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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Review

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS

Main Features

  • 55-250mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Canon EF-S Mount
  • Weight: 390g.
  • Diameter: 70mm
  • Length: 108mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 1.1m
  • Max Magnification: 0.31x
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Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Overview


Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and APS-C / DX max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with EF-S Mount cameras.

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS was replaced with Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II. Follow the link to read our comparison of these lenses:
Compare Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS vs Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II


What type of photography is the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeVery Good
SportsVery Good
PortraitFair
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingFair
Walk AroundFair
VloggingPoor
LandscapeFair
MacroAverage

Lenses in Canon EF-S Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II
Compare
APS-C / DX 390gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM
Compare
APS-C / DX 375gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization
Autofocus
Report a correction

Buy Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
No Weather Sealing
Hood is not supplied
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture


Lens Mount

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS is compatible with cameras that have a Canon EF-S lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF-S lenses are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a maximum diameter of 70mm and total length of 108mm when not extended. It weighs 390g / 13.8 oz.

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a filter thread of 58mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS:

  • 58mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 58mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 58mm Clear Protection Lens Filters



Focal Range

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a focal range of 55-250mm and 4.5X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 88-400mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.

Optical Image Stabilization

The Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.

Zoom Method

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.31x and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.1m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.31x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Zoom type Canon1 mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Tamron 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 VC: 0.34x - (Compare)
  • Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD: 0.34x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM: 0.33x - (Compare)

Aperture

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f4 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 55mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f32 at 250mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
55mm F4 F22
250mm F5.6 F32

Optical Formula

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS's optical formula consists of 12 elements in 10 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • Super Spectra coatings
  • UD element

Lens Hood

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS doesn't come with a lens hood. You have to order the hood separately and the model number of the hood is ET-60.

Body Colour

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III Lens Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
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35mm FF 480gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS II USM
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35mm FF 710gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II
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APS-C / DX 390gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM
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APS-C / DX 420gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM
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35mm FF 1050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM
Compare
APS-C / DX 375gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 859gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

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**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Alternatives in Canon EF-S Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 710gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM Lens Canon EF 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM
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35mm FF 310gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
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35mm FF 1490gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
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35mm FF 1570gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM
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35mm FF 1310gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM
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35mm FF 705gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM
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35mm FF 760gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
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35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
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35mm FF 720gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS II
Compare
APS-C / DX 390gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM
Compare
APS-C / DX 375gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
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35mm FF 780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
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35mm FF 1440gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
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35mm FF 1390gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
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35mm FF 1430gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro
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35mm FF 550gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro Lens Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro
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35mm FF 550gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
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35mm FF 1500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS
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35mm FF 610gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 859gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S
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35mm FF 1805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron AF 55-200mm F4-5.6 Di II LD Macro Lens Tamron AF 55-200mm F4-5.6 Di II LD Macro
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APS-C / DX 300gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro
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35mm FF 435gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
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35mm FF 1470gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 765gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 420gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO Lens Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO
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35mm FF 1330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Canon
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Canon EF-S
Max Format APS-C / DX
Focal Range 55-250mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No
Zoom Lock No
Zoom Ratio 4.5X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4.0 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22.0 - F32.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 7
Optics
Optical Elements 12
Optical Groups 10
Special Elements Super Spectra coatings UD element

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 1.1m
Max Magnification 0.31X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Micromotor
Full Time Manual No
Focus Method Extending front
Distance Scale No
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 390g
Diameter 70mm
Length 108mm
Materials Plastic barrel, plastic mount
Weather Sealing No
Filter Thread 58mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied No
Hood Code ET-60
Tripod Collar No
Optional Accessories Soft Case LP1019
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS
is the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS
is the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS
Does Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS have Image Stabilization?
Does Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS


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