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

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

Canon's longer zoom for EF-S mount cameras. The focal length complements the standard 18-55mm lens in its many incarnations.

As with the 18-55mm variants, the latest STM version is the best optically.

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

Lens specifications

Marketed	November 2007
Lens Construction (group)	10
Lens Construction (element)	12
No. of Diaphragm Blades	7 (circular aperture)
Minimum Aperture	22-32
Closest Focusing Distance (m)	1.1
Maximum Magnifcation (x)	0.31
Filter Diameter (mm)	58
Maximum Diameter x Length (mm)	70 X 108
Weight (g)	390

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 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

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 20 August, 2007: Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS.

With equivalent focal lengths of 29-88mm and 88-400mm respectively, the lenses are the first in the EF-S series to incorporate a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, dramatically extending low-light performance. Both lenses incorporate specialist optics to achieve exceptional image clarity - the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS employing an aspherical lens element with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS benefiting from an Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) lens element.

The lenses are built to fit exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – including the new EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 400D and earlier models.

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.

Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.