Canon

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

4.8 (2510 reviews)

A lightweight telephoto zoom with image stabilization and near-silent STM focusing for capturing distant subjects with clarity.

$299.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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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, offering an effective focal range of approximately 88-400mm in full-frame equivalent terms. This reach makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of subjects, from wildlife and sports to portraits and travel photography. Its optical construction of 15 elements in 12 groups is designed to deliver sharp, well-corrected images across the zoom range, while the built-in Image Stabilizer compensates for camera shake to help photographers achieve clean handheld shots even at the longer end of the focal range.

One of the standout features of this lens is its STM (Stepper Motor) autofocus system, which provides smooth, virtually silent focusing that is especially valuable during video recording. At just 13.2 oz and measuring 2.8 x 4.4 inches, it is remarkably compact and lightweight for a 250mm telephoto, making it an easy addition to any camera bag. The 58mm filter thread is a widely available and affordable size, keeping accessory costs low. While the variable f/4-5.6 aperture means it is not the strongest performer in dim conditions, it remains a highly capable and cost-effective lens for photographers looking to extend their reach without adding significant bulk or expense.

Specifications

Focal Length
55–250mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4–5.6
Lens Construction
15 elements in 12 groups
Angle of View
27°50' – 6°15'
Focus System
STM (Stepper Motor), Rear Focus
Image Stabilization
Yes (IS)
Closest Focusing Distance
2.79 ft. / 0.85m
Filter Size
58mm
Mount
Canon EF-S
Dimensions
2.8 x 4.4 inches
Weight
Approx. 13.2 oz. / 375g

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Compact and lightweight at only 13.2 oz, making it easy to carry for extended shoots
  • STM motor delivers smooth, near-silent autofocus ideal for video recording
  • Built-in optical Image Stabilizer helps produce sharper handheld photos at longer focal lengths
  • Versatile 55-250mm zoom range covers a wide variety of telephoto shooting scenarios

👎 Cons

  • Variable f/4-5.6 maximum aperture limits low-light performance, especially at the 250mm end
  • EF-S mount restricts compatibility to Canon APS-C crop sensor bodies only
  • Closest focusing distance of 2.79 feet prevents true macro or close-up photography
  • No weather sealing, requiring care in dusty or wet shooting conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

This lens is designed for Canon APS-C (crop sensor) DSLR cameras that use the EF-S mount, such as the Canon Rebel, 80D, and 90D series. It is not compatible with full-frame Canon bodies.
Yes, the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM includes Canon's optical Image Stabilizer, which helps reduce camera shake and allows for sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.
The STM (Stepper Motor) focusing system provides smooth, near-silent autofocus, making it particularly well-suited for video recording where loud lens noise would be picked up by the microphone.
The closest focusing distance is 2.79 feet (0.85 meters), which limits its ability to capture extreme close-ups but is typical for a telephoto zoom in this range.
It accepts 58mm diameter filters, a common and affordable filter size for accessories like UV, polarizing, or neutral density filters.