Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2011.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2011 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II:
"The compact and affordable EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II offers powerful telephoto performance. Its 4-stop Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection effectively suppresses blur in low light.
Affordable telephoto zoom lens
88-400mm equivalent focal length
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 II 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 II incorporates Canon’s 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 II 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 apertures, a circular aperture diaphragm creates smooth, even 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 II.
Accessories
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II is supplied with a lens cap and dust cap. A lens hood (ET-60) and lens case (LP1019) are available as optional accessories. "
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is designed and meant for Canon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 55-250 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 88-400 mm on your Canon camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 55 mm the lens brightness is f/4 and at 250 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 58 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "ET-60") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Images of Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- An impressive focal range
- Light weight (390 gr)
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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