Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras USA

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The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens is a compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens that is specifically designed for the range of EOS digital SLR cameras that use the smaller EF-S lens mount. Combining powerful performance with high image quality, this lens offers the equivalent of 88-400mm in 35mm format, and is ideal for photographers seeking an affordable, versatile lens for general-purpose telephoto photography.

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens incorporates Canon's 4-stop compensation Image Stabilizer technology. This allows the use of shutter speeds up to 4 times slower with no perceptible increase in image blur. Automatic panning detection automatically turns off the Image Stabilizer in either the horizontal or vertical direction when following moving subjects.

Note! Compatible with cameras that have APS-C size sensors

Image Stabilizer
4 step Image Stabilizer (IS) extends low light options to previously unavailable levels. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second.
Superior Image Quality
One UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens element is used to suppress the effects of secondary chromatic aberrations - for crisp, sharp, high-contrast images without fringing throughout the zoom range.
Super Spectra Coatings
Optimized Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, suppress flare and ghosting - more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. Coatings also help achieve true color balance and increase contrast for vivid hi-fidelity images.
Performance
Focal Length 55 - 250 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/4 - 5.6
Minimum: f/22 - 32
Camera Mount Type Canon EF-S
Format Compatibility Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 27° - 6°
Minimum Focus Distance 3.61' (1.1 m)
Magnification 0.31x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:3.22
Groups/Elements 10/12
Diaphragm Blades 7
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 58 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.8 x 4.3" (7.11 x 10.92 cm)
Weight 13.76 oz (390 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras
 
4.5

(based on 922 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (538)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (346)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (31)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (552)
  • Easily interchangeable (540)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (508)
  • Consistent output (387)
  • Durable (261)

Cons

  • Poor in low light (115)
  • Slow focus (113)
  • Weak casing (59)
  • Heavy (43)
  • Blurry focus (17)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (436)
  • Sports/action (420)
  • Wildlife photos (391)
  • Weddings (155)
  • General purpose (146)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (300), Casual photographer (279), Enthusiast (95), Semi-pro photographer (81), Semi-professional (27)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (397), Yes (82)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Great Telephoto Lens!

I bought this lens with my Canon T1i kit (w/ 18-55mm Lens).
EF-S 55-250mm Lens fits perfect with this kit. It'll work fine when you need a real zoom. I...Read complete review

I bought this lens with my Canon T1i kit (w/ 18-55mm Lens).
EF-S 55-250mm Lens fits perfect with this kit. It'll work fine when you need a real zoom. Image stabilizer feature from Canon lenses is great and helps a lot with those kind of lenses.

To make it simple, the PROS are:
• It allows you to get in close when the subjects is too far.
• Image Stabilizer helps a lot a telephoto lens.
• With the default kit, it fits perfect. You'd be able to shot from 18-250mm.
• And It's a very good lens for specific shots.

The cons are:
• The only important cons is the aperture value. starting from 4.0 isn't perfect. Nothing too serious unless you want take photos on a concert for example.
These other cons are little things, nothing too important:
• Compared to the 18-55mm lens, this one is not so lightweight (but they are different kind of lenses, so it's not a real problem.
• Considering it as your first lens isn't a good idea.
You can't have only this lens if you'll take other pictures than portraits or really zoom shots.
18-55 mm works for general use and it's lightweight.
55-250mm would complement your photography kit making possible more specific shots.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Long, light weight, and inexpensive

I do a lot of hiking so I wanted a light weight package to keep equipment weight down. I find the focus tends to soften in 250mm and you really notice the change in aperture...Read complete review

I do a lot of hiking so I wanted a light weight package to keep equipment weight down. I find the focus tends to soften in 250mm and you really notice the change in aperture. Using a haze/UV filter on this lense tends to really darken the shots, forget using a polarizer in all but the best lighting. I have gotten some amazing shots with this lense but I am still found wanting more. I used to scoff at people who would say to save for an L series lense because i just couldnt justify the price difference, but the more great shots I ALMOST get continues to frustrate me, and I understand the logic behind waiting for the better glass. The construction is not what I expected from a Canon lense as the inner lense body seems loose and I wonder if this messes with the focus. The lense is also very loud. Now that ive gotten the rant out... I have gotten some great shots with this lense and I would recomend it to a hobbyist or student who never plans to sell work, but If you are looking for a good lense for capturing wildlife I would save up and spend more. It is very light, it was great for spending days in the woods, but I would much rather carry the weight of a better lense to get those shots that this lense would miss.

Reviewed by 922 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

I love this Digital Camera

By Serge Vasilkovan

from Minsk, Belarus, EU

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Lightweight
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Macro Photography
    • Night Photography
    • Sports/Action
    • Video
    • Weddings/Events
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

    we would use it at factory (TV's line)production line

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Great bang for the buck

    By RowdyRomanian

    from Plainsboro, NJ

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

          Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

          Great lens for the price.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Canon IS lens

          By In Focus

          from Milwaukee, WI

          About Me Photography Student

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

          This lens is used for wedding photography, the IS is very useful and a must if you want a clear image.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Fantastic Lens

          By eaglefive

          from Canada

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Rugged

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Photography
            • Sports/Action

            Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

            I have taken some really good portrait pics with this lens.
            I like the clarity with this lens.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Pretty good

            By NYCtravis

            from New York, NY

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Lightweight

            Cons

            • Weak Casing

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Macro Photography
            • Sports/Action

            Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

            Not a bad starter zoom. I used this while on vacation and needed something with a wide focal range that I could carry around to take a variety of shots. It works great for that purpose and the shots and pretty sharp too although I wouldn't say it's the best either though. But it is a great value for the dollar and certainly worth starting out with.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Great for close-ups.

            By Mom just getting into photography

            from Grand Island, NE

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Sports/Action

              Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

              I was able to get close-up photos of my son playing basketball. I really enjoy using it and get great pictures.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              more than adequate

              By jsimpson

              from indianapolis, IN

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Lightweight
              • Nice Bokeh

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                I use this for short-range zoom purposes, namely taking photos of wildlife I find on the creek or in the woods of the property surrounding our home. Would need something more powerful for long-range photos, but for the money, this is a great investment, easy to use and pictures are lovely!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Great Lens

                By Andrew D

                from Blacksburg, VA

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                    It is an awesome lens for the price. Takes very clear pictures and is great for a starter like me!

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • Yes

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great lens to have in your bag

                    By Thejwoshow

                    from Nashville,TN

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Video
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                    This is a great first mid distance lens. While its not great in very low light,most of the places I'm using it are outdoors,which is generally pretty bright. The IS works very well,and Is a must if your using this for video,even on a tripod. I would suggest grabbing a lens hood for it while your ordering.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great lens for the $

                    By RP

                    from Galway, NY

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Slow Focus

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Video
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                    Great lens for the price. I'm using mainly for outdoor landscape and wildlife photography and amm very impressed with the photo quality.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    First DSLR

                    By Slew

                    from Germany

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery

                      Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                      Barely used, but the few pics I took look great. The stabilization worked amazing.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Great zoom

                      By John Boy

                      from Charlotte, NC

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                        • Slow Focus

                        Best Uses

                          Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                          Works well, it isn't as fast at focusing as the USM lenses when a subject is moving staight at you but otherwise is great.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Great lens!

                          By io

                          from Atlanta, GA

                          About Me Photography Student

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Easily Interchangeable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Lightweight
                          • Nice Bokeh

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Sports/Action
                            • Video
                            • Weddings/Events
                            • Wildlife Photos

                            Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                            Has a good range to get in their and snap that shot. Fast, accurate autofocus, though I mainly use manual focus. Now that I've played with it I would like to be able to zoom out a bit more, but that comes with the 55-250 territory. It's light and easy to carry around. I use this lens with my Canon Rebel T3i, and the combo is very fun and easy to lug around and handle and to quickly set up and grab the shots you want.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            3.0

                            some quirk due to low end built

                            By hqbabie3

                            from Chantilly VA

                            About Me Casual Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                            • Poor in Low Light

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery

                            Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                            I have to admit that quality at this price would expectedly fall under your standards. In a general approach this lens responds well in many shooting modes offered by a Rebel varying from Auto, Aperture, Program, etc. the lens is small in its accepting a 58mm filter, and this shows in its low light hunting (not very bad though). Another quirk is that for many kit lenses, you will have to manually retract the front part after a AF shoot as the front element protuded out and locked, in that you rotate the front ring for it to go back in. the overall photo quality (via good or indoors light shoot) prior to dissecting them w/ a photo editing tool is usually very satisfactory and merely discernable from that obtained using a L lens, IMO. For the sake of having a light, cost effective lens for toting around and for long zoom, I would like to give it 3.5 stars but I can't do this w/ B&H review tool, and also bc I have a few L lenses to enjoy over this.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            4.0

                            Good starter zoom lens

                            By Midwest to West

                            from Seattle, WA

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            See all my reviews

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Inexpensive
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Sports/Action
                              • Weddings/Events

                              Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                              While it's no Canon L-series lens, it's not a bad zoom lens, especially for the price. It's definitely good enough for me as I start to dabble with DSLRs.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              As Good As Lenses Much More Expensive

                              By Catalina250

                              from Ventura, CA

                              About Me Casual Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Easily Interchangeable
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                  Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                                  I am planning on doing a good deal of travel and I purchased this lens to have in my arsenal. Both the Auto Focus and Image Stability work great and the optics compare with lenses several times more expensive.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Great product!

                                  By Pauly

                                  from Red Bank, NJ

                                  About Me Casual Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Durable
                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                  • Lightweight

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Indoors/Low Light
                                    • Landscape/Scenery
                                    • Sports/Action
                                    • Video
                                    • Weddings/Events
                                    • Wildlife Photos

                                    Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                                    Lightweight and easy to use. I have taken great distance photos and I am very pleased with the clarity.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    4.0

                                    good experience

                                    By michaelesso

                                    from cairo,egypt

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Easily Interchangeable
                                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                        Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                                        i love it so far.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Great Price

                                        By Enam

                                        from CA

                                        About Me Casual Photographer

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Consistent Output
                                        • Durable
                                        • Easily Interchangeable
                                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                        • Lightweight
                                        • Nice Bokeh
                                        • Rugged
                                        • Strong Construction

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Indoors/Low Light
                                          • Landscape/Scenery
                                          • Macro Photography
                                          • Night Photography
                                          • Sports/Action
                                          • Video
                                          • Weddings/Events
                                          • Wildlife Photos

                                          Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                                          Best quality, affordable price

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          Great lens

                                          By kate

                                          from NY

                                          About Me Casual Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Durable
                                          • Easily Interchangeable
                                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                                          Cons

                                            Best Uses

                                              Comments about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras:

                                              just got this lens, great lens for the price! i am very pleased with it.

                                              • Was this a gift?:
                                              • No

                                              Share this review

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                                              Filters & Filter Kits

                                              Tiffen -  58mm UV Protector Filter
                                              • Price: $8.48
                                              • CAD 8.44
                                               
                                              Tiffen -  58mm Circular Polarizing Filter
                                              • Price: $29.90
                                              • CAD 29.75
                                               

                                              Hoods & Covers

                                              Vello -  LHC-ET60 Dedicated Lens Hood for Canon (ET-60)
                                              • Price: $16.95
                                              • CAD 16.86
                                               

                                              Cases & Wraps

                                              Pearstone -  Onyx 10 Lens Case
                                              • Price: $11.99
                                              • CAD 11.93
                                               

                                              Protection/Camouflage

                                              LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Canon 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS AF Lens (Black)
                                              • Price: $29.99
                                              • CAD 29.84
                                               
                                              LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Canon 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS AF Lens (Realtree Max4 HD)
                                              • Price: $34.99
                                              • CAD 34.81
                                               

                                              Protective Wraps & Mats

                                              OP/TECH USA -  15" Soft Wrap (Black)
                                              • Price: $11.95
                                              • CAD 11.89
                                               
                                              View all Accessories

                                              What's in the Box

                                              Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras
                                              • Front & Rear Lens Caps
                                              • 1-Year Warranty
                                               
                                               
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