Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM, Telephoto, Black
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AI Verdict
A 13.2-ounce EF-S telephoto zoom with 3.5-stop image stabilization and silent STM autofocus, ideal for APS-C Canon DSLRs.
This lens is a strong fit for APS-C Canon DSLR users seeking an affordable, lightweight telephoto zoom. Its 55-250mm focal length, 3.5-stop image stabilization, and silent STM autofocus align well with general photography needs like outdoor events or casual wildlife, without the bulk or cost of professional-grade lenses.
If you need better low-light performance or more subject separation, look for a telephoto lens with a wider, constant aperture like f/2.8 or f/4.
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Pros
- Image stabilization provides up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction, helping with handheld shots.
- STM autofocus motor delivers fast, smooth, and quiet focusing, beneficial for both stills and video recording.
- Produces sharp images, particularly when stopped down slightly, outperforming many lenses in its price range.
- Weighs 13.2 ounces, making it a lightweight option for a telephoto zoom lens.
- One UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration across the zoom range, contributing to image clarity.
Cons
- Maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 limits performance in low-light conditions and restricts background blur for subject separation.
- Constructed primarily from plastic, including the lens mount, which some users find less durable than metal builds.
- Does not include a lens hood, requiring a separate purchase for glare reduction and physical protection.
- Manual focus ring is electronically coupled and can feel loose, making precise manual adjustments less intuitive.
- Images can appear soft at the widest apertures and in the corners, especially on higher-resolution APS-C sensors, often requiring stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 for optimal sharpness.
Dimension Scores
Produces surprisingly sharp images for its price point, especially when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8, and includes a UD element to reduce chromatic aberration.
The STM motor provides fast, smooth, and silent autofocus, which is a significant improvement over older non-STM versions.
The silent and smooth STM autofocus, combined with effective image stabilization, makes this lens particularly well-suited for video recording.
Weighing 13.2 ounces, it's a compact and lightweight telephoto zoom, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
Best For
- Capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports during daylight hours on an APS-C DSLR.
- Recording video where silent and smooth autofocus transitions are important.
- Travel photography where a lightweight, extended zoom range is desired without a heavy kit.
- Beginner photographers looking for an affordable telephoto lens to expand their focal range on an APS-C Canon camera.
Not Recommended For
- Professional wildlife photography requiring extreme reach or low-light performance, as 250mm can be short for small, distant animals.
- Users needing a lens for full-frame Canon cameras, as this is an EF-S lens designed for APS-C sensors.
- Situations demanding shallow depth of field or significant background blur due to its f/4-5.6 maximum aperture.
Watch Out For
- The lens does not come with a lens hood, which is an additional purchase to prevent flare and offer protection.
- On higher-megapixel APS-C sensors (like 32.5MP), the lens can show softness at f/4 and in the corners, needing to be stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8 for better sharpness.
- When used with Canon mirrorless R-series cameras via an adapter, it will only produce an APS-C image circle.
- The large zoom ring can sometimes make it difficult to grip the lens for mounting on the camera.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B00EFILVQU |
| Brand | Canon |
| Batteries | 1 A batteries required. |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Item Weight | 13.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
| Item model number | EF-S55-250ISSTM |
| Product Dimensions | 4.37 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF-S |
| Camera Lens Description | Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM |
| Focal Length Description | 55 to 250mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 88 to 400mm) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Users consistently highlight the surprising image sharpness this lens delivers for its cost, often comparing it favorably to much pricier options. The STM autofocus system receives praise for being fast, smooth, and quiet, which is a big win for video shooters. While the plastic construction is noted, many find it feels solid enough, and the image stabilization is genuinely effective, allowing for sharper handheld shots. However, the relatively slow f/4-5.6 aperture means it struggles in dim lighting and won't give you super blurry backgrounds.
“Dude, this lens is way better than I thought it'd be for the money, like, my pictures are actually sharp and the video autofocus is so quiet, finally no motor noise! Only bummer is I gotta buy a hood separate.”
Common Praise
- Images are surprisingly sharp, especially for the price.
- Autofocus is fast, smooth, and silent, which is great for video.
- Image stabilization is effective, providing up to 3.5 stops of shake correction.
- It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry.
- The zoom ring operates smoothly without wobbling when extended.
Common Complaints
- The f/4-5.6 aperture is slow, limiting its use in low light and for achieving significant background blur.
- Build quality is mostly plastic, including the lens mount.
- A lens hood is not included and needs to be bought separately.
- Manual focus ring can feel loose and isn't ideal for precise adjustments.
- Images can be soft at f/4 and in the corners, particularly on high-resolution sensors.
Ownership Tips
- The STM version is a significant upgrade over older non-STM 55-250mm lenses, especially for autofocus and image stabilization.
- You'll likely need to stop down to f/5.6 or f/8 to get the best sharpness, especially at the telephoto end and in the corners.
- While plastic, the lens feels reasonably solid and not flimsy in hand.
- The front element doesn't rotate during focusing, which is a plus if you use polarizing filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens compatible with full-frame Canon cameras?
No, this is an EF-S lens, specifically designed for Canon cameras with APS-C sensors. It will not work on full-frame Canon DSLRs.
Does this lens have image stabilization?
Yes, it features Image Stabilization (IS) for up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction, which helps in reducing blur from camera movement.
Is the autofocus quiet enough for video?
Yes, the STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system is known for being fast, smooth, and very quiet, making it suitable for video recording without picking up focusing noise.
Does this lens come with a lens hood?
No, a lens hood is not included in the kit and must be purchased separately.
Can I use this lens for wildlife photography?
You can use it for wildlife, but the 250mm reach might be limiting for smaller or more distant subjects. Many users find longer lenses (e.g., 150-600mm) more suitable for serious wildlife work.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a telephoto zoom like this, you're mostly thinking about how far you can reach and how steady your shots will be. The '55-250mm' tells you the zoom range, meaning you can go from a moderately zoomed-in view to a much tighter shot. 'F4-5.6' refers to the maximum aperture, which dictates how much light the lens lets in and how blurry you can make the background. 'IS' means Image Stabilization, which is crucial for sharp photos when you're zoomed in and shooting handheld, preventing blurry messes. 'STM' is about the autofocus motor – it's the quiet, smooth one, which is a big deal if you plan on shooting video.
55-250mm Focal Length
F4-5.6 Aperture
Image Stabilization (IS)
STM Autofocus
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't offer enough light-gathering capability, look for telephoto zooms with a constant, wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4 throughout the zoom range). If you need more reach for very distant subjects, search for lenses with a maximum focal length of 400mm or 600mm.
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