Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
The Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is a 55–250mm f/4 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $121.39 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
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Lens Overview — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Key Features — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
55-250mm Telephoto Zoom: Covers a versatile telephoto range equivalent to approximately 88-400mm on a full-frame camera, suitable for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in IS system reduces camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly beneficial at longer focal lengths where blur is more pronounced.
f/4-5.6 Maximum Aperture: Offers reasonable light gathering at the wide end of the zoom range, with the aperture narrowing to f/5.6 at 250mm.
APS-C Exclusive Design: Engineered specifically for Canon APS-C DSLRs via the EF-S mount, optimizing image quality for crop-sensor bodies.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus and manual focus operation, giving shooters the flexibility to switch depending on subject and conditions.
Lightweight Build: Weighing just 390g, the lens is easy to carry and comfortable to use handheld over extended shooting sessions.
Lens Specifications — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Travel, Portrait |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | APS-C |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 55–250mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
Description — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is a telephoto zoom lens purpose-built for APS-C format Canon DSLR cameras. It covers a focal length range of 55mm to 250mm, providing genuine reach for distant subjects across a variety of shooting scenarios. The lens mounts via the Canon EF mount and integrates Optical Image Stabilization to help manage camera shake, which is especially relevant at the longer end of the zoom range.
A maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end provides workable light transmission under good lighting conditions. Both autofocus and manual focus are supported, giving photographers the ability to choose the most appropriate focusing method for their situation. The 58mm filter thread keeps accessory filters accessible without requiring step-up rings, and the lens's 390g weight keeps it practical for travel and day-to-day handheld use.
Pros — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
- ✓Wide telephoto zoom range from 55mm to 250mm (specifications: minFocalLength / maxFocalLength)
- ✓Optical Image Stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting (specifications: imageStabilization)
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus for shooting flexibility (specifications: focusType)
Cons — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end limits low-light performance, particularly at longer focal lengths (specifications: maximumAperture)
- ✗APS-C-only format via Canon EF-S design means it cannot be used on full-frame Canon bodies (specifications: lensFormat)
- ✗No minimum aperture or aperture range data available to fully evaluate exposure flexibility
Videos — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens review (with samples) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
What camera bodies is this lens compatible with?+
This lens is designed for APS-C format Canon DSLR cameras and uses the Canon EF mount. It is intended for use with Canon's APS-C DSLR lineup. It is not compatible with full-frame Canon bodies due to its APS-C format design.
Does this lens have Image Stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features Optical Image Stabilization, which helps compensate for camera shake during handheld shooting. This is particularly useful at longer focal lengths within the 55–250mm range where stability becomes more challenging to maintain.
Can I use autofocus with this lens?+
Yes, the lens supports both Auto and Manual focus modes. Autofocus is available when used with compatible Canon APS-C DSLR bodies, and manual focus can be selected when precise control is needed.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 58mm filter thread, which is a common size. This allows you to use widely available 58mm filters such as polarizers or neutral density filters with this lens.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 390g, making it a relatively lightweight telephoto zoom option that is well-suited for handheld shooting over extended periods.