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

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

Canon's newest 55-250 zoom lens for EF-S mount cameras now includes the STM focus drive, as opposed to the previous USM drive (in the two previous EF-S 55-250 lenses - from 2009 and 2011).

STM is optimised for smooth focus shifts, for video use.

There has been a wholesale redesign of the optical formula, which shows in radically improved MTF charts, although proof will need some detailed evaluation.

The mount is plastic, so still very much a 'kit lens' option.

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

Lens specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type	Zoom lens
Max Format size	APS-C
Focal length	55–250 mm
Image stabilisation	Yes (4 stops)
Lens mount	Canon EF-S
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F4.0 - F5.6
Minimum aperture	F22.0 - F32.0
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	7
Aperture notes	Circular diaphragm
Optics
Elements	15
Groups	12
Special elements / coatings	UD element
Focus
Minimum focus	0.85 m (33.46″)
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Stepper motor
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Internal
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Physical
Weight	375 g (0.83 lb)
Diameter	70 mm (2.76″)
Length	111 mm (4.37″)
Materials	Plastic barrel, plastic mount
Sealing	No
Colour	Black
Zoom method	Rotary (extending)
Power zoom	No
Zoom lock	No
Filter thread	58 mm
Hood supplied	No
Tripod collar	No
Other
Notes	With automatic panning detection

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

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

Product launch

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 22, 2013 – Canon U.S.A. announces the new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens.

Created to be the perfect companion lens for the EOS 70D, EOS Rebel SL1 and EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR cameras, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens expands Canon’s line of Stepping Motor (STM) lenses to six models – the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, EF-M 22mm f/2.0 and the new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens. Canon’s Stepping Motor lenses allow for the capture of high-quality still and video images and reduce motor noise from the lens so cameras, such as the new EOS 70D, will capture the sound of the video scene being recorded without the interruption of noise by the focusing motors.

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens offers high magnification in a compact and lightweight EF-S telephoto zoom lens with an Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 3.5* equivalent stops for shake correction. The lens’ stepping motor and newly-designed focus mechanism support Canon EOS Movie Servo AF (available on select EOS cameras) to provide smooth and quiet continuous autofocusing during video shooting, as well as when shooting photos.

“The addition of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens to the STM family of lenses strengthens Canon’s support for the growing number of photographers and video enthusiasts utilizing DSLRs to not only shoot high-quality still images but video too,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Noise reduction in movie mode is essential and video aficionados will particularly find the silent and smooth auto-focus capabilities of this new lens outstanding.”

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens features one UD lens element, reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. It features enhanced lens coatings to help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting and flare and a 7-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds. For outstanding performance, a new compact six-group zoom system provides a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end. Full-time manual focus is available in AF mode. The front element does not rotate during focus, which is beneficial when using polarizing filters. Minimum focusing distance is 2.79 ft./0.85m. The lens’ rear focusing system, high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm allow for high-speed autofocusing.

Availability
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens is scheduled to be available in late September for an estimated retail price of $349.99. For more information about the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens.