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Azz's Avatar
Azz
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09-04-08, 02:02 PM
#1

Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

What's this lens like Canonites?

If I bought a 40D this is prob the lens I would want to get first. I am surprised many of you don't have it as it has IS and a decent range. Am I missing something about it?
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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09-04-08, 04:37 PM
#2

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz View Post
What's this lens like Canonites?

If I bought a 40D this is prob the lens I would want to get first. I am surprised many of you don't have it as it has IS and a decent range. Am I missing something about it?
I personally wouldn't consider this lens. There is nothing majorly wrong with it however initially I was trying to avoid purchasing EF-S lenses and prefered the 70-300 f4-f5.6 and the 70-200 f4 as both these have USM motors (the 55-250 has a Micro Motor which takes a little longer to focus). The 55-250 also has a plastic body mount which is something I am not keen on. The IQ is worse than the other two lenses I have mentioned however they are also more expensive. One good thing about the 55-250 is the 4-stop IS

At the end of the day you need to decide on your budget and what you think would suit you. I was looking to choose between the 70-300 and the 70-200 f4 and although the f4 produced a better image quality I chose the 70-300 in the end (the difference in price was insignificant). The IQ on the 70-300 was good, it had the extra 100mm reach and it also has IS. This IMO made it a more attractive option than the 70-200 although that is a better lens.
Kit 1
Canon 20D
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100 2.8 USM Macro
Canon 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon Ixus V3


     
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Azz
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09-04-08, 05:21 PM
#3

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Thanks GH.

I didn't know about USM/non usm lens speeds. I also thought the 70-200 f4 had IS as well - ah I see, they do a non-IS version too

So I guess when it comes to canon lenses, you need to look out for:

USM = better
Lower F number = better
IS = better
L = better

?
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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09-04-08, 05:47 PM
#4

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz View Post
Thanks GH.

I didn't know about USM/non usm lens speeds. I also thought the 70-200 f4 had IS as well - ah I see, they do a non-IS version too
Yes they do have a f4 IS version however this is rather more expensive than its non IS counterpart

Quote:
So I guess when it comes to canon lenses, you need to look out for:

USM = better
Lower F number = better
IS = better
L = better

?
Yep - that's pretty much it

However all that comes at a price You need to decide on what trade offs you can afford to make
Kit 1
Canon 20D
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100 2.8 USM Macro
Canon 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon Ixus V3


     
Azz's Avatar
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09-04-08, 05:53 PM
#5

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Lol I think that's just put me off

It's easier with Nikon:

Lower f number = better
VR = better

And if you have a budget dslr you just need to make sure it is an AF-S lens to be able to auto-focus, otherwise it's manual focus only.

I just want an easy life
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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09-04-08, 05:59 PM
#6

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz View Post
Lol I think that's just put me off

It's easier with Nikon:

Lower f number = better
VR = better

And if you have a budget dslr you just need to make sure it is an AF-S lens to be able to auto-focus, otherwise it's manual focus only.

I just want an easy life
Oh come on, it isn't that complicated

I know Nikon have SWM on some of their lenses which I assume is some sort of an equivalent of USM. It isn't that it is simpler, just that you haven't noticed it before

The lower F number is the same for both brands. IR and VR are the same thing. As mentioned above Nikon have their own equivalent of USM which just leaves 'L' (luxury). Are you telling me Nikon don't have a way of distinguishing their professional lenses?
Kit 1
Canon 20D
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100 2.8 USM Macro
Canon 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon Ixus V3


     
Azz's Avatar
Azz
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09-04-08, 06:30 PM
#7

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greyhawk View Post
It isn't that it is simpler, just that you haven't noticed it before
Lol that's probably true

I'm not sure about the nikon SWM - think that may be for third part lenses only, as I don't see it mentioned on Nikons own lenses (on the page I am looking at on camerapricebuster).

I think with Nikon it may be:

The cheapest are non VRs
Better are VRs
Even better are the ones with Lower F numbers
And the best are the most expensive

Maybe it's AF and AF-S (re USM) as AF-S has the motor on the lens and AF-S uses the cameras auto-focus motor... ?
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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09-04-08, 07:53 PM
#8

Re: Canon EF-S 55-250 mm IS

Yep, what GH said!!

I looked at it, in preference to the 70-300mm IS (which I cant afford) but was quickly desuaded by fellow Canonites. its a good lens for a beginner on a budget though.
Kit 1
Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100-400mm L IS USM.
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 macro
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG MACRO HSM II.
Giottos Pro Monopod. MML 3270B.
Canon BG-E7 grip.


     
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