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

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom designed for Canon APS-C cameras. With its 88-400mm equivalent field of view on crop sensor bodies, it covers portraits, wildlife, and sports at a distance. The STM (stepping motor) autofocus offers smooth and quiet operation, making it useful for both stills and video. Optical image stabilization helps steady shots when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths.

At around $200, this lens competes in the entry-level telephoto space where compromises are expected. The variable maximum aperture (f/4 at 55mm, f/5.6 at 250mm) limits low-light performance and background blur compared to faster glass, and build quality reflects its price point with an all-plastic construction. However, for Canon shooters upgrading from a kit lens or adding reach on a budget, it delivers solid optical performance and versatility without breaking the bank.