What To Know
- This blog post will provide a detailed comparison of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II vs STM lenses, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision about which lens is right for you.
- The STM lens is a more affordable option, but it may not be the best choice for photographers who need a lens that can withstand harsh conditions or who require fast and accurate autofocus.
- If you need a versatile telephoto lens with excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and good image stabilization, then the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is the better choice.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II and STM lenses are popular telephoto options for Canon APS-C cameras. Both lenses offer a versatile zoom range, making them suitable for a wide range of photography applications. However, they differ in certain key features, such as autofocus speed and image stabilization. This blog post will provide a detailed comparison of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II vs STM lenses, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision about which lens is right for you.
Image Quality
Both the IS II and STM lenses deliver sharp images with good contrast and color reproduction. The IS II lens has a slight edge in terms of sharpness, particularly at the telephoto end of the zoom range. However, the difference is not significant, and both lenses will produce high-quality images for most applications.
Zoom Range and Aperture
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II and STM lenses offer the same zoom range of 55-250mm. This range is suitable for a variety of subjects, including portraits, wildlife, and sports. Both lenses have a maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end of the zoom range, which is relatively fast for a telephoto lens. However, the aperture narrows to f/5.6 at the telephoto end, which can limit your ability to shoot in low-light conditions.
Autofocus
The IS II and STM lenses use different autofocus systems. The IS II lens uses a traditional USM autofocus motor, while the STM lens uses a stepper motor. The STM motor is quieter and smoother than the USM motor, making it better suited for video recording. However, the USM motor is generally faster and more accurate, particularly in low-light conditions.
Image Stabilization
Both the IS II and STM lenses feature image stabilization (IS), which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. The IS II lens has a more advanced IS system than the STM lens, with up to 4 stops of stabilization. This makes it a better choice for shooting handheld in low-light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds.
Build Quality and Weather Resistance
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens has a more robust build quality than the STM lens. It features a metal lens mount and a weather-sealed construction, making it more resistant to dust and moisture. The STM lens, on the other hand, has a plastic lens mount and is not weather-sealed.
Price and Availability
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is more expensive than the STM lens. However, it is also more versatile and features better image stabilization and build quality. The STM lens is a more affordable option, but it may not be the best choice for photographers who need a lens that can withstand harsh conditions or who require fast and accurate autofocus.
Which Lens Should You Choose?
The best lens for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need a versatile telephoto lens with excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and good image stabilization, then the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or prioritize quiet autofocus for video recording, then the STM lens is a good option.
Alternative Options
If you are looking for a telephoto lens with a wider zoom range, then you may want to consider the Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS lens. This lens offers a versatile zoom range and good image quality, but it does not have as fast an aperture or as good image stabilization as the 55-250mm lenses.
Another alternative is the Canon EF 70-300mm IS II USM lens. This lens has a longer zoom range than the 55-250mm lenses, and it features a faster aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range. However, it is also more expensive and larger than the 55-250mm lenses.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which lens is better for sports photography?
A: The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is better for sports photography due to its faster autofocus.
Q: Which lens is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is better for low-light photography due to its better image stabilization.
Q: Which lens is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EF-S 55-250mm STM lens is better for video recording due to its quieter autofocus.
Q: Which lens is more versatile?
A: The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens is more versatile due to its wider zoom range and better image stabilization.
Q: Which lens is more affordable?
A: The Canon EF-S 55-250mm STM lens is more affordable.
