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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
CanonEF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens for Digital SLR Cameras
 
4.5

(based on 1008 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (585)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (383)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (33)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (604)
  • Easily interchangeable (598)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (559)
  • Consistent output (427)
  • Durable (289)

Cons

  • Poor in low light (132)
  • Slow focus (123)
  • Weak casing (65)
  • Heavy (51)
  • Blurry focus (19)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (493)
  • Sports/action (455)
  • Wildlife photos (448)
  • Weddings (175)
  • General purpose (146)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (336), Casual photographer (315), Enthusiast (95), Semi-pro photographer (87), Semi-professional (27)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (479), Yes (86)

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 1008 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Awesome lenses

By Pedro Estima

from New York, NY

About Me Casual Photographer

See all my reviews

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

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

    Great lens, awesome zoom.

    Perfect to capture things a little far from where you are.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • Yes

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    awesome

    By Reba (no nickname)

    from Cedar C\ity, UT

    About Me Photography Student

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

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

          for my photography classes and family functions.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great product, worth the price!

          By Roy

          from .Pueblo, CO

          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

            • Sports/Action
            • Wildlife Photos

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

            This lens is fantastic and very easy to use. This images are phenomenal and the IS functionality is terrific.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Graduation Photos

            By JPH

            from Canton, GA

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Lightweight
            • Nice Bokeh
            • Price and size

            Cons

            • Depth of field
            • Poor in Low Light

            Best Uses

            • Graduations
            • Wildlife Photos

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

            Purchased primarily for photographing grandchildren's graduations, and wildlife. Price, weight, and size are great, with the only drawback for me being the lack of depth of field in rare situations.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Does a respectable job,super affordable.

            By Aj

            from Hammond,Louisiana.

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Lightweight
            • Nice Bokeh

            Cons

            • Poor in Low Light

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Macro Photography
            • Wildlife Photos

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

            Getting back into photoshooting and learning dslr's.Wonderful lens for birds and nature.It is sharp and fast in good light and has good macro capabilities.IS and autofocus fair to good.The price tag very affordable, coupled with the promotion at b&h unbeatable. The people at b&h deserve praise, from advise on cameras, lenses and accessories, to customer service, high quality.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            it's great. it's what i was looking for

            By jacoriat

            from Lima, Perú

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Macro 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:

              its offered for an excelent price and you can make preatty good things with it! like!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Good lens

              By Kalobok

              from MD

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Rotating filter

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Wildlife Photos

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

              For the price it's a very good lens. Probably not as good as L lenses, but does it's job pretty well. The IS is great. The only thing I don't like (one star off) is the rotating filter - makes it somewhat inconvenient to use polarizing filters with this lens.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              beginner who LOVES this lens

              By beginner from woo

              from wooster, ohio

              About Me Casual Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Poor in Low Light

              Best Uses

              • Sports/Action
              • Weddings/Events
              • Wildlife Photos

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

              I have just begin photography this year, this lens is amazing. So easy to use and takes excellent pictures. I could not be pleased more!!!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Does it's job, You get what you pay for.

              By Chad T

              from Blacksburg, VA

              About Me Casual Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Lightweight
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Slow Focus

              Best Uses

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

                I use this lens for just casual photography, landscapes, etc. I have noticed that it is slow to focus sometimes when set to auto, or it seems as if it can get confused when focusing. Outside of that, I have had no issues with the lens. It seems solidly built and I am hoping to get a better run from it when I do some sports photography in the next week.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Very satisfied with product

                By xaviergrenouille

                from Ottawa, Ontario

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

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

                  High quality, would recommand product to a friend, very satisfied with purchase

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  great lens for the price

                  By RCM

                  from Philadelphia, PA

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Lightweight
                  • Rugged
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • Slow Focus

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Wildlife Photos

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

                  i had been looking for a zoom lens to upgrade the standard lens that came with the body. i've been very happy with the lens so far. smooth movement of the lens. the downside would be that AF is a bit slow particularly when the object is in motion, even if not moving fast.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  What I was expecting

                  By Will

                  from Windsor, On, Canada

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Easily Interchangeable

                  Cons

                  • Noisy
                  • Poor in Low Light

                  Best Uses

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

                    Good images. Not super sharp but what you would expect given the price. The IS is noisy but nothing to detracting. No real complaints as far as im concerned

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great general lens

                    By Newty

                    from Grand Haven Mi.

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                      Cons

                      • Slow Focus

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Wildlife Photos

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

                      Purchased this lens for moderate use. It works very well. Nice and clear when zoomed in. It works exactely for the use that I purchased it for. For the money you can't go wrong..It's a bit slow for quick shot photos but for single frame photos it's great...Would recommend it!

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Very good and inexpensive

                      By PHQSalles

                      from Curitiba, PR, Brasil

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • Noisy focusing
                      • Weak Casing

                      Best Uses

                      • Sports/Action
                      • Wildlife Photos

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

                      Works very well, has a fast and reliable focus.
                      Amazing image stabilization.
                      Even with the subject focused it still makes a strange noise until the shot is taken.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Great zoom for a good price

                      By Momof4

                      from Illinois

                      About Me Casual Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • Weak Casing

                      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 primarily purchased this because I previously owned a super zoom camera and wanted the ability to zoom without the hefty price tag & since this lens was offered at a reduced price with the purchase of my camera (T2), it was an easy decision.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      This product is amazing

                      By JB

                      from fort Washington

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • Poor in Low Light

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Macro Photography
                      • Weddings/Events
                      • Wildlife Photos

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

                      while photographing a wedding, this lense gave me the ability to stand in one place and take good pitcures of people far away. This item automatically sincs with the flash. It is idiot proof just about.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Great starter zoom lens

                      By Scoutchuck

                      from Virginia Beach, VA

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Lightweight
                      • Strong Construction

                      Cons

                      • Poor in Low Light

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Wildlife Photos

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

                      I bought this as a starter zoom lens together with the Canon EOS REBEL T2I w/EF-S/18-55 IS kit. Using B&H "Buy Together", I saved a lot of money!

                      Lens work well as long as you're not in low light conditions and have to fall back on a much higher ISO. Otherwise, it would be scored a 5.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Great results for the money

                      By Seehorse

                      from Arcadia, Indiana

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Lightweight

                      Cons

                      • Poor in Low Light
                      • Weak Casing

                      Best Uses

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

                        I was a bit skeptical about this lens when I bought it; after all just how good would a 55-250 lens that cost under $200 be?

                        Well, admittedly the lens body does feel on the cheap side, but optically it far exceeds my expectations. I'd like more aperature and a sturdier build but for what I paid this thing's fantastic, easily outshooting my old 70-210 f4 lens and at similar aperature it's not all that much worse than my 50mm f1.4.

                        I'm a believer now; it's a great inexpensive option for a crop body camera and delivers very good results on my 7D.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Great accessory

                        By birdlady

                        from marinette, wi

                        About Me Photography Student

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

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

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Wildlife Photos

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

                          I use this lense for bird photograghy. The stablization in the lense helps with taking some great pictures. Also, the focus is great.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          A Pleasant Surprise

                          By Nathan

                          from Los Angeles, CA

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Lightweight
                          • Nice Bokeh

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

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

                              This lens is sharper than I thought it would be. I photographed a number of flowers using a tripod at about f8 @ 200 to 250mm in HDR and the clarity surprised me. It's light and not a problem to tote around all day. What a gem!

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

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                              Hoods & Covers

                              Vello -  ET-60 Dedicated Lens Hood for Canon
                                • Original: $16.95
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                              Cases & Wraps

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                                • Original: $11.99
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                              Protection/Camouflage

                              LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Canon 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS AF Lens (Black)
                              • Price: $29.99
                               
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                              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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