Capture The Perfect Shot: Explore The Power Of Canon Ef-s 55-250 Stm Ii Lens For Wildlife And Travel Enthusiasts

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a popular telephoto zoom lens for Canon EOS DSLR cameras. It offers a versatile focal length range, making it suitable for various photography genres, including wildlife, sports, and portraits. Recently, Canon released an updated version of this lens, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II, which promises improved image quality, faster autofocus, and a more compact design. In this blog post, we will compare the two lenses and help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.

Image Quality

Both the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II feature a similar optical design, with 12 elements in 10 groups. However, the newer lens has a slightly revised optical formula, which Canon claims results in improved sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration. In practice, both lenses deliver excellent image quality, with sharp details and accurate colors. However, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II may have a slight edge in terms of sharpness, especially at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II features a new STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system, which is quieter and faster than the previous model’s DC motor. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as wildlife or sports. The STM system also allows for smooth and silent autofocus during video recording.

Design and Build Quality

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 375 grams compared to 390 grams. It also features a more compact design, with a retractable lens barrel that makes it easier to carry and store. Both lenses have a plastic construction, but they feel solid and well-built.

Image Stabilization

Both the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II feature Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. The IS system in the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II is slightly more effective, offering up to 4 stops of shake correction compared to the 3.5 stops offered by the previous model.

Price

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is typically priced around $200, while the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II is priced around $300. The price difference is relatively small, so you may want to consider the newer lens if you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology.

The Bottom Line

So, which lens should you choose? If you’re looking for a versatile telephoto zoom lens with excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and effective image stabilization, both the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II are great options. However, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology, or if you need the best possible image quality, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II?

A: The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II features a new STM autofocus system, which is quieter and faster than the previous model‘s DC motor. It also has a slightly revised optical formula, which Canon claims results in improved sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration.

Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?

A: Both lenses are suitable for wildlife photography, but the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II may have a slight edge due to its faster autofocus and slightly better image quality.

Q: Which lens is better for video recording?

A: Both lenses can be used for video recording, but the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM II is better suited for this purpose due to its smoother and quieter autofocus.