CANON EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
A marked improvement over the previous version of this EF-S lens for APS-C format DSLRS
Designed for APS-C format DSLRS, this and other EF-S lenses can also be used on APS-C format and full-frame bodies, via the respective EOS mount adapters. Larger and heavier than the EF-M 55-200mm lens on test, this one has more traditional Dslr-type styling, with physical switches for AF/M focusing modes and stabilization on/off, as well as chunkier rubberized grips for the zoom and focus rings.
Although nearly 50 per cent heavier than the EF-M 55-200mm, the EF-S adds an extra 50mm in telephoto length, with an overall zoom that’s equivalent to 88-400mm in full-frame terms. It also has a faster aperture rating, shrinking to f/5.6, rather than f/6.3, at the long end. Similarities between the two lenses include fast and virtually silent stepping motor-driven autofocus and 3.5-stop image stabilization.
Compared with the previous edition of the EF-S 55-250mm, the new version has a more complex optical path with three extra elements, including the addition of a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element. This aims to reduce chromatic aberrations while boosting sharpness and contrast. The basic electric AF motor of the previous edition was much inferior.
Performance
Levels of centre-sharpness are a bit mediocre throughout the zoom, but sharpness holds up well towards the edges and corners of the frame. There’s little in the way of colour fringing, and distortions are pretty low as well. Overall, this lens is a solid performer for APS-C format DSLRS, but we’d still go for one of the full-frame compatible lenses on test, for enhanced performance.