EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS

introduced 2007

Canon strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. The lens is one of the first in the EF-S series to incorporate a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, dramatically extending low-light performance. The lens incorporates an Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) lens elementspecialist optics to achieve exceptional image clarity.

The lens is built to fit exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – including the new EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 400D and earlier models.

Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.

4-stop Image Stabilizer
Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.

Appealing background blur
The lens incorporates a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth-of -ield is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.

Super Spectra coatings
Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings are used to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

E-TTL II flash integration
The lenses transmit distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.

In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

Image size APS-C
35mm film equivalent focal length 88-400mm
Angle-of-view horizontal 23° 20' to 5° 20'; vertical 15° 40' to 3° 30'; diagonal 27° 50' to 6° 15'
Lens construction (elements/groups) 12/10
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Minimum aperture f22 to f32
Closest focusing distance 1.1 metres
Maximum magnification x0.31 (at 55mm)
Distance information Yes
Image stabilizer 4-stops
AF actuator Micro Motor
Filter diameter 58mm
Maximum diameter x length 71 x 108mm
Weight 390g
Magnification with Extension Tube EF12 II 0.6-0.05 (only compatible at tele)
Magnification with Extension Tube EF25 II 0.47-0.11 (only compatible at tele)
Lens hood ET-60
Soft case LP1019
Extenders EF1.4x II and EF2x II Not compatible