What To Know
- The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is designed for use with Canon APS-C DSLR cameras, while the Canon EF 75-300mm lens is compatible with both APS-C and full-frame DSLR cameras.
- The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens offers a focal length range of 55-250mm, while the Canon EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly longer focal length range of 75-300mm.
- The EF 75-300mm lens is a more premium lens with additional features, such as a longer focal length range and image stabilization.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm and EF 75-300mm lenses are two popular telephoto zoom lenses for Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length range, making them suitable for capturing various subjects, including wildlife, sports, and portraits. However, there are some key differences between the two lenses that may influence your choice. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and EF 75-300mm lenses in terms of their specifications, performance, and practical applications.
Lens Mount and Compatibility
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is designed for use with Canon APS-C DSLR cameras, while the Canon EF 75-300mm lens is compatible with both APS-C and full-frame DSLR cameras. This means that the EF 75-300mm lens can be used on a wider range of cameras, including professional-grade full-frame models.
Focal Length Range and Aperture
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens offers a focal length range of 55-250mm, while the Canon EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly longer focal length range of 75-300mm. Both lenses have a variable maximum aperture of f/4-5.6, which means that they have the same light-gathering capabilities throughout their focal length range.
Image Quality and Sharpness
In terms of image quality, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is known for producing sharp and detailed images with good color reproduction. However, the Canon EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly better reputation for sharpness and contrast, especially at longer focal lengths.
Autofocus
Both the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and EF 75-300mm lenses feature Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) autofocus system, which provides fast and accurate focusing. However, the EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly faster autofocus speed, which can be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Image Stabilization
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens does not feature image stabilization, while the Canon EF 75-300mm lens includes Canon‘s Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. This feature helps to reduce camera shake, which can be especially useful when shooting at slower shutter speeds or in low-light conditions.
Weight and Size
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is lighter and more compact than the Canon EF 75-300mm lens, weighing 390 grams and measuring 111.8 x 75.7mm, respectively. The EF 75-300mm lens is heavier, weighing 480 grams, and larger, measuring 130.8 x 83.8mm.
Price and Availability
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is generally more affordable than the Canon EF 75-300mm lens. The EF 75-300mm lens is a more premium lens with additional features, such as a longer focal length range and image stabilization.
Practical Applications
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that is suitable for various applications, including:
- Wildlife photography
- Sports photography
- Portrait photography
- Travel photography
The Canon EF 75-300mm lens is a more specialized telephoto zoom lens that is well-suited for:
- Wildlife photography
- Sports photography
- Birdwatching
- Long-distance photography
Final Thoughts
Both the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and EF 75-300mm lenses are excellent telephoto zoom lenses that offer a versatile focal length range and good image quality. The EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly longer focal length range, faster autofocus, and image stabilization, but it is also heavier and more expensive. Ultimately, the best choice between these two lenses depends on your specific needs and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
A: Both lenses are suitable for wildlife photography, but the EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly longer focal length range, which can be beneficial for capturing distant subjects.
Q: Which lens is better for sports photography?
A: Both lenses are also suitable for sports photography, but the EF 75-300mm lens has a faster autofocus speed, which can be helpful for capturing fast-moving athletes.
Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: Neither lens is ideal for portraits due to their relatively narrow maximum aperture. However, the EF 75-300mm lens has a slightly wider maximum aperture at 300mm, which can provide a more pleasing background blur.
