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EF-S 55-250 STM; worth the upgrade?

Started Apr 8, 2014 | User reviews thread
quiquae Senior Member • Posts: 2,265
Re: EF-S 55-250 STM; worth the upgrade?
2

fishywisht wrote:

A lot of the differences you quote sound possibly like the differences between a worn lens and a brand new one. You describe play in the barrel and more noise for the older lens. I don't recognise the annoying "buzz" from the stabiliser. These 55-250 lenses are bargain basement consumer lenses and not built for a professional service life.

You must have a great copy. My 55-250 IS II, purchased brand new, does not have any "play," but it certain does buzz a lot when IS is engaged, as did every single sample I've played with in the stores. The noise is significantly more annoying than 24-105L and 100L, which are quieter but not noiseless. In contrast, STM lenses are totally inaudible. I can live with the noise since I don't shoot video, but autofocus speed and accuracy is making me ponder moving to 55-250 STM.

The new price of them is creeping close to the price of a used third party 70-200 f2.8... I know which I'd choose, even though I was pleased with the image quality of the original 55-250.

The two lenses fill such different needs that it's silly to compare them. 70-200 f/2.8 from various vendors weigh about 1.5kg and are big enough to double as blunt weapons. 55-250 STM weighs 375g and is small enough to get lost in a garment bag. I know which I'd choose when I need to travel light, although it won't be the same lens I'd choose for handheld indoor sports.

 quiquae's gear list:quiquae's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II +6 more
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