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

Started Apr 8, 2014 | User reviews thread
Hoogineer
Hoogineer Regular Member • Posts: 211
Re: EF-S 55-250 STM; worth the upgrade?

Pritzl wrote:

Don't get me wrong, it's still a really great value lens at $150 new, $100 used but the STM version is better in every way. Whether the $200 extra outlay is worth it is a decision others will have to make.

I hear what you're saying.  I got my EF-S 55-250 IS II for $150 new on Amazon during a less-than-24-hours August 2012 price drop.  If I didn't already own my telephoto, I think the STM would be the obviously better choice.  I used to think the 70-300 IS USM was the better choice if you could nab the refurb for < $300 from the Canon Store, but STM's IQ at 250mm appears to be greater than the older, longer lens at focal lengths > 200mm.  So, I think the STM is probably the new superior choice until you consider the 70-200 f/4L.  Now, it's possible an an APS-C body that a 55-250 IS STM makes more sense (new vis-a-vis new), but maybe a used/refurb copy of the 70-200 f/4L challenges that.  When comparing the two lenses on The Digital Picture (both on a 60d), the 70-200 doesn't look significantly sharper than the 55-250 IS STM, although you are getting faster aperture and reportedly better colors.

 Hoogineer's gear list:Hoogineer's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Canon EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +2 more
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