Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Review

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that was created exclusively for use with Canon cameras that utilize the APS-C sensor format. This lens is a good option for photographers who are interested in expanding the creative possibilities available to them as a result of its sophisticated features and extensive focal length range.

This lens provides exceptional image quality and performance, making it an excellent choice for photographing faraway scenes, sporting events, or wildlife. In order to have a comprehensive comprehension of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens’s capabilities, let’s investigate the many facets that make up this lens.

Key Specs

  • Focal Length: 55-250mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4-5.6
  • Lens Construction: 15 elements in 12 groups
  • Diagonal Angle of View: 27° 50′ – 6° 15′
  • Focus Adjustment: Rear focus system
  • Closest Focusing Distance: 2.79 ft. / 0.85m
  • Filter Size: 58mm diameter
  • Max. Diameter x Length: 2.8 x 4.4 inches (70.0 x 111.2mm)
  • Weight: Approx. 13.2 oz. / 375g

Performance

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens provides outstanding performance that goes above and beyond what is expected of it. With a zoom range that extends from 55 to 250 millimeters, it enables photographers to effortlessly capture a wide variety of scenes. This lens is capable of producing sharp and clear photos over the entirety of its zoom range, from up-close portraits to expansive vistas.

The autofocus technology of the lens is called STM, which stands for Stepping Motor, and it offers a smooth and silent focusing experience, making it excellent for both still photography and video recording. Because the focusing performance is both rapid and precise, you will be able to take clear pictures of subjects that are moving quickly.

Autofocus System

An innovative autofocus mechanism that improves your shooting experience is included in the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. This lens has a focal range that ranges from f/4 to 5.6. The STM (Stepping Motor) technology offers smooth and nearly silent focusing, which makes it ideal for taking video footage without any distracting noise.

This makes it great for use in professional video production. Because the autofocus technology is both rapid and precise, it enables you to lock onto your subject swiftly and ensures that the photographs you take are crisp. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking pictures of wild animals or sporting events; the autofocus mechanism will track your subjects with such accuracy that you won’t miss a single important moment. You also have the ability to make fine adjustments to the focus manually, thanks to the full-time manual focus override, which gives you full control over your composition.

Vibration Reduction

When shooting at slower shutter speeds or in low-light circumstances, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is equipped with an in-built Image Stabilization (IS) technology that helps to correct for camera shake, resulting in clearer photos. This feature is especially helpful in situations when there is less available light. The picture blur that can be produced by hand motions is effectively reduced by the IS system, which enables you to take crisp and stable images even when you do not have a tripod.

When photographing distant subjects or shooting in hard lighting circumstances, when a higher ISO level may cause noise, this function is quite helpful. Another scenario in which it comes in handy is when taking portraits. This lens’ built-in Image Stabilization technology offers a substantial benefit to photographers, making it possible for them to obtain better results in a wider range of shooting environments.

Build Quality

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens features a robust construction quality that assures its endurance and dependability. The lens is built to last, as seen by its durable construction and the high-quality materials it is composed of; as a result, it is suited for usage in a variety of settings. Because the outside of the lens is constructed out of a durable composite material that offers protection against dust and moisture, you are free to take pictures in a wide variety of environments without worrying about damaging the lens.

The lens also has a metal lens mount, which contributes to its general stability and durability and makes it more long-lasting. Despite having a sturdy construction, the lens has managed to keep its lightweight and small design, making it simple to transport and manipulate even during long shooting sessions.

Handling and Ergonomics

Comfort for the user was a primary consideration in the development of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. Because of its small size and low weight, it is very easy to transport, which ensures that you will be able to participate in lengthy shooting sessions without experiencing any discomfort. The lens has a pleasant rubberized zoom ring and a smooth manual focus ring, which together make it possible to make changes that are both accurate and easy to do.

Because the zoom ring provides a feeling that is well-damped, it is simple to acquire the focal length that is required rapidly. In addition to this, the lens features a front element that does not rotate, making it much simpler to employ polarizing filters without affecting the way in which they are oriented. The ergonomic design of this lens as a whole makes shooting with it a pleasurable experience, allowing you to concentrate uninhibitedly on obtaining clear images of the things you want to photograph.

Image Stabilization

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens features an excellent Image Stabilization (IS) system that eliminates the negative impacts of camera shake. This IS system is equipped with an f/4-5.6 aperture range. You are able to shoot at slower shutter speeds without compromising image quality because of the IS technology, which eliminates blur caused by camera shake while shooting handheld.

This function is very helpful when working in low-light circumstances or with long lens lengths, as it helps to generate clearer photos by decreasing blur produced by camera shake, which is especially valuable when shooting in low-light conditions. This lens features an extremely efficient image stabilization technology that can deliver up to 3.5 stops of stabilization. As a result, you will be able to take photographs that are very crisp, even in difficult lighting conditions.

Shooting Experience

Photographers will have a wonderful experience when they use the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. Because of its extensive zoom range and a plethora of cutting-edge capabilities, it is perfect for a wide variety of shooting situations. This lens works incredibly well regardless of whether you are using it to photograph landscapes, portraits, animals, or sports.

The autofocus mechanism provides focusing that is both quick and accurate, making it simple for you to follow things that are in motion. Even while shooting handheld, the Image Stabilization technology ensures that your photographs remain stable and helps you capture images with a high degree of sharpness. The lens’s entire performance contributes to a satisfactory shooting experience, allowing you to take outstanding photographs easily. This satisfies both the photographer and the subject of the photograph.

Image Quality

The superior optics and cutting-edge lens coatings of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens allow it to generate images of exceptional quality. A UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) element has been included in the lens, which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and ensures that colors are reproduced accurately. In addition to that, it has Super Spectra coatings, which cut down on ghosting and flare.

As a consequence, the images come out with a lot of contrast and very few optical imperfections. You will be able to capture delicate details and subtle textures thanks to the lens’s ability to produce photos that are clear and detailed over the entire focal length range. Because of its remarkable overall image quality, this lens is an excellent choice as a trusted instrument for photography lovers as well as for pros.

Teleconverter Compatibility

It is possible to extend the range and functionality of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens by using one of Canon’s teleconverters, which is compatible with the lens. You are able to efficiently expand the focal length of the lens by installing a teleconverter, which gives you the ability to get even closer to things that are further away. Because of its adaptability, the lens offers more versatility and convenience since it can be adapted to a variety of shooting conditions without the need for additional lenses to be purchased.

However, it is essential to be aware that when teleconverters are utilized, there is a possibility that the picture quality may suffer, as well as a reduction in the maximum aperture. This is something that will vary depending on the particular teleconverter that is employed. The lens’ flexibility is increased and it becomes ideal for a wider variety of photography applications as a result of its compatibility with teleconverters, which allow the focal length of the lens to be extended beyond its default setting.

Comparison with Competitors

When contrasted with its rivals, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens emerges as an appealing option for photographers to consider. Its range of focal lengths, high image quality, and an array of cutting-edge features combine to make it an adaptable and dependable choice among telephoto zoom options. In terms of picture quality, the lens produces images that are crisp and detailed over the entirety of the zoom range, and the sophisticated coatings help to reduce the appearance of optical artifacts.

Both the autofocus mechanism and the image stabilization system allow for quick and precise focusing, and the image stabilization system guarantees that photographs are crisp even while shooting in difficult settings. A comfortable shooting experience may also be achieved thanks to the lens’s high build quality and user-friendliness in terms of handling ergonomics.

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens stands out owing to its overall performance, picture quality, and compatibility with Canon’s teleconverters. Other lenses on the market may provide identical characteristics, but this lens from Canon stands out due to its overall performance.

Specifications

Focal Length55-250mm
Maximum Aperturef/4-5.6
Lens Construction15 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View27° 50′ – 6° 15′
Focus AdjustmentRear focus system
Closest Focusing Distance2.79 ft. / 0.85m
Filter Size58mm diameter
Max. Diameter x Length2.8 x 4.4 inches, approx. 70.0 x 111.2mm
WeightApprox. 13.2 oz. / 375g

Pros and Cons

There are a number of significant benefits offered by the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. To begin, its variable zoom range makes it possible for photographers to record a broad array of subjects, ranging from close-ups to sceneries in the distance. The autofocus technology of the lens operates wonderfully, allowing for rapid and precise focusing, while the Image Stabilization system works efficiently to eliminate camera shake, resulting in photos that are crisper.

The build quality of the lens is solid, yet despite this, it manages to stay lightweight and small, making it very simple to handle and transport. In addition, its capability of working with teleconverters produced by Canon expands both its range and its adaptability.

Price and Availability

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens has a price that is comparable to other telephoto zoom lenses on the market, making it an attractive option for photographers who are looking for a telephoto zoom lens. The lens is readily available and may be purchased at a variety of locations, including official Canon merchants as well as internet sellers. Those wishing to add more lenses to their collection will find that the lens is frequently included in bundles with Canon camera bodies that use the APS-C format.

This makes purchasing more lenses more affordable. In addition, the lens’s widespread use has resulted in its availability on the second-hand market, making it even more accessible to photographers working within a limited financial framework. It is advised that, before making a purchase, one compares costs from a variety of sites and takes into account any offers or promotions that are currently available that may bring further savings.

Conclusion

Photographers who are looking for a flexible telephoto zoom lens that offers superior picture quality and performance will find that the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is a wonderful option to consider. Its range of focal lengths, sophisticated autofocus mechanism, and image stabilization make it appropriate for a wide variety of shooting circumstances, including portraiture, animal photography, and sports photography.

The lens’ superior build quality, user-friendly ergonomics of handling, and compatibility with Canon’s teleconverters all contribute to an improved shooting experience and more versatility. Although it may have certain restrictions, such as a changeable maximum aperture, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens offers an amazing value for its price, which makes it a dependable and easily accessible alternative for photographers of all skill levels.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM FAQs

Q. Is the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens compatible with full-frame cameras?
A. No, this lens is specifically designed for Canon APS-C format cameras and is not compatible with full-frame cameras. It is intended for use with cameras like Canon EOS Rebel series and EOS 70D/80D.
Q. Does the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens have image stabilization?
A. Yes, the lens is equipped with an Image Stabilization (IS) system. This feature helps to minimize the effects of camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially when shooting at slower shutter speeds or in low-light conditions.
Q. What is the minimum focusing distance of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens?
A. The lens has a closest focusing distance of 2.79 ft. or 0.85m. This allows you to get reasonably close to your subject for detailed close-up shots.
Q. Can the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens be used for capturing sports or wildlife photography?
A. Yes, this lens is well-suited for sports and wildlife photography due to its versatile focal length range and fast and accurate autofocus system. The telephoto capabilities allow you to capture distant subjects with ease, while the STM autofocus motor ensures smooth and silent focusing.
Q. What is the filter size of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens?
A. The lens has a filter diameter of 58mm. This allows you to attach various filters, such as UV filters or circular polarizers, to enhance your images and protect the front lens element from scratches and dust.

Tags:

Peter
Peter

Peter is an accomplished and passionate photographer whose captivating images have garnered global recognition. With a remarkable ability to capture fleeting moments and convey profound emotions, his work transcends boundaries and tells compelling visual stories. From stunning landscapes to intimate portraits, Peter's expertise in various genres of photography showcases his artistic vision and technical mastery.

DSLRCameraSearch
Logo