The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM and the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM 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 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM is the longer of the two lenses at 111mm. The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM with a length of 94mm, is 17mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM also has a larger diameter of 70mm compared to the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM's 69mm 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 RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM weighs 270g, which means it is 105g (28%) lighter than the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM which has a weight of 375g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM has the Canon EF-S lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R50 V, Canon R100 and Canon R50 for the Canon RF Mount and Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM has a focal range of 55-210mm and
3.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
88-336mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM 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.
