Canon 55-250. Which version?

Well, the general consensus on here was that the only difference between Mk1 and 2 was mostly cosmetic.
But there are other differences.
Discussion on Flickr

Mark I :
Focus Details: AF (DC motor), with manual focus option
Magnification Ratio : 0.34x / 1:2.9
Image Stabilization; EF-S lens mount, exclusively for bodies with APS-C sensors. A lens hood (ET-60) and lens case (LP1019) are available as optional accessories.

Mark II :
Focus Details: AF (Micro Motor), with manual focus option
Magnification Ratio: 0.31x / 1:3.2
Image Stabilization with up to 4 f-stops of correction; EF-S lens mount, exclusively for bodies with APS-C sensors. A lens hood (ET-60) and lens case (LP1019) are available as optional accessories.
Going from this, it has a different focus motor resulting in the internal lens setup being somewhat different and possibly a newer IS system.
The focus fact is most interesting as this might either make it faster which is great, or more silent which is good for people that hate noises and don't care about performance.

However, a little further reading comes up with-
"The Mk II version of the original EF-S 55-250mm zoom lens still uses the DC Micro Motor (both DC and MM refer to the same motor technology). If it had the micro motor USM autofocus system, it would have the "USM" moniker and cost much more than its predecessor.
No change in the Mk II except for slightly different MTF chart curves and exterior aesthetics."

So you may as well buy the Mk1.
 
It's the STM version that is quite a bit more money - completely different lens, both optically and mechanically, and in a completely different class. Excellent lens, well worth the extra £100-odd. A little gem in fact.
 
Yeh, forgot about that one, Ken Rockwell did a good review of that if I remember right.
 
STM is good but mainly for video. if you're starting out the 55-250 IS is a corker by all accounts.
with all lenses though, use it in it's optimum environment. then you'll be really pleased.
Otherwise it will still perform but maybe not make you really chuffed. The same with all lenses imho
 
Hmm, just dug mine out of the cupboard, forgot how light it was compared to my 70-200 Ĺ! Might as well put it up for sale, not used it for a long time!
 
My daughter has the Mk I version and it's a great lens, I looked at the Mk II when it came out, but as it's virtually the same lens, there was no point in the upgrade.

I'd certainly recommend one and if you found yourself in a position to be able to upgrade in the future, you'll not loose too much money on the resale...
 
GeordieStew said:
I think if I can get an excellent condition MK1 I'll give it a go. The full manual focus is attractive to me though. But the cost difference is too high at the moment.
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If you put a wanted add on the forum, I will answer all your questions for you.
I will not do it on this thread as it would be against forum rules and Marcel is a regular visitor at my house! :bat:
 
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