The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS and the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS with a length of 108mm, is 89mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS's 70mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS weighs 390g, which means it is 1180g (75%) lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM which has a weight of 1570g.
Filter Threads
The Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has the Canon EF-S lens mount whereas the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a focal range of 55-250mm and
4.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
88-400mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 320mm.