CANON EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM £309/$299

It’s a step up from the previous version of this APS-C format lens for Canon EOS DSLRS

Designed for APS-C format DSLRS, this and other EF-S lenses can also be used on both APS-C format and in crop mode with full-frame mirrorless bodies, via EOS mount adapters. Larger and heavier than the EF-M 55-200mm lens on test, this has more traditional Dslrtype 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.

Nearly 50 per cent heavier than the EF-M 55-200mm lens, the EF-S model adds 50mm in telephoto length, with an overall zoom range equivalent to 88-400mm in fullframe terms. It also has a slightly 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. Both have weightsaving plastic mounting plates, too.

Compared with the previous version, the new lens has a more complex optical path, with three extra elements, including a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) one. This aims to reduce chromatic aberrations while boosting sharpness and contrast. The basic electric autofocus motor of the previous edition was far inferior.

Performance

Levels of centre-sharpness are a little mediocre throughout the zoom range but sharpness holds up towards the edges and corners of the frame. There’s very little colour fringing, while distortions are well controlled. This is a solid performer for APS-C format DSLRS but we’d still go for a full-frame compatible lens for enhanced performance.