Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Bad Points?

[rgrebby]

Im wondering what the bad points are on this lens, I have a 400D, from people that have it or have used it.

I suppose some of the good points on here too would be nice.

[urkado]

im hoping to pick up one of these in the next week or two. does anyone use this lens for motorsports? if so, how do you find it and do you have any pictures that I can have a look at. thanks.

[apkent]

I picked this lens up a short while ago (March I think). I have used it for Motorsport where it does well on my 400D.

I also have a 300mm L F4 lens. Naturally I prefer the L glass, but thats not to say the 55-250 isn't good - it is. Personally I like to stick with 100 ISO but that leaves things a little slow at the 250mm end. In good light however, its pretty quick to focus, gives very good IQ and it nice and lightweight on the small 400D.

Minor bad points, can be a little jumpy when panning with IS turned on but only in the camera display, images are perfect.

I'm currently just building my own website but as yet it doesn't display focal lengths. For examples see http://www.apkphotographics.co.uk/gallery.php?view=gallery&id=1&sub=5 - all track photos taken with 300mm L, but in the pits I think I used the 55-250 exclusively.

[Hallsy]

I bought one a month or so ago and so far am very happy with it, much better than the Sigma 70-300 it replaced.

Bad points I guess could be plastic mount/build quality, not the fastest focusing (but not slow either), no distance marks.

Good points far outweigh the bad though, it is great value for money and is pretty sharp, plus the IS works well IMO.

Here is an example shot for you from last weekend:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2593324789_b3e9e9d526.jpg

Larger version here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25266351@N06/2593324789/sizes/l/in/set-72157605715472431/

and plenty more shots here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25266351@N06/sets/72157605715472431/

[jgs001]

I have one on order, but there seems to be a global stock shortage at the moment.

[urkado]

thanks for your replies. seems to be exactly what im after and im glad i didnt go with the tamron 70-300 now :)

[Graphic-Addict]

Love mine - felt a bit light at first, but now I'm used to it - great!

[Gerods]

It's one thing that I can't understand, why does anyone buy EF-S lenses, when a normal EF lens will fit any canon EOS, but an EF-S will not fit every canon camera. Or am I missing something.

[Graphic-Addict]

In my case, I've only got the one camera and not likely to upgrade! So I'm OK with EF or EFS

[apkent]

Only one reason - cost. How many budget users are likely to upgrade to a full frame any time soon?

AFAIK all the models below the 5D accept EF-S lenses so its really not an issue.

[barbs]

Back to the OPs original question - after research this is also the lens that I was after as a first zoom. For those that are about to buy - where from? When I was searching Kerso seemed to be the cheapest UK retailer with Onestop being the best import route.

Also - how does this stack up against the Sigma DC OS 18-200? The Sigma about £100 more but for me I like the option of a much lower range.

[apkent]

onestop I think when I was looking. I became impatient in the end though and paid full whack at Jessops :|

[chrisgrieve]

i bought this lens a couple months ago, bought it from 7dayshop.com and i love it, since this lens is my second (after the kit lens) i think it is exactly what i was after, great price and great image quality, as said above it does jump a little but you get used to it, if you do buy one..... then enjoy:thumbs:

[dfrear]

Must say I've also been very impressed with it, it can produce amazingly sharp images even at 250mm, max aperture.