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

Brand: Canon

Lens: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II

Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom Lens

Lens Mount: EF-S

Photo contributed by: Armando William Evangelista III

Introduced last June 13, 2011, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II with maximum aperture of f//4-5.6 is one of Canon's most popular APS-C compatible lenses because of its compact, light weight and inexpensive rate while offering a powerful telephoto zoom range performance. Considered to complement the basic zoom lens, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is a telephoto zoom lens updating the older Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS lens with added features such as the four-stop compensation image stabilizer technology (IS) allowing up to 4 times slower blur-free images. Additionally, it comes with automatic panning detection.

KEY SPECIFICATION FEATURES:

- Focal Length: 55-250mm (with equivalent focal length of 88-400mm)

- Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom Lens

- Image Stabilization (IS): Yes (4 Stops)

- Auto focus (AF): Yes

- Lens Mount: EF-S

- Compatibility: Only work for APS-C DSLR

- Maximum aperture: f4.0-f5.6

- Minimum aperture: f22.0-f32.0

- Elements: 12 in 10 groups

- Coating: Super Spectra coatings with Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass element (for less chromatic aberrations)

                : Lead-free glass

Canon EOS 600D with Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II at 250mm (fully zoom)

PHYSICAL FEATURES: 

- Size: 2.76 inches (diameter- 70mm) by 4.25 inches (length- 108mm)

- Weight: 390g (0.86 lb.)

- Color: Black

- Lens Mount: Plastic

- Materials: Plastic mount (Plastic barrel)

- Filter thread: 58mm

- Lens Hood code: ET-60 and LP1019

- Lens Cap: E-58

Photo combined for comparison and full detail emphasis.

CONCLUSION:

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens with maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 is a replacement version of the old Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS lens announced last 2008. As a consumer-grade telephoto zoom lens, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is a better lens considering on buying your second lens after the standard zoom lens like the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II. Not to mention, the value of money for great image quality. With the added feature of the 4 step Image Stabilizer Technology, UD and Super Spectra Coatings, it extends low light options which obtains sharp, blur-free and steady results. 

GOOD FOR: 

          : Portrait, Wildlife, Macro, and Sports

Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II and Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II

REASONS TO BUY (PROS):

- Compact and Lightweight

- Great image quality with affordable price

- AF (Auto-focus) is accurate, consistent and fast

- No visible image (pixel) distortion (still depends on handheld and light condition)

- With 4 f-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) Technology (Counters image blur)

- With Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element for sharp, high-contrast and crisp images

- With Super Spectra Coatings for true color balance, glare-free and clear HD images

- With automatic panning detection

WEAKNESSES (CONS):

- No USM (Auto-focus Ultra-Sonic Motor)

- No STM (Stepping Motor, a smooth and silent auto-focus technology)

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens