EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.

4-stop Image Stabilizer

Regarding the recently reviewed EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS I was prepared to receive another el-cheapo plastic lens but, honestly, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS did surprise me here a bit. Sure, it is not build like a tank but the plastic quality is fairly decent and the tolerances are pretty tight. The beauty of the plastic mount may be a bit debatable but it's not a heavy lens anyway. The focus and zoom control rings operate reasonably smooth. So yes, unlike the 18-55mm IS it has a dedicated focus ring and it's perfectly usable - if you can handle the dim viewfinder produced by such a slow-speed lens. Typical for such lenses it extends when zooming towards the long end of the zoom range (see the product images below). Both the front element as well as the focus ring rotate during focus operations. Size- and weight-wise the (APS-C) lens is about 30% smaller/lighter compared to the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS (full format) which may be an argument for some.


Specifications

Optical construction 12 elements in 10 groups inc. 1x UD element
Number of aperture blades 7 (rounded)
min. focus distance 1.1m (max. magnification ratio ~1:3)
Dimensions 70x108mm
Weight 390g
Filter size 58mm (rotating)
Hood optional, barrel-shaped, snap-on type
Other features IS (Optical Stabilizer)

The AF speed is pretty good and the noise level during operations remains on a very low level. Unfortunately the test camera (EOS 350D) didn't really like the lens. At 55mm it had big troubles to lock on reliably and in the field things weren't all that convincing beyond either. This aspect is much better on an 40D or 400D though. According to Canon the newly developed Image Stabilization system is good enough for a "gain" equivalent to up to 4 f-stops. Personally I was not able to recreate this potential in the field but according to reader feedback the IS seems to work fine.

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Technically the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is a tiny lens with a great performance potential. The resolution is very good across the range. Chromatic aberrations are basically a non-issue. The level of distortions remain moderate. The most obvious flaw is, unsurprisingly, vignetting at large apertures. The build quality is fine for a lens in this class and it is one step up from the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS that we've seen here recently. Regarding the target market you may surely forgive the plastic mount. The AF (micro-) motor is pretty fast and silent. So's everything cool here ? Well, the AF accuracy didn't really convince in the field - specifically at the wide-end of the zoom range - but to be fair this is much better on an EOS 40D (e.g.) with its improved AF capabilities. I had some trouble with the image stabilizer in the field but according to early reader feedback this impression seems to be an exception to the rule. If so the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS has certainly the potential to be another hot seller.

Δείγμα του φακού στα 55 mm

Άλλο ένα δείγμα στα 55 mm

Δείγμα του φακού στα 250 mm




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