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 904 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (528)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (339)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (30)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (541)
  • Easily interchangeable (527)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (496)
  • Consistent output (378)
  • Durable (255)

Cons

  • Poor in low light (113)
  • Slow focus (111)
  • Weak casing (58)
  • Heavy (42)
  • Blurry focus (17)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (424)
  • Sports/action (411)
  • Wildlife photos (385)
  • Weddings (150)
  • General purpose (146)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (294), Casual photographer (272), Enthusiast (95), Semi-pro photographer (78), Semi-professional (27)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (380), Yes (81)

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.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 904 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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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

         
        5.0

        Amazing distance lens!

        By ChelseaSmile17

        from San Antonio, TX

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery

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

          This long distance lens is my first distance lens and it's amazing. The focus is great and it's a decent speed, its extremely clear.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • Yes

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          ZOOM LENS ADVANCES IMAGE

          By LEO

          from LOS ANGELES, CA

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Weddings/Events
            • Wildlife Photos

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

            IMAGE STABLIZER IS UNIQUE AND CRUCIAL TO SHOOTING AS HAND SHAKING IS OFTEN HAPPENED WHILE TELEPHOTO LENS APPLIED!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            A Must Have

            By RED

            from Iowa

            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

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

              Great for zooming in on sporting events

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Nice addition.

              By Precious moments capturer

              from DuBois PA

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Macro Photography
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

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

                This product is a nice add on to the camera and i use it more often than i thought i would. It's nice for the photo shoots with my boys. It gets scenes much further away than the lense that came with the camera.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                Decent Lens

                By KSAndrews

                from Shelocta, PA

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

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

                Cons

                • Difficult to Clean
                • 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:

                I use this lens for Pictures and Video

                It has a nice feel to it while using the manual functions and the autofocus is pretty decent, there are some times where it focuses on the wrong thing but I don't necessarily think its the lens.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                A Great First Step in Tele-Photography

                By Tim the Professor

                from Riverton, NJ

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                • Hard to focus

                Best Uses

                • Wildlife Photos

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

                I am a truly amateur photographer who wanted to be able to take pictures of birds on my walks along the Delaware River, so that I could identify them more accurately. I get good, crisp shots that suit my purposes exactly.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Great accessory

                By Alycat

                from Overland park, ks

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

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

                    IS is why I bought this lens. I already had a 75-300mm, but having an IS lens for these lengths has been a nice addition.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Great Lens

                    By Ry the photographer

                    from BC

                    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:

                          For the price it's a great cheap telephoto lens

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          I would buy this product again and again

                          By Papageno

                          from Quebec, Canada

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Lightweight
                          • Strong Construction

                          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:

                            very statisfied with the product and BH gavea very good service.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • Yes

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            I love this lens

                            By sgwill

                            from Grand Rapids, MI

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

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

                                This lens is a great performer at a great price. I love it!

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                My Canon Lens

                                By Chels

                                from Somerset, ky

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

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

                                Cons

                                • Really long

                                Best Uses

                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Wildlife Photos

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

                                I got this lens for christmas and i love it! it zooms in really close. i haven't got to play around with it outside just yet. but i plan to take pictures of upclose scenery when spring comes.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • Yes

                                Share this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                4.0

                                It does what it designed for

                                By mcfouzer

                                from Seattle, WA

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Price
                                • Size

                                Cons

                                • Noisy
                                • Slow Focus
                                • Weak Casing

                                Best Uses

                                • Outdoors

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

                                I got this lens as part of a deal with my T2i. I haven't had a chance to take a lot of pictures with it yet. But my first reaction was how loud the IS is in this lens. When I zoomed the lens all the way in at 200mm and pressed the shutter halfway to get a focus, I can hear tweaking sound coming from the lens due to the IS. But at [$] (after the bundle rebate), I can't really complain.If you want something that focus faster and less noise, pick an L lens at 5-10 times the price.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • Yes

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR MY DAUGHTER!!!!!

                                By QualityDirector

                                from Kentucky

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easily Interchangeable
                                • Lightweight
                                • Strong Construction

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

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

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

                                  I PURCHASED THIS LENS AS MY DAUGHTER'S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO GO WITH HER REBEL T3i I GAVE TO HER FOR HS GRADUATION. SHE LOVES TO TAKE PICS AND LOVED HER CAMERA, SO I SURPRISED HER WITH AN ADDITIONAL LENS FOR CHRISTMAS, SHE LOVES IT. WE WERE IN GATLINBURG NEW YEARS EVE AND FROM ONE OF THE HIGH SCENIC POINTS SHE COULD ZOOM INTO DOWNTOWN GATLINBURG'S SPACE NEEDLE AND FARTHER. CLEAR PICS, EASY TO FOCUS, EASY TO ATTACH, GOOD PRODUCT FOR AMATEUR. WE WILL UPGRADE WHEN SHE REACHES PROFESSIONAL STATUS.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • Yes

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Great telephoto lens

                                  By Mia

                                  from Florida

                                  About Me Casual Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

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

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Indoors/Low Light
                                    • Landscape/Scenery

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

                                    Easy to use
                                    Clear images

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • Yes

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    4.0

                                    Great Lens!

                                    By NER

                                    from Oaxaca, Mexico

                                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Durable
                                    • Easily Interchangeable
                                    • Lightweight

                                    Cons

                                    • Poor in Low Light
                                    • Slow Focus

                                    Best Uses

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

                                      It's a lot of fun, and a great lens for the cost. When on full zoom - it's a bit hard to focus, and it isn't great at night, but overall it gets the job done.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • Yes

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Good Lens

                                      By steve

                                      from dallas, tx

                                      About Me Casual Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

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

                                      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:

                                        It's a good lens.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Quality lens at reasonable price

                                        By Ken the Friend Supplier

                                        from Oslo, Norway

                                        About Me Casual Photographer

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Consistent Output
                                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                                        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:

                                          Canon's superior optics and image stabilization are clear with this lens. It extends the range of the lens which came with the camera (18-55mm) nicely.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          Must have

                                          By Xiediar

                                          from Winnipeg, mb

                                          About Me Casual Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

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

                                          Cons

                                            Best Uses

                                            • Landscape/Scenery
                                            • Wildlife Photos

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

                                            It's a must-have lens for starting out. I wish I would have ordered one sooner. It's a great lens to have if you're just starting out with SLR cameras.

                                            • Was this a gift?:
                                            • No

                                            Share this review

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                                            Filters & Filter Kits

                                            Tiffen -  58mm UV Protector Filter
                                            • Price: $8.48
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                                            Hoods & Covers

                                            Vello -  LHC-ET60 Dedicated Lens Hood for Canon (ET-60)
                                            • Price: $16.95
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                                            Pearstone -  Onyx 10 Lens Case
                                            • Price: $11.99
                                            • GBP 7.56
                                             

                                            Protection/Camouflage

                                            LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Canon 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS AF Lens (Black)
                                            • Price: $29.99
                                            • GBP 18.92
                                             
                                            LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Canon 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS AF Lens (Realtree Max4 HD)
                                            • Price: $34.99
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                                            Protective Wraps & Mats

                                            OP/TECH USA -  15" Soft Wrap (Black)
                                            • Price: $11.95
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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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