Every Canon EF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
Home page - Every Canon EF Lens and RF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
EFLens is run by Keith and Karen from Northlight Images, in our spare time. All our articles and reviews are free.

Overview

Canon's second version of the 55-200 offers improved image stabilisation (4 stops) and a solid (if largely plastic) build. The light weight and small size of the lens is an advantage for smaller camera bags. Lens quality is improved over earlier versions at this focal length, whilst still being relatively low priced.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 55-250mm f/4-5.6
Lens Construction 12 elements in 10 groups, including one UD-glass element
Diagonal Angle of View 27° 50'- 6° 15' (with APS-C image sensors)
Focus Adjustment DC motor, gear-driven (front focusing design)
Closest Focusing Distance 3.6 ft./1.1m (maximum close-up magnification 0.31x)
Filter Size 58mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 2.8 in. x 4.3 in./70 x 108mm (maximum lens length); 13.8 oz./390g

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II block diagram

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II 55mm MTF chart EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II 250mm MTF chart

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts)

Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture.
Blue lines show the performance at f/8

Thick lines indicate lens contrast
Thin lines indicate lens resolution

Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines.
Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines

Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas.

Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

Which 55-250? - a list of all versions

Canon EF-S 55-250
Attribute f/4–5.6 IS f/4–5.6 IS II f/4–5.6 IS STM
Image
Key features
Full-frame compatible  No
Image stabilizer  Yes
Environmental sealing  No
Ultrasonic Motor  No
Stepping Motor  No  Yes
Technical data
Focal length (max/min) 55–250mm (35 mm equivalent of 88–400mm)
Aperture (max/min) f/4–5.6 / f/22–32
Construction 12 elements / 10 groups 15 elements / 12 groups
Aperture blades 7 (circular aperture)
Closest focusing distance 1.1 m (3.61 ft) 0.81 m (2.79 ft)
Max. magnification 0.31x 0.29x
Horizontal viewing angle 23°20'–5°20'
Vertical viewing angle 15°40'–3°30'
Diagonal viewing angle 27°50'–6°15'
Physical data
Weight 390 g (13.75 oz) 375 g (13.2 oz)
Maximum diameter 70 mm (2.76")
Length 108 mm (4.25") 111.2 mm (4.7")
Filter diameter 58mm
Accessories
Lens case LP1019
Lens hood ET-60 ET-63
Retail information
Release date November 2007 July 2011 August 2013

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II reviews and articles

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available at present.

Product launch

London, UK, 13th June 2011 – Canon today announces the launch of its latest high quality telephoto zoom lens. The new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II.

A compact and affordable lens, offering powerful telephoto performance combined with high image quality, making it ideal for photographers wanting to get closer to the action.

The versatile new lens enables photographers to shoot a variety of subjects due to its variable focal range. It's ideal for shooting anything from portraits to longer-distance subjects, such as wildlife, sports, or even features within a landscape – ensuring the moment is always captured in impressive detail.

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II will be available separately and also as part of a double lens kit, bundled alongside the recently-announced EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II with EOS 550D, EOS 600D and EOS 60D bodies, providing beginners with a fantastic start to their photography system, all in one box.

Designed and manufactured to exacting standards, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II reflects Canon's premium design philosophy, with an enhanced exterior design and a number of premium technologies to ensure leading image quality. Canon's four-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) counters image blur during low light and handheld shooting, and the inclusion of an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element and Canon's Super Spectra Coatings also ensure beautifully crisp, high contrast and glare-free images. The latest EF-S lens to be added to Canon's range is ideal for photographers seeking an affordable and versatile lens for general-purpose telephoto photography.

The new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II will be available from July 2011.

Used Canon Lenses
• UK: MPB | Park
• USA: B&H | Adorama
Every Canon EF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
Welcome to EFLens.com:
The world's number 1 Canon Review website with every Canon EF Lens. Read all of the reviews, see detailed specifications and check the price.

EF Lens chronology
EF Lens date codes
EF Lens mount details
EF Lens filter sizes
Compare EF-S18-55 versions
Tweet about it
Tell a friend
Send feedback
Canon Lens Review
Canon Lens List:
EFLens.com
used lenses
Sigma Lens Review
Sigma Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
Samyang Lens Review
Samyang/Rokinon List:
Manufacturer's Website
Tamron Lens Review
Tamron Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
Tokina Lens Review
Tokina Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
© 1987 - 2019 NI