Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 is II Telephoto Zoom Lens (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This renewed 1.17-pound 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 telephoto lens is for Canon APS-C DSLR owners needing extended reach on a tight budget.
This lens offers a telephoto reach up to 250mm for Canon APS-C cameras, which is useful for bringing distant subjects closer. However, its f/4.0-f/5.6 maximum aperture and older 'IS II' optical design mean it struggles in low light and may not deliver the sharpness of newer or more premium lenses.
If low-light performance or superior image quality is a priority, look for a lens with a wider, constant aperture (e.g., f/2.8) or the 'STM' version of this lens for improved autofocus.
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Pros
- Extends focal length to 250mm for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports.
- Weighs 1.17 pounds, making it relatively light for a telephoto zoom lens.
- Includes image stabilization to minimize blur in photos.
- Features a UD glass element within its 12 elements in 10 groups optical design for image clarity.
- Professionally inspected and tested to function like new as an Amazon Renewed product.
Cons
- Maximum aperture of f/4.0-f/5.6 limits light intake, making low-light shooting challenging without increasing ISO.
- Uses a plastic lens mount, which some users perceive as less durable than metal mounts.
- Not compatible with full-frame Canon DSLRs due to its EF-S mount.
- Some users report this 'IS II' version has 'horrible' image quality compared to newer iterations like the 'IS STM' version.
- Autofocus performance is not as quick or quiet as lenses with STM motors (implied by user recommendations for STM version).
Dimension Scores
While it includes a UD glass element, some users describe the image quality of this specific 'IS II' version as 'horrible' or 'pretty bad' compared to other options.
User comments frequently recommend the 'STM' version for better performance, implying the autofocus on this 'IS II' version is not a strong point for speed or quietness.
The older 'IS II' version lacks the smooth and quiet STM autofocus motor, which is generally preferred for video recording to avoid capturing focus motor noise.
Weighing 1.17 pounds, this lens is relatively lightweight for a telephoto zoom, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
Best For
- Capturing distant subjects in bright outdoor conditions, such as daytime wildlife or sports.
- Budget-conscious photographers seeking an affordable telephoto zoom for their Canon APS-C camera.
- Beginners looking to experiment with telephoto photography without a significant investment.
- Travelers who need a lightweight telephoto option for their APS-C kit.
Not Recommended For
- Photographers requiring fast, silent autofocus for video or rapidly moving subjects.
- Shooting in dimly lit environments or indoors due to its narrow maximum aperture.
- Owners of full-frame Canon DSLRs, as it is an EF-S mount lens.
- Users prioritizing the absolute sharpest optics and latest lens technology.
Watch Out For
- The f/5.6 aperture at 250mm means you'll struggle in anything but bright daylight, forcing higher ISOs and potentially noisy images.
- Multiple users on Reddit describe this specific 'IS II' version as a 'horrible lens' or 'pretty bad,' suggesting dissatisfaction with its optical performance.
- The plastic lens mount, mentioned by a user, might be a concern for long-term durability compared to metal mounts.
- Some users found the lens 'horribly limiting,' implying it didn't meet their expectations for image quality or performance.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07XJZ879X |
| Brand | Canon |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Item Weight | 1.17 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
| Item model number | 2044B002 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.25 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF-S |
| Camera Lens Description | Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 is II Telephoto Zoom Lens (Renewed) |
| Focal Length Description | 55-250 mm |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users on Reddit express strong opinions, with some calling this specific 'IS II' version a 'horrible lens' and 'pretty bad,' often recommending the 'IS STM' version instead for improved performance. Despite these criticisms, its 55-250mm telephoto range and image stabilization are frequently mentioned as practical for capturing distant subjects. The renewed status means you're getting a tested product, but expectations for optical quality should be tempered given its older design and user feedback.
“Honestly, I got this renewed lens and it's okay for the price, but man, trying to shoot anything indoors or when the sun starts to dip is a nightmare with that f/5.6, and the pictures aren't always as sharp as I hoped, kinda wish I just saved up for the STM version like everyone said.”
Common Praise
- The 55-250mm telephoto range is effective for zooming in on distant subjects.
- Image stabilization helps in getting blur-free shots, especially at longer focal lengths.
- It's a lightweight lens, making it comfortable to carry for extended shooting sessions.
- Offers a cost-effective entry into telephoto photography, especially as a renewed product.
Common Complaints
- The 'IS II' version is frequently described as having 'horrible' image quality by some users.
- The f/4.0-f/5.6 maximum aperture is too narrow for low-light conditions, leading to high ISO usage.
- The plastic lens mount is a concern for some users regarding its long-term durability.
- Users often recommend the 'IS STM' version over this 'IS II' for better autofocus and overall performance.
Ownership Tips
- The plastic mount feels less robust than metal mounts, requiring careful handling to avoid damage.
- Low-light performance is a constant battle; you'll be pushing your camera's ISO limits frequently.
- The autofocus can be noticeably slower and louder than newer lenses, especially when tracking moving subjects.
- Chromatic aberration can be visible in high-contrast scenes, particularly at the longer end of the zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens compatible with my Canon Rebel T7?
Yes, this EF-S mount lens is compatible with Canon APS-C DSLRs like the Rebel T7.
What's the difference between this 'IS II' version and the 'IS STM' version?
The 'IS STM' version typically offers quieter and smoother autofocus, which is beneficial for video, and often has improved optical performance compared to the older 'IS II' version.
Can I use this lens on a full-frame Canon camera?
No, this is an EF-S mount lens, designed specifically for Canon APS-C crop sensor cameras and is not compatible with full-frame DSLRs.
Is a renewed lens as good as a new one?
Amazon Renewed products are professionally inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers to work and look like new, and they come with a 1-year Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
Is this lens suitable for indoor sports photography?
Its f/4.0-f/5.6 maximum aperture is generally too narrow for indoor sports, which often require faster lenses (e.g., f/2.8) to freeze action in lower light conditions.
Buying Guide
When looking at telephoto lenses like this one, you're essentially buying reach – the ability to make far-away things appear closer. You need to consider how much light the lens lets in (its aperture) and if it has image stabilization to keep your shots steady, especially when you're zoomed all the way in. Also, check if it's compatible with your specific camera body, as not all lenses fit all cameras.
lens_type: Telephoto
This means the lens magnifies distant subjects, making them appear larger in your frame. Think of it like a telescope for your camera, bringing wildlife or sports action closer without you having to move.
Maximum aperture: f/4.0-f/5.6
This number tells you how wide the lens can open to let in light. A smaller number (like f/4.0) means more light, which is better for low-light conditions and creating blurry backgrounds. Since this lens starts at f/4.0 and narrows to f/5.6 as you zoom, it's not ideal for dim environments or achieving very shallow depth of field.
Canon EF-S Mount
This specifies which Canon cameras the lens will physically attach to. EF-S lenses are designed for Canon's APS-C (crop sensor) DSLRs only, like the Rebel series. They won't fit or function correctly on Canon's full-frame DSLRs.
Alternatives
If you need better low-light performance or smoother, quieter autofocus, look for telephoto zoom lenses with a constant, wider maximum aperture (e.g., f/2.8) or those featuring 'STM' (Stepping Motor) autofocus technology.
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