The EF-S 55-250 4-5.6 IS STM is a petite and ultra lightweight 4.5x telezoom aimed at hobbyists and light packers. It’s an EF-S lens and thus compatible only with APS-C (1.6x crop) DSLRs such as Rebels, 70D, 80D, etc.
BUILD is light duty and, at a slender 2.8” x 4.4,” similar in size to a typical Micro Four Thirds telezoom. Fit and finish are very good with quality plastics, sturdy switches, smooth turning rings and a wobble-free nested barrel. The weak point is probably the plastic mount.
OPTICAL QUALITY: This lens is sharp across the frame and compares well to my EF 70-200 4L IS USM, a four times more expensive lens! Yes, it exhibits slightly more light falloff and flares more easily than the L zoom, but is impressive nonetheless.
FOCUS: A rear element focusing group is driven by a stepping motor (STM) and is peppy, accurate and sure-footed on my 70D and 80D. However, it’s less sure-footed on my SL1 in low light due to the lessor AF system of the Rebel (only one cross point). The front element doesn't rotate or extend during focusing, allowing easy use of polarizing filters.
This zoom was designed with video in mind and the STM drive is silky smooth, just the right focus speed and perfect for pulls and movie servo. Focus is silent to camera mics as is the image stabilization (IS). The focus-by-wire manual focus (MF) works without switching out of AF mode: grip and turn the ring with the shutter button half depressed.
ZOOM: The zoom ring is large, covered with ribbed rubber, well damped and doesn’t creep. It’s also very smooth when rotated. A nested barrel extends considerably—adding about 2 inches in length--when racked out to 250 mm.
IMAGE STABILIZATION: Because this lens is so light, it’s tricky to hold steady compared to my EF 70-200 4L IS USM. Nevertheless, the IS feature insures I almost always get a sharp picture, even three stops below my normal hand held shutter speed at 55mm, e.g., 1/15 sec. At 250mm I can only squeeze out two extra stops, e.g., 1/60 sec. I do a stop or two better with my heavier EF 70-200 4L IS USM due to less bobbing around!
LENS HOOD: Use a hood to protect this lens from stray light, doggie noses and raindrops. A hood is not included but the optional Canon is pricey at 25 shekels.
FINAL BLURB: This an ideal telezoom for travel and weekend sports shooters. Considering the cost and performance ratio, this is a truly excellent telezoom. I love the petite size, zoom range, AF speed/smoothness and sharpness of this lens. Coupled with my 80D, it makes a wonderfully versatile, nimble and lightweight travel combo. I feel confident to shoot in most situations and bring back sharp images and videos.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM
4.8 | 2,749 ratings
Price: 299
Last update: 01-11-2025
About this item
High magnification, compact and lightweight EF-S telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilization for up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction. Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed using EOS 7D at focal length of 250 millimeter (400 millimeter in 35 millimeter equivalence).
One UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range, for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast.
New six-group zoom system provides a compact design while achieving a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end.
Minimum focusing distance: 2.79 feet; 0.85 meter (full zoom range).
Kit Inlcudes lens, lens cap E-58II, lens dust cap E, instruction book, warranty card
One UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range, for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast.
New six-group zoom system provides a compact design while achieving a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end.
Minimum focusing distance: 2.79 feet; 0.85 meter (full zoom range).
Kit Inlcudes lens, lens cap E-58II, lens dust cap E, instruction book, warranty card
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 4.37 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 13.2 ounces |
| ASIN | B00EFILVQU |
| Item model number | EF-S55-250ISSTM |
| Batteries | 1 A batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
2,716 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #8 in SLR Camera Lenses |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | August 19, 2013 |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
Top reviews from the United States
P.K. Frary
Sharp and lightweight!
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2016
P.K. Frary
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2016
BUILD is light duty and, at a slender 2.8” x 4.4,” similar in size to a typical Micro Four Thirds telezoom. Fit and finish are very good with quality plastics, sturdy switches, smooth turning rings and a wobble-free nested barrel. The weak point is probably the plastic mount.
OPTICAL QUALITY: This lens is sharp across the frame and compares well to my EF 70-200 4L IS USM, a four times more expensive lens! Yes, it exhibits slightly more light falloff and flares more easily than the L zoom, but is impressive nonetheless.
FOCUS: A rear element focusing group is driven by a stepping motor (STM) and is peppy, accurate and sure-footed on my 70D and 80D. However, it’s less sure-footed on my SL1 in low light due to the lessor AF system of the Rebel (only one cross point). The front element doesn't rotate or extend during focusing, allowing easy use of polarizing filters.
This zoom was designed with video in mind and the STM drive is silky smooth, just the right focus speed and perfect for pulls and movie servo. Focus is silent to camera mics as is the image stabilization (IS). The focus-by-wire manual focus (MF) works without switching out of AF mode: grip and turn the ring with the shutter button half depressed.
ZOOM: The zoom ring is large, covered with ribbed rubber, well damped and doesn’t creep. It’s also very smooth when rotated. A nested barrel extends considerably—adding about 2 inches in length--when racked out to 250 mm.
IMAGE STABILIZATION: Because this lens is so light, it’s tricky to hold steady compared to my EF 70-200 4L IS USM. Nevertheless, the IS feature insures I almost always get a sharp picture, even three stops below my normal hand held shutter speed at 55mm, e.g., 1/15 sec. At 250mm I can only squeeze out two extra stops, e.g., 1/60 sec. I do a stop or two better with my heavier EF 70-200 4L IS USM due to less bobbing around!
LENS HOOD: Use a hood to protect this lens from stray light, doggie noses and raindrops. A hood is not included but the optional Canon is pricey at 25 shekels.
FINAL BLURB: This an ideal telezoom for travel and weekend sports shooters. Considering the cost and performance ratio, this is a truly excellent telezoom. I love the petite size, zoom range, AF speed/smoothness and sharpness of this lens. Coupled with my 80D, it makes a wonderfully versatile, nimble and lightweight travel combo. I feel confident to shoot in most situations and bring back sharp images and videos.
Images in this review
Sean Meninger
Definitely worth it! Wonderful lens.
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024
Ruined
The best telephoto zoom under a grand for APS-C Cameras (Canon Rebel, 60/70D, 7D, etc)
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2013