Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is widely praised for its excellent sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and lightweight design, making it a fantastic value for amateur photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Many users highlight the impressive image quality at the long end and the effective image stabilization, though some note softness beyond 200mm and noticeable vignetting at full zoom. A few reviewers experienced quality control issues like blurry images or a non-functional focus ring, but the overwhelming consensus is that this lens delivers outstanding performance for its price point.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness for the price
- Fast and silent STM autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Effective image stabilization
- Great value for money
Cons
- Softness beyond 200mm
- Noticeable vignetting at full zoom
- Plastic build quality
- Electronic manual focus requires camera power
- Slow maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 250mm)
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this ultra-wide zoom lens, praising its sharpness, minimal distortion, and fast autofocus. It pairs well with various Nikon bodies, including the D850, D780, D6, and Z9, and is particularly favored for landscape and real estate photography. The moderate price and lightweight design are also appreciated, though some note it's not an f/2.8 lens. Overall, it's highly recommended for those seeking a wide-angle option.
Pros
- Sharp and crisp images
- Minimal distortion
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight design
- Moderate price
Cons
- Not f/2.8 aperture
- Limited use so far
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 55 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 250 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 17 |
| Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Nano Crystal Coat |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.38 kg★ | 0.68 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | 2.5 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 850 mm | 290 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x | 1:4★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average macro (31st percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong versatility (75th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM offers 3.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
