I've already got the 18-55mm lense when I bought my CANON 450D. When I just got this new lens, I was very excited, but after I put it on, and did some test shots, I was confused. whenever I pressed down the shutter, from the view finder, I first saw a little shake of the lens, then heard the click sound. Then, I tried it a couple of more times, the same thing happened. Then, I took it off and re-installed it again. I thought maybe something didn't hook up correctly. Unfortunately, still had that little shake when I pressed the shutter. At last, I had to return it to seller. Maybe I'm the only unlucky person? But now, I'm looking for some other lens.
Another good addition to my Canon lens collection., Saturday, 24 July 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I have used Canon products exclusively since my first purchase in 1960, with countless Canon cameras since my first Canon FT SLR. I did not think that a zoom lens in this price range could be as good as this 55-250 mm is proving to be. I would certainly recommend this lens to any Canon user who wishes to try this zoom range and is budget minded. After doing much research concerning lens tests, etc, before my purchase, I must say that it is exceeding my expectations already.
