Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
De 4-stops beeldstabilisatie en het lage gewicht van 391g maken dit een opvallend handzame telezoom voor APS-C-camera's. Het compacte ontwerp en de Super Spectra coating leveren een zeer goede prijs-kwaliteitverhouding voor een bereik van 88-400mm equivalent. Dit objectief is het meest geschikt voor hobbyfotografen die betaalbaar wildlife of sport willen vastleggen zonder een zware uitrusting mee te sjouwen.
Overzicht
The 30-Second Version
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II is a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto zoom for Canon APS-C DSLRs that delivers surprisingly sharp images and excellent stabilization. It's a fantastic value when bought refurbished, perfect for daylight wildlife and portraits, but the slow autofocus and limited low-light performance mean it's not ideal for fast action or indoor use.
Pros & Cons
Pluspunten
- Ridiculously sharp for the price, especially stopped down 93rd
- 4-stop IS lets you handhold at surprisingly slow shutter speeds 92nd
- Lightweight and compact, easy to carry all day 86th
- Quiet STM autofocus is great for video 81st
- Versatile 88-400mm equivalent reach on APS-C
Minpunten
- Autofocus hunts and struggles in low light
- Plastic build and no weather sealing
- Slow variable aperture limits low-light and action use
- Barrel creep develops over time on many copies
- Not compatible with full-frame Canon bodies
Wat eigenaren vinden
The Word on the Street
Hoe de mening van eigenaren in de loop van de tijd veranderde
ExclusiefOp basis van wanneer klanten hun reviews daadwerkelijk schreven - zo zie je of de eerste lof standhield.
- Q1 2024100/100
Buyers in Q1 2024 praised the lens as high-quality, perfect for beginners, and reliable, with many noting it exceeded expectations.
- Great quality and performance for the price, often exceeding expectations.
- Ideal for beginner photographers and intermediate users with a Canon Rebel.
- Fast shipping and lens condition like new even when refurbished.
- Reliable performance, loved for livestream and general photography.
- Q4 202392/100
Buyers praised the lens for clear images, zoom quality, and stabilization. A few noted average build and somewhat soft sharpness for the price.
- Sharp images and clear quality even at full zoom.
- Stabilization mode improves clarity and focus.
- Great value for money, highly recommended.
- Lens is not the sharpest and feels plastic-built for the price.
- Q3 2023100/100
Buyers praise the lens's sharpness, easy use, and value. It is highly recommended for beginners and as a replacement.
- Sharp photos, crisp and clear even at distance
- Great value for the price, good budget telephoto
- Quick autofocus, easy to use, suits beginners
- Reliable replacement for a failed original lens
- Q2 202394/100
Buyers in Q2 2023 were extremely positive, praising the lens as great, easy to use, and perfect for everyday photography.
- Lens described as great, easy to use, and a valuable addition.
- Versatile for everyday picture taking with useful telephoto range.
- Auto focus and electronic focusing function work well.
- Easy to attach and focus, making it a frequently used lens.
- Q1 202388/100
Buyers praise the lens for excellent photo quality and reliability, though one notes limited zoom range and high price.
- Great image quality and performance for travel and portraits.
- Zoom range too narrow for some; lens doesn't start wide enough.
- Reliable Canon quality; works well as a gift.
- Price is high; buyers wish it were less expensive.
- Q4 202293/100
Buyers praised this telephoto lens as an excellent value for travel, with sharp images, light weight, and effective autofocus/IS. One mentioned disappointment about no offers.
- Excellent value and bargain for the price
- Great for travel, lightweight and stealthy
- Sharp, clear images with good autofocus and IS
- Disappointed at lack of discounts or offers
- Q3 2022100/100
Buyers praised the lens's zoom quality, versatility, and value, recommending it for action shots and vacations.
- Excellent zoom quality and value for the price.
- Versatile focal range ideal for various shooting needs.
- Great for action and sports photography.
- Durable and reliable for long-term use on vacations.
- Q2 202283/100
Buyers praise the lens for sharp, beautiful photos and great value. One reported a crack during mounting.
- Excellent image quality and sharpness.
- Great value for the price.
- Lens cracked during mounting on camera.
- Lightweight, easy to use, recommend.
- Q4 202197/100
Buyers are highly satisfied, praising the lens for sharpness, zoom range, and image stabilization. It is especially recommended for sports, wildlife, and travel photography.
- Excellent zoom range and image quality for sports and wildlife photography
- Image stabilization is effective, allowing handheld use in various conditions
- Zoom ring stiffness mentioned once, but overall handling praised
- Great value and versatile, often used as a single or secondary lens
- Q3 202190/100
Buyers in Q3 2021 praised this lens for its value, image quality, and beginner-friendly design, with quiet autofocus and sharp results.
- Great value for the money, fair price for performance.
- Sharp and clear images, good for close-ups and telephoto.
- Quiet autofocus, good for video, easy to use.
- Well-balanced on camera, comfortable to handle.
- Q2 202188/100
Buyers in Q2 2021 praised this lens as an affordable, versatile telephoto with good image quality and stabilization, though some noted minor quality concerns like a plastic mount and occasional low-light focus issues.
- Affordable price point with excellent value for money (can't beat the price for what it does)
- Great image quality: sharp, clear, crisp photos, especially for nature and wildlife
- Build quality concerns: plastic mounting ring and gold trim strip peeling off
- Autofocus quirks: STM focusing requires awake camera; some low-light focus issues noted
- Q1 202183/100
Buyers praise this lens as a versatile, budget-friendly telephoto for beginners. It delivers clear wildlife and sports photos, though some note indoor sharpness and software bundle age.
- Versatile lens for wildlife, sports, and family photos; great zoom and image stabilization.
- Excellent budget buy for beginners; good value and compatibility with Canon Rebel T8i.
- Sharpness has a sweet spot; indoor and max range clarity require extra effort.
- Included software bundle is outdated; Canon free software is more useful.
- Q4 202085/100
Buyers praised versatility, sharpness, and value for hobbyist photography. Plastic mount and manual focus were minor criticisms.
- Versatile zoom lens for portraits, wildlife, and product photography.
- Excellent sharpness and clarity, especially for long-distance shots.
- Plastic build and mount feel cheap, but acceptable at this price point.
- Manual focus can be fidgety; zoom noise audible in video recordings.
- Q3 202096/100
Buyers are overwhelmingly satisfied, praising the lens's sharp image quality, value for price, and suitability for beginners and wildlife photography.
- Sharp images and good zoom clarity, even at 250mm range.
- Excellent value for the price; often called a great budget lens.
- Great for wildlife, travel, events, and beginners.
- Smooth STM motor, quick auto-focus, and image stabilization.
- Q2 202087/100
Buyers praise the lens for its quiet operation, light weight, good image quality, and value. Some note limited use due to COVID-19.
- Quiet and light autofocus, ideal for travel and nature hikes.
- Good image quality for telephoto shots, sports, and distant subjects.
- Excellent value for the price; many recommend it as a second lens.
- A few buyers unable to fully test lens due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Q1 2020100/100
Buyers praised the lens as a great beginner upgrade from kit lenses, noting its lightweight design and versatile zoom range for landscape photography.
- Excellent for beginners, great upgrade from 18-55mm kit lens.
- Versatile 55-250mm zoom range, ideal for all-purpose and landscape use.
- Lightweight and easy to carry, simple lens switching.
- AF may struggle depending on subject and distance.
- Q4 201995/100
Buyers praise the lens for its value, light weight, image quality, and versatility for travel and wildlife. High satisfaction with cost versus performance.
- Excellent value for money, great IQ, lightweight, and versatile zoom range.
- Ideal for travel and wildlife, capturing sharp handheld shots in low light.
- Compatible with Canon APS-C cameras; easy to attach and use.
- One user expressed hope the lens holds up under rough use; no defects reported.
- Q3 2019100/100
Buyers praised the lens for ease of use, accurate focus, and excellent picture quality. They also highlighted competitive pricing.
- Lens delivers fantastic picture quality and accurate focus.
- Great value, with competitive pricing and bundled deals.
- Easy to use, especially for travel photography.
- Q2 201993/100
Buyers in Q2 2019 praised the lens for its sharpness, responsiveness, and suitability for beginner/intermediate photographers.
- Sharpness and responsiveness highlighted, especially for nature photos.
- Great value for beginner/intermediate level photographers.
- Exceeded expectations compared to previous lens.
- No quality or defect issues reported in these reviews.
- Q1 201996/100
Buyers praised this refurbished Canon 55-250mm lens as looking new, delivering sharp, clear images, and excellent value for wildlife and astrophotography.
- Lens arrives looking brand new despite being refurbished, with superb fit and finish.
- Sharp, clear images with fast autofocus and image stabilization, ideal for wildlife and moon shots.
- Excellent value for money, often described as a great deal or unbeatable price.
- Quick shipping and positive experiences with Canon's refurbished program and warranty.
- Q4 201887/100
Buyers praised the lens for quality, quiet STM autofocus, and light weight. One called it the best refurbished lens bought.
- High satisfaction with picture quality and value for price.
- STM autofocus system is very quiet and internal focusing avoids front element movement.
- Lightweight build, mostly plastic but not cheap, comfortable for extended use.
- Works well with an adapter on Canon M50 camera, versatile with additional mount.
- Q1 2018100/100
Buyers praised this lens as lightweight, sharp, and versatile for landscapes or wildlife, with effective stabilization and silent autofocus.
- Lightweight and portable; users appreciate the non-bulky design.
- Sharp image quality with minimal chromatic aberration.
- Effective image stabilization for handheld shots at slow speeds.
- Manual focus only works when camera is awake; some have grudge.
- Q1 201787/100
Buyers praised sharpness at telephoto end and fast autofocus; one noted softer edges but overall satisfaction.
- Sharp image quality, especially at long end, noticeably improved over older versions.
- Fast and accurate autofocus with silent motor; great for wildlife and video.
- Lightweight design, good build quality for amateur use; excellent value for price.
- One report of softer picture quality at frame edges; user uncertainty if user error.
- Q4 201696/100
Buyers in Q4 2016 praised the lens for sharpness, affordability, image quality, and refurbished condition. Some noted plastic build and slow speed, but overall deemed it a great value.
- Sharp, light, and affordable performance
- Refurbished lenses look and perform like new
- Plastic construction and slow aperture are trade-offs
- Excellent image stabilization and autofocus
- Q2 2016100/100
All reviews are positive. Buyers praise the lens for sharpness, value, and lightweight design, ideal for wildlife and close-ups.
- Sharp image quality, rivaling L lenses at a fraction of the cost.
- Excellent value for money, especially refurbished or as kit.
- Lightweight and compact, great for hiking and travel.
- Good for close-up and wildlife photography without extra gear.
- Q1 201647/100
Buyers report mint condition and fast delivery, but one user experienced persistent blurry photos beyond 120mm zoom, even after replacement and testing.
- Lens produces blurry, low-quality images at focal lengths over 120mm, even after exchange.
- Lens arrives in mint condition and works well for short-range or stationary shots.
- Free shipping delivers faster than expected, within two business days.
- Lens performs acceptably at shorter focal lengths but fails beyond 120mm zoom.
- Q3 201582/100
Buyers praise this lens for wildlife photography, citing sharpness, compact size, and fast autofocus. Minor issues with vignetting and small aperture at long end are noted.
- Excellent sharpness and image quality, especially from 100-250mm.
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for travel and handheld use.
- Fast and accurate STM autofocus suitable for wildlife photography.
- Some vignetting at max f/5.6 on long end, but correctable.
- Q2 201596/100
Buyers praise the lens for clear photos, fast quiet auto focus, image stabilization, and solid build. It's a great value upgrade from older models.
- Photo quality is much clearer than older 75-300mm lens.
- Fast and quiet auto focus, great for video shooting.
- Image stabilization and quick response for distant shots.
- Light, solidly built, easy to use, excellent value for price.
- Q2 2008100/100
Buyers praise the lens as excellent value, highlighting its low price, effective IS, and good image quality for budget-conscious photographers.
- Excellent value for money, great for budget buyers.
- Image stabilization is a must-have and works well.
- Ideal starter telephoto lens, good combo with kit lens.
- Significant savings compared to other retailers.
Gebaseerd op 118 gedateerde klantreviews, gegroepeerd per kalenderkwartaal. Analyse per periode is in het Engels.
De feiten
Performance
Sharpness is where this lens earns its keep. In our database, it sits around the 61st percentile for optical quality, which sounds middling until you factor in the price. At 55mm it's crisp across the frame, and even at 250mm, stopping down to f/8 delivers genuinely impressive detail. The one ED element and Super Spectra coating do a decent job keeping chromatic aberration in check, though you'll see some purple fringing in high-contrast scenes if you go pixel-peeping.
The stabilization is a standout, ranking in the 92nd percentile. Canon claims 4 stops of compensation, and in practice, we found we could reliably handhold at 1/30s at 250mm and get sharp shots. That's a big deal for a lens this light. Autofocus performance is a mixed bag. It's in the 86th percentile overall, which reflects the STM motor's quiet, smooth operation for video, but owners consistently report hunting in low light and some noise from the older IS unit. For static subjects or slow panning, it's fine. For fast action sports, you'll miss shots. The 7-blade aperture produces decent bokeh for a slow zoom, sitting in the 72nd percentile, but don't expect creamy backgrounds at f/5.6.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 55 |
| Focal Length Max | 250 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1 |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 58 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 850 |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x |
vs Competition
Stacked against the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3, the Canon gives up a lot of wide-angle convenience and some light-gathering ability. The Tamron is a true all-in-one superzoom, while the Canon is purely a telephoto supplement to your kit lens. But the Canon is lighter, cheaper, and often sharper at the long end. The Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 is a different beast entirely, it's a standard zoom that doesn't reach nearly as far, so it's not a direct competitor for reach. If you need the 250mm focal length, the Canon wins by default there.
The Viltrox 14mm f/4 and Meike 50mm f/1.8 are primes that serve completely different purposes, so cross-shopping them only makes sense if you're building a kit from scratch. The Sony 16-50mm is a compact kit lens for mirrorless, not a telephoto. In the Canon EF-S ecosystem, the 55-250mm IS II's real competition is the older non-STM version and the pricier 70-300mm IS USM. The STM version here is the one you want for video and quieter operation.
| Spec | Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 XF | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55-250mm | 18-50mm | 17-70mm | 35mm | 12-35mm | 17-28mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Sony E | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | true | false | true | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | false | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 375 | 290 | 544 | 180 | 306 | 450 |
| AF Type | STM | stepping motor | RXD | STM (Stepping Motor) | Autofocus | Stepping Motor |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Gebruikersoordeel | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM | 85.5 | 68.1 | 65.9 | 32.8 | 74 | 69.5 | 44.9 | 92.3 | 80.8 | 92.7 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 85.5 | 84.4 | 85.4 | 91.5 | 81.2 | 86.3 | 80.4 | 78.6 | 89.9 | 36.1 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.8 | 89 | 67.3 | 85.5 | 90.3 | 86.3 | 63.6 | 89.6 | 85.5 | 81.3 |
| Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 XF Compare | 85.5 | 95.7 | 86.7 | 97.2 | 65.2 | 95.3 | 63.6 | 33.6 | 85.5 | 81.3 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.8 | 84.4 | 84.6 | 50 | 85.7 | 86.3 | 90.9 | 80.6 | 85.5 | 96.6 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 85.5 | 89 | 74.2 | 85.5 | 87.5 | 86.3 | 90.9 | 67.9 | 67.5 | 36.1 |
Prijs
Value & Pricing
Value is where this lens gets complicated but mostly in a good way. The price spread across vendors is insane, ranging from a reasonable $198 to a completely unhinged $72,891. Ignore the obvious outliers. A refurbished copy or a bundle from a reputable seller on Newegg or Amazon is the way to go, often landing well under $250. For that money, you're getting stabilization and sharpness that punches way above its weight class. The Tamron 18-300mm offers more range and better low-light versatility, but it costs significantly more. If you're on a strict budget and shooting a Canon Rebel or 80D, this is the telephoto to beat. Just don't overpay for a "new" international version with no warranty when refurbished deals exist.
Lees meer
Overview
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II is one of those lenses that just keeps popping up in recommendations, and for good reason. It's a budget telephoto zoom built specifically for Canon's APS-C DSLRs, giving you an equivalent reach of about 88-400mm. If you're just getting into wildlife, sports, or even backyard birding and don't want to sell a kidney for a big white L-series lens, this is probably already on your radar. At around 391 grams, it's light enough to toss in a bag without a second thought, and the 4-stop image stabilization is a genuine lifesaver when you're shooting handheld at 250mm.
We've seen this lens bundled, refurbished, and sold as an international version across a frankly wild price range, from under $200 to some absurd listings over $70,000 (ignore those, someone's clearly lost the plot). The sweet spot is finding a clean refurbished copy or a bundle with a filter kit for a reasonable price. It's not weather-sealed, and the plastic build feels exactly like what you'd expect at this price point, but the image quality it delivers often surprises people who spend twice as much.
Is the Canon 55-250mm good for wildlife? For beginners and hobbyists, absolutely. The 250mm end gets you close enough for larger animals and perched birds in decent light. Just don't expect to freeze a hummingbird's wings in a dim forest. This lens thrives in daylight, and the STM autofocus, while not blazing fast, is quiet enough for video work and accurate for still subjects.
Common Questions
Q: Is the Canon 55-250mm good for wildlife photography?
Yes, it's a great starter lens for wildlife on a budget, giving you 400mm equivalent reach that works well for larger animals and birds in good daylight, though it struggles in low light and for fast action.
Q: Does the Canon 55-250mm IS II work on full-frame cameras?
No, this is an EF-S lens designed exclusively for Canon's APS-C sensor DSLRs like the Rebel series and 80D, and it will not mount properly on full-frame bodies.
Q: Is the STM version better than the older IS II?
The STM version offers quieter, smoother autofocus that's much better for video, and it's generally the one to get if you can find it for a similar price.
Q: Can I use this lens for macro photography?
It has a decent 0.31x magnification at 250mm, which lets you get close-up shots of flowers and larger insects, but it's not a true macro lens and ranks low for dedicated macro work.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this lens if you primarily shoot indoor events, fast action sports, or anything in dim conditions. The f/5.6 aperture at the long end just doesn't let in enough light, and the autofocus will frustrate you when subjects are moving quickly. If you need a telephoto for a full-frame Canon body, this lens physically won't work, so look at the EF 70-300mm IS USM instead. And if you're already annoyed by plastic lens barrels and want something that can handle a bit of rain, save up for Canon's L-series glass or a weather-sealed third-party option.
Verdict
Should you buy the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II? If you're shooting a Canon APS-C DSLR and need an affordable telephoto zoom, the answer is a confident yes, with a few caveats. This lens delivers sharp photos and reliable stabilization that will genuinely improve your hit rate at long focal lengths. It's a perfect second lens for someone moving beyond the kit 18-55mm, and it's light enough that you'll actually take it with you.
But be realistic about what it can't do. It's not a low-light champion, and it's not built for rough weather or fast action. If you're shooting indoor sports or need pro-level build quality, save up for something like a used 70-200mm f/4L. For everyone else, especially at refurbished prices, this is one of the best bargains in the Canon ecosystem. The user sentiment score of 82/100 backs this up, owners love the image quality and value, even as they grumble about the autofocus quirks.
