Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Autofocus APS-C Lens, Black Review

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is a budget telephoto zoom designed for Canon APS-C DSLRs. At $95 MSRP, it offers considerable reach for sports, wildlife, and portrait shooters working with Rebel or mid-range EOS bodies. The lens covers a useful 88-400mm equivalent focal range on crop sensors and includes optical image stabilization to help steady handheld shots at longer focal lengths.

This is an entry-level telephoto option, prioritizing affordability and portability over speed or premium optics. The variable f/4-5.6 aperture is typical for budget zooms but limits low-light performance and background separation compared to constant-aperture glass. Build quality is straightforward plastic construction. For Canon shooters looking to extend their reach without investing in L-series glass, this lens delivers practical focal length coverage at a price point that fits tight budgets.