What To Know
- The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens has a plastic construction with a metal lens mount, while the Sigma 70-300mm lens has a polycarbonate construction with a metal lens mount.
- The Canon lens may have a slight advantage in terms of color accuracy and contrast, while the Sigma lens may have a slight advantage in terms of sharpness at the telephoto end.
- If you need a versatile telephoto lens with a slightly wider focal length range and a more affordable price, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is a great option.
When it comes to telephoto lenses for Canon EF-S mount cameras, two popular options stand out: the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG OS HSM. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length range, image stabilization, and affordable prices. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and Sigma 70-300mm lenses, helping you make an informed decision.
Focal Length Range
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens has a slightly wider focal length range than the Sigma 70-300mm lens, covering 55mm to 250mm compared to 70mm to 300mm. This gives the Canon lens a bit more flexibility for wider-angle shots, such as portraits or landscapes. However, the Sigma lens offers a slightly longer reach, which can be beneficial for wildlife or sports photography.
Aperture
Both lenses have a variable aperture of f/4-5.6, which is typical for telephoto lenses in this price range. This means that the aperture will change as you zoom in and out, affecting the depth of field and light gathering capabilities. At the widest focal length, both lenses offer a maximum aperture of f/4, which allows for a shallower depth of field and better low-light performance. As you zoom in, the aperture narrows to f/5.6, reducing the depth of field and light gathering capabilities.
Image Stabilization
Both the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and Sigma 70-300mm lenses feature image stabilization (IS or OS), which helps to reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness, especially when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds. The Canon lens uses Optical Image Stabilization (IS), while the Sigma lens uses Optical Stabilization (OS). Both systems are effective at stabilizing the image, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur.
Autofocus
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens uses a Stepping Motor (STM) for autofocus, which is known for its smooth and quiet operation. This makes it an excellent choice for video recording or shooting in quiet environments. The Sigma 70-300mm lens, on the other hand, uses a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for autofocus, which is also fast and accurate. However, it may be slightly noisier than the STM motor.
Build Quality
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens has a plastic construction with a metal lens mount, while the Sigma 70-300mm lens has a polycarbonate construction with a metal lens mount. Both lenses feel well-built and durable, but the Sigma lens may have a slight edge in terms of overall build quality.
Image Quality
Both the Canon EF-S 55-250mm and Sigma 70-300mm lenses produce sharp and detailed images throughout their zoom range. The Canon lens may have a slight advantage in terms of color accuracy and contrast, while the Sigma lens may have a slight advantage in terms of sharpness at the telephoto end.
Price
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is typically priced around $250, while the Sigma 70-300mm lens is typically priced around $300. Both lenses offer excellent value for money, but the Canon lens is slightly more affordable.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Lens for Your Needs
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm and Sigma 70-300mm lenses are both excellent telephoto options for Canon EF-S mount cameras. The Canon lens offers a slightly wider focal length range, while the Sigma lens offers a slightly longer reach. Both lenses have image stabilization, autofocus, and build quality. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a versatile telephoto lens with a slightly wider focal length range and a more affordable price, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens is a great option. If you need a telephoto lens with a slightly longer reach and a slightly better build quality, the Sigma 70-300mm lens is a great option.
Questions You May Have
1. Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
Both lenses are suitable for wildlife photography, but the Sigma 70-300mm lens may have a slight advantage due to its longer reach.
2. Which lens is better for video recording?
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens may be a better choice for video recording due to its smooth and quiet STM motor.
3. Which lens is more durable?
Both lenses are well-built and durable, but the Sigma 70-300mm lens may have a slight edge in terms of overall build quality.
