Excellent Lens for the Price.

I agree, this is an excellent lens for the price. Amazing really. I would just add to the "The Bad" that the bokeh is not pretty. Of course, I wasn't expecting something great for the price.

zlatko wrote:

I agree, this is an excellent lens for the price. Amazing really. I would just add to the "The Bad" that the bokeh is not pretty. Of course, I wasn't expecting something great for the price.

Thanks!  I'll check it out.  

What is the difference between the newer and older version?

What is the difference between the newer and older version?

Here you go as simple as I can put it.

The older versions 1 and 2:

12 elements in 10 groups.

A UD glass element to reduce chromatic aberrations (color fringes and halos).

Front extends when zoomed to longer focal lengths.

Front-group focus, the front rotates and extends slightly when focusing.

Uses a DC motor and gear reduction to move focusing elements and is a bit slow and noisy.

IS rated to about 3 stops. Makes a slight noise when working.

The newer STM version:

15 elements in 12 groups. (More Glass!)

1 UD glass element to reduce chromatic aberrations (color fringes and halos).

Rear focus.

Front extends when zoomed to longer focal lengths, but doesn't rotate when focusing.

New STM, STepper Motor, focus drive is pretty much silent and fast. Much like USM.

IS is silent and rated to 3.5 stops.

Perfect for video which is most of the reason Canon developed it.

Much better overall and Sharper!

I hope this helps,

MLN

Thanks for the comment and yes what a bargain!  I ended up with two.  One for my EOS M and one for my wife to use on her 60D she inherited from me.  And it works great on my 70D also. I had planned on getting the EF-M 55-200 for my EOS M but I decided to get this lens because of what it is and the low refurb price and try it.  GLAD I DID!  It's pretty fast on the M and does a good job.  Yeah, it's bigger and I have to use the adapter but it has a little more reach and a little more light. And....  It will work on my other cameras!  No need for the 55-200.  I can live with the size.    BTW, I have the EF-S10-18mm Ultra Wide and it's right up here with this lens.  Plus works well with the M.

MLN

Is there a noticeable difference in IQ between the older and newer 55-250mm lens?

Eurotrax wrote:

Is there a noticeable difference in IQ between the older and newer 55-250mm lens?

Yes. Sharper, a little less CA and maybe just a little better contrast. It's noticeable but Not night and day difference. It is a little sharper than my 70-300 USM IS lens. Vignetting is a bit heavy in the corners but software correctable. That is the main negative to this lens. And like another commenter said the bokeh isn't the greatest but in my opinion that depends more on what you are shooting and how you are shooting it. Let me say this. I wasn't very impressed with the older 55-250 that came with my 60D but I'm really impressed with this lens especially for the performance for the price even if I hadn't got it as a refurb for $120 ($109+tax) USD. Sharp, Fast and Silent!

MLN

Have the 10-18mm, surely love it. Use it for astrophotography. Want to add another lens to my collection but can't decide. Surely all in all quite impressed with the EF-s lens', if only they had metal mounts lol.

Eurotrax wrote:

Have the 10-18mm, surely love it. Use it for astrophotography. Want to add another lens to my collection but can't decide. Surely all in all quite impressed with the EF-s lens', if only they had metal mounts lol.

Some do.  The more expensive ones.  I need to try my 10-18 for astrophotography.. Please post some of your photos of that on here.  I would like to see them.

This picture has a lot of vignetting, try to find some other better ones as this isn't one of the better ones i've taken

Not astrophotography, but an example of a night time shot

an unedited version of my first pic

Have the 10-18mm, surely love it. Use it for astrophotography. Want to add another lens to my collection but can't decide. Surely all in all quite impressed with the EF-s lens', if only they had metal mounts lol.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the plastic mount of the lenses will not be a problem for you for the time you own the plastic mount lenses unless you purposely try to abuse them. They are not nearly as fragile as you might think.

Excellent photo!!! Love it!!

Not bad!!  I like this one the best of the two.  I have an old original EF 50mm f1.8 lens from 1988.  I've taken a few shots astrophotography with it almost wide open.  Not wide angle by any means but got pretty good results.