Canon EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

Canon's second version of the 55-200 offers improved image stabilisation (4 stops) and a solid (if largely plastic) build. The light weight and small size of the lens is an advantage for smaller camera bags. Lens quality is improved over earlier versions at this focal length, whilst still being relatively low priced.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	55-250mm f/4-5.6
Lens Construction	12 elements in 10 groups, including one UD-glass element
Diagonal Angle of View	27° 50'- 6° 15' (with APS-C image sensors)
Focus Adjustment	DC motor, gear-driven (front focusing design)
Closest Focusing Distance	3.6 ft./1.1m (maximum close-up magnification 0.31x)
Filter Size	58mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	2.8 in. x 4.3 in./70 x 108mm (maximum lens length); 13.8 oz./390g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

Which 55-250? - a list of all versions

Canon EF-S 55-250
Attribute	f/4–5.6 IS	f/4–5.6 IS II	f/4–5.6 IS STM
Image
Key features
Full-frame compatible	No
Image stabilizer	Yes
Environmental sealing	No
Ultrasonic Motor	No
Stepping Motor	No		Yes
Technical data
Focal length (max/min)	55–250mm (35 mm equivalent of 88–400mm)
Aperture (max/min)	f/4–5.6 / f/22–32
Construction	12 elements / 10 groups		15 elements / 12 groups
Aperture blades	7 (circular aperture)
Closest focusing distance	1.1 m (3.61 ft)		0.81 m (2.79 ft)
Max. magnification	0.31x		0.29x
Horizontal viewing angle	23°20'–5°20'
Vertical viewing angle	15°40'–3°30'
Diagonal viewing angle	27°50'–6°15'
Physical data
Weight	390 g (13.75 oz)		375 g (13.2 oz)
Maximum diameter	70 mm (2.76")
Length	108 mm (4.25")		111.2 mm (4.7")
Filter diameter	58mm
Accessories
Lens case	LP1019
Lens hood	ET-60		ET-63
Retail information
Release date	November 2007	July 2011	August 2013

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II reviews and articles

• Canon UK | US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

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Sample images

Product launch

London, UK, 13th June 2011 – Canon today announces the launch of its latest high quality telephoto zoom lens. The new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II.

A compact and affordable lens, offering powerful telephoto performance combined with high image quality, making it ideal for photographers wanting to get closer to the action.

The versatile new lens enables photographers to shoot a variety of subjects due to its variable focal range. It's ideal for shooting anything from portraits to longer-distance subjects, such as wildlife, sports, or even features within a landscape – ensuring the moment is always captured in impressive detail.

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II will be available separately and also as part of a double lens kit, bundled alongside the recently-announced EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II with EOS 550D, EOS 600D and EOS 60D bodies, providing beginners with a fantastic start to their photography system, all in one box.

Designed and manufactured to exacting standards, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II reflects Canon's premium design philosophy, with an enhanced exterior design and a number of premium technologies to ensure leading image quality. Canon's four-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) counters image blur during low light and handheld shooting, and the inclusion of an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element and Canon's Super Spectra Coatings also ensure beautifully crisp, high contrast and glare-free images. The latest EF-S lens to be added to Canon's range is ideal for photographers seeking an affordable and versatile lens for general-purpose telephoto photography.

The new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II will be available from July 2011.