The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is a tiny tele lens with a comparatively impressive performance potential. The resolution is very good across the range. Chromatic aberrations are almost a non-issue in field conditions. The level of distortions remains moderate.

The lens seems to be as advertized. Now let's see how it performs as I travel in Europe this summer

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM ($349.99 direct)($299.00 at Amazon) is a telephoto lens for Canon APS-C D-SLR cameras. It covers a field of view that's roughly equivalent to an 88-400mm zoom on a full-frame camera, delivering impressive telephoto reach at its maximum zoom. The modest f/4-5.6 aperture isn't the best for low-light shooting, but the light and compact design and affordable price make it a better choice for non-professional shooters. If you need f/2.8 zoom, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM($3,599.00 at Amazon) earns our Editors' Choice with its impressive sharpness, constant f/2.8 aperture, and build quality, but it's a hefty and expensive beast. The lens itself measures just 4.4 by 2.8 inches (HD), weighs 13.2 ounces, and is compatible with 58mm threaded filters. It sets itself apart from Canon's previous take on this design with an STM focus motor, which delivers smooth, silent focus when used in Live View with a compatible Canon SLR—these include the T5i($...

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a sharp telephoto zoom, but its aperture is anything but ambitious.

Impressive sharpness; STM focus motor; 4.5x zoom range; Light and compact design

Modest aperture; Plastic lens mount; Lens hood not included

As this lens is intended as a budget option, it is quite surprising to see just how well it performs. Sharpness is outstanding in the centre of the frame for much of the zoom range, which is how you might expect much more expensive lenses to perform.

A budget-priced tele-zoom lens with built-in image stabilisation.Canon’s new EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS is designed specifically for cameras with ‘APS-C’ sized sensors and combines light weight with a very low price tag for an optically-stabilised lens.

I bought this lens to use with the SL2 camera body to keep size/weight down for carrying around on the camera or in a bag. I didn't expect much from a lens I bought used for $125 but I have been very pleasantly surprised.

Good build quality, very good sharpness and IQ, punches way above its price point

AF is not the best for focus speed

"If you're new to photography: This is a great telephoto lens for the beginning photographer.Pictures are sharp all the way through focal range, and colors are true. Fast silent focusing.Very lightweight which makes it easier to use and carry around all day. The image stabilization has been great.

We bought this item for our daughter-in-law for Christmas. Cameta Camera was great getting this to us before Christmas and they were speedy in communicating with us by email. My daughter-in-law is exceptionally happy with the purchase!

Bought this as a "starter" lens with my new Canon 7D Mk2 and have not been disappointed. Allows me to learn with the camera and I have been surprised with the image quality. Got it with £20 refund from Canon and as such, its a snip.

This lens s a great all-rounder. I am using it on a Canon EOS 80D. The optics are really sharp. It is light and relatively compact given the 250mm zoom capability. Good for macro closeup shots from approx 0.8M away so you can photograph insects and flowers without being right on top of them and great for general photography or to zoom in on animals or to bring distant scenery closer. The IS Image Stabilisation is really effective for hand held shots. The auto Focus (AF) is super quick and the manual twist zoom action is very direct, if not entirely smooth. The AF can be overriden for manual focus, which works OK, however it is by wire and and the twist action is a little bit indirect. The price on special at the Good Guys was unbeatable and made this lens a no-brainer as it made it a great value lens. I am very happy with this lens and interchange it with a Canon 18-135mm IS Nano USM lens for a good overlap in lens sizes. Bottom line is I am very happy with this lens and my purchase fr...