Canon

Canon EF-S55-250ISSTM 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

4.8 (2782 reviews)
f/4

Compact telephoto zoom with image stabilization and silent STM autofocus for Canon APS-C shooters.

$319.00*$349.99Save 8%
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a telephoto zoom lens built for Canon's APS-C DSLR lineup, delivering an equivalent focal range of 88-400mm in 35mm terms. This makes it a versatile option for wildlife, sports, travel, and portrait photography where reach matters. The inclusion of a stepping motor (STM) sets it apart from its predecessor, providing smooth, near-silent autofocus that is particularly beneficial for video recording on compatible Canon bodies. The optical image stabilizer, rated for up to 3.5 stops of correction, compensates well for hand tremor at the long end of the zoom range where shake is most pronounced.

Optically, the lens uses a 15-element, 12-group design that includes one UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element to control chromatic aberration. The result is clean, contrasty images across most of the zoom range, with sharpness that punches above its price class. At just 13.2 ounces and under 4.4 inches in length, it adds minimal bulk to a camera bag, making it an excellent travel companion. The 58mm filter thread is widely compatible with affordable filters. While the variable f/4-5.6 aperture won't win any low-light battles, the combination of image quality, stabilization, and STM focus makes this lens a compelling choice for photographers who want telephoto reach without the weight or cost of L-series glass.

Key Features

High magnification, compact and lightweight EF-S telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilization for up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction. Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed using EOS 7D at focal length of 250 millimeter (400 millimeter in 35 millimeter equivalence).

One UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range, for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast.

New six-group zoom system provides a compact design while achieving a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the telephoto end.

Minimum focusing distance: 2.79 feet; 0.85 meter (full zoom range).

Kit Inlcudes lens, lens cap E-58II, lens dust cap E, instruction book, warranty card

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
EF-S55-250ISSTM
Focal Length
55-250mm (88-400mm equivalent)
Maximum Aperture
f/4-5.6
Lens Construction
15 elements in 12 groups
Image Stabilization
Up to 3.5 stops
Autofocus Motor
STM (Stepping Motor)
Minimum Focus Distance
2.79 ft / 0.85m
Maximum Magnification
0.29x
Filter Size
58mm
Dimensions
4.37 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
Weight
13.2 ounces
Mount
Canon EF-S

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Image stabilization rated at 3.5 stops makes handheld telephoto shooting practical
  • STM autofocus motor delivers smooth, nearly silent focusing ideal for video
  • Extremely lightweight at just 13.2 ounces for a 55-250mm zoom range
  • UD lens element reduces chromatic aberration for sharper, higher-contrast images
  • Close minimum focus distance of 0.85m allows tighter framing of distant subjects

👎 Cons

  • Maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 limits performance in low-light conditions
  • EF-S mount restricts compatibility to Canon APS-C bodies only
  • Lacks weather sealing, so outdoor use in rain or dust requires caution
  • Variable aperture narrows to f/5.6 at the telephoto end, reducing light gathering
  • No lens hood included in the standard kit

Frequently Asked Questions

This lens fits any Canon camera with an EF-S mount, which includes APS-C DSLRs like the Rebel series, 80D, 77D, and 7D Mark II. It is not compatible with full-frame Canon bodies.
The built-in IS provides up to 3.5 stops of shake correction, which helps significantly when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths like 250mm where camera shake is most noticeable.
Yes. The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus is specifically designed for smooth, quiet focusing during video, making it a strong choice for DSLR video work at telephoto distances.
The minimum focusing distance is 2.79 feet (0.85 meters) across the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification of 0.29x at the 250mm end.
It uses 58mm filters, a common and affordable size shared with several other Canon EF-S lenses.