This is a very good lens given its price. Like with any lens selection there
are compromises, and a more expensive lens is not necessarily better in all
respects. These are the main considerations for me:
* The lens comes with an excellent IS. One could probably save a hundred bucks
buying a non-IS lens in this focal range which may even be a bit better optically.
However, long range shots without IS are difficult, especially in low light. The
IS on this lens works very well, better compared to my Canon 28-135 IS and even
compared to the 100-400L. The IS really makes a lot of hand held shots possible
that one could not do with a non-IS lens.
* The lens is fairly cheaply built and has a plastic mount. However, the
trade-off is that it is also fairly small and light (the small size is also due
to the fact that it is a EF-S lens). My other tele-zoom is a 100-400L lens
which is built like tank, but it is also huge and weighs 3 pounds. In many cases
one does not want to carry that much weight around, and that is where this lens
comes in really handy.
* Image quality: No, it cannot quite match the 100-400L, but it comes surprisingly
close. Of course, the 100-400L costs 5 times as much. Lack of good color
saturation is the most notable deficiency. On the other hand images are very sharp.
For outdoors one should get a hood, there is quite a bit of glare in shots with
frontal sunlight.
* Zoom range: the 55-250mm range makes the lens quite versatile. 250mm is long
enough for most outdoor sports, many nature shots, people from afar, etc. At the
other end 55mm is still good for close action, for example at a soccer field.
That is almost a factor 2 shorter compared to 100-(300/400) lenses.
It also provides a nice overlap with walk-around lenses, like the Canon 28-135 IS.
* Aperture: F4-5.6 is nothing to brag about, however, a faster lens would also
have to be much bigger, heavier, and costlier. And as long as you objects don't
move too much the IS makes the lens effectively faster. If Canon's 4 stop
improvement holds it would be equivalent to a non-ISF1-1.4, although F1.4-2 is
probably more realistic. A F1.4-2 with that focal range would have to be big,
heavy, and expensive, if it even existed.
In summary, this is an excellent second lens to complement a short zoom or a
walk-around lens. Very versatile and a lot of bang for the buck. In my case,
even though I own a 100-400L I still keep this lens because it is often more
practical because of the shorter focal length and the smaller size.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 is II Telephoto Zoom Lens
4.7
| 3,447 ratingsPrice: 199
Last update: 08-11-2024
About this item
Canon EF-S Mount (not compatible with full sensor DSLRs)
Super Spectra coatings also help ensure accurate colour balance and sharp, high-contrast results
Ideal for emphasising subjects shot against distracting backgrounds
Super Spectra coatings also help ensure accurate colour balance and sharp, high-contrast results
Ideal for emphasising subjects shot against distracting backgrounds
Product information
Product Dimensions | 4.25 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 13.8 ounces |
ASIN | B0011NVMO8 |
Item model number | 2044B002 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
3,447 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #28 in SLR Camera Lenses |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | January 23, 2008 |
Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |