Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Better than Sigma 18-250
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased a Sigma 18-250 zoom lens to replace my Canon kit lens (18-55)and this Canon 55-250 IS. After months of owning all 3 lenses I just now decided to do some testing/comparisons between the Sigma and the 2 Canons (cold winter boredom I suppose).
The Sigma looks and feels like a great lens, but as far as image quaility (i.e. sharpness), not so great in my tests.
I took identical photos with these lenses comparing variuous aperatures, focal lenghts, IS on/off, flash on/off, etc. (I was the same distance from subject, used the same subjects, used a tripod, etc.)
This Canon 55-250 IS is diffinately sharper than the Sigma, especially at the 250mm end where it counts the most to me. The Canon, though inexpensive and seemingly not built that great, took sharper pictures, hands down. The Canon peaked at around f8 for sharpness at 250mm (and it was pretty sharp), while the Sigma was around f10-11, and still not near sharp.
I didn't compare all of the image quality parameters, and perhaps the Sigma might fare better in others respects, but for me if I can't obtain relatively sharp pictures, the lens is, at best, only good for very general photography where sharpness doesn't matter.
Not only this, but at 250mm the Canon photos are obviously zoomed in further than the Sigma. There appears to be some where around 30mm differance. Either Canon has under rated their lens or Sigma has over rated theirs, or something. In any case the Canon gives you considerably more zoom than the Sigma. If you should happen to own both lenses as I do, try this for yourself to see if I'm just imagining this.
Also the Sigma did not seem to do any better than the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens, or maybe not even as good. But there wasn't a great difference on this end of the spectrum. The Sigma does OK here on this end. I might add, though, that the kit lense at 18mm was slightly wider than the Sigma at 18mm.
So now I don't know what to do. I guess I'm sort of stuck. If I don't care what my pictures look like the Sigma is an OK one-size-fits-all lens for vacations and long hikes. But why not just use my really nice point & shoot that takes better pictures and has an even longer focal range? Or I can just go back to changing my el-cheapo Canon lenses again.
Bottom line, the Cannon 55-250 IS lens is 5 star for what it is and what it does. Its not an L lens by any means, but for 250 bucks, give or take, its a pretty respectable lens. I've taken some pretty awesome pictures of birds-in-flight with this lens at 250mm! I might add here that pictures from this lens usually require a little post-prossessing, at least that has been my experience. This, however, usually involves quick, farely minor enhancements.
Digital camera Review: Can't beat the price
Summary: 4 Stars
The lense is a good starter lens for a beginner. The price is well affordable and the quality of the lens is solid.Digital camera Review: Cannon EF-S 55-225mm Lens Review
Summary: 5 Stars
This lens was a gift for my girlfriend who is an avid, professional photographer. It was an instant hit with her. The picture quality of this lens with the image stabilization was second to none. Also, the ease of use of the lens was excellent. Finally, Cannon is an excellent company with excellent manufacturing. This lens was a good buy and a very good product.Digital camera Review: Cannon EF-S 55-250 F/4-5.6 IS
Summary: 2 Stars
This lens dose what is says, and is a CANON lens. Takes ok pictures outside, but is too slow to shoot inside without a bright lighting, or flash. But is nothing compared to the replacement 70-200 L lens I purchased as a replacement.
You get what you pay for.
Digital camera Review: Cannon lense
Summary: 4 Stars
I am very happy with this lense. I love to take pictures on nature in my backyard and this lense helps me to do that.