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?

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.

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

?

Yes they do have a f4 IS version however this is rather more expensive than its non IS counterpart

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

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?

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... ?

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.