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Is it worth upgrading to to 55-250 IS STM for stills?

Started Mar 24, 2016 | Questions thread
Steve Balcombe Forum Pro • Posts: 15,582
Re: Is it worth upgrading to to 55-250 IS STM for stills?

ms18 wrote:

I use 55-250 IS II.. Is it worth upgrading to 55-250mm STM?

Some points

  • I don't use this for video
  • Mainly shooting @ 250mm f 5.6 - f/6.5
  • Subjects are mostly birds rarely sports

My camera is T2i i might upgrade to latest rebel later on but not soon.

You'd see a worthwhile improvement, yes.

BUT the new 18-135 Nano USM has a much faster focusing system than the existing 18-135 STM - similar in speed to the ring USM focusing used in high end lenses. I'd say there's a pretty good chance that we'll see a 55-250 Nano USM at some point, the only question is when? If I wanted to toss my hat into the ring I'd say this time next year, but who knows it might be sooner.

The improved focusing speed would be ideal for birds, but please remember I'm only guessing, and even if I'm right it could be a long wait, and more expensive.

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