Ultimate Budget Telephoto Lens? Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Video Lens Review

[@NaikMedia]

A viewer kindly pointed out that when I refer to 'crop sensor cameras' I mean Canon EF-S. There is of course Canon APS-H 'crop sensor cameras' which do not accept EF-S lenses. These are the Canon 1D (Marks I - IV).

[@michaelgatheringdust]

@3:23 I wish people would stop saying the lens mount is "plastic" and say what it actually is...polycarbonate, which is pound for pound stronger than steel and has resiliency to return to its original shape if impacted. People hear "plastic" and the alarm bells go off! Excellent review btw. I have the STM version but many years ago started with the original 55-250 IS and even then I was shocked at the IQ.

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for the comment and kind words about the review. You know, you're absolutely right: 'plastic' is like a dogwhistle for bad quality, when in fact the manufacturer would never use a weak material for such an important part of their product. I'll do my best to avoid saying it's 'plastic' and take on your point in future videos. Thank you for taking the time to correct me on this - it will only make my videos better and more accurate. Cheers!

[@headbang3r519]

I got this yesterday from Amazon for my R10 and brought the adapter as well. The adapter was 2/3 of the price of this lens itself. Amazing value

[@NaikMedia]

Amazing value indeed! Enjoy the lens and thanks for sharing! =)

[@speed4213]

How do you like the lens ? I also just bought this and adapter for my new R10

[@lb7144]

I adapt this lens onto my R6 MKII and it’s a beast! The mirrorless cameras like the STM lenses which I have purchased all of them over the years. I like the STMs for my C100 MKII & 90D. I tried it on my R62 and was pleasantly surprised at how good the STMs looked.

[@NaikMedia]

I have a few STM lenses and you’re right: they’re perfect for video (silent and smooth).

[@dev.sharif]

Definitely the best review of this lens in the entire KZbin💪

[@NaikMedia]

Thank you Mohammad! Glad you liked it, hope it was useful :)

[@easyweb3056]

Thank you very much and congratulations, this has been the best video review that I have seen so far.

[@NaikMedia]

Hey! Thank you very much for the kind words :)

[@sebascantelmi7636]

This was the very first lens I bought so many years ago from now, for my T3i. I remember being really excited when I got it. It really is a good lens for it's price, have decent image quality and I really recommend it if you have an apsc camera. Nowadays, I have it in its box because of the crop factor that it does when using it on my RP. I mostly do photography and it kinda annoys me knowing that i'm using just like 10mpx of the sensor, but obviously it's not the lens fault. I don't have a better zoom lens that covers this range, so I will keep it until I can replace it for maybe a 70-200. Good video!

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for sharing your experience and your kind words =) If you're sticking with full frame, the EF 70-200 f4 from Canon is supposed to be just as sharp as this lens and not as hefty as the F2.8 version. Might be worth checking out. The really annoying thing about the Canon RP is that using EF-S lenses means you can only get 4K (w/o Dual Pixel Auto Focus) or 720p with DPAF when it comes to video. If it weren't for that I would have bought that camera in an instant for my livestreaming. Brilliant camera.

[@sebascantelmi7636]

@@NaikMedia Yes, the 70-200 f4 is one i've been looking at, but for now i'm keeping the 55-250. The thing you mention about the RP is true, it's really a shame that it's very limited in video, but for someone that do mostly photography like me, it's alright haha.

[@lb7144]

Excuse my poor manners. Thank you so much for this review. So many of us truly appreciate it. Liked & subscribed 👍🏾. The footage looks amazing and I am inspired by what you said about using what equipment you have. Thank you

[@NaikMedia]

Your manners are excellent - glad you enjoyed the video and feel inspired! Happy shooting. Thanks for watching :)

[@garyives1218]

1:52 Appreciate you pointing this out! Almost bought a II version, but it apparently had sold minutes after I had noticed it. At $76 though, I don't think I'd have regretted that purchase!

[@NaikMedia]

Phew! Close call! I was really annoyed when I did it - the quality just isn’t the same. Not that the II version is a terrible lens and that would have been a bargain, just that this one is so much better :) Really pleased the video helped though - just that makes it worth it! 😎

[@theritualist5175]

Great lens. Have been using it for a couple of years now. Primarily for bird photography. I’ve got some great pics using this mini beast. Thanks for the video.

[@NaikMedia]

Glad you’ve enjoyed the lens - we’re about to use them for a big corporate livestream. Even with more modern lenses it’s still the best combination of reach, speed and size out there for me. Thanks for commenting!

[@smallcnclathes]

Possible use? Close up video of small parts in a cnc lathe at 3000rpm. 250mm is long enough to get the camera away from the spinning parts. Usually with a close up lens. Plastic mount is not really an issue as the lens is mostly always on the camera, so not much wear there. Not a wide enough aperture? I usually throw as much light on the subject as I can muster, to get some depth of field, so usually around F22. Manual focus and aperture settings. My 250D would be pretty hopeless without it. Saw a review that pointed out all sorts of failings, you know all the technical stuff that matters very little. I don't care it works for me!

[@NaikMedia]

Great that you found something so perfect for your use case 🙌🏻 goes to show: cheap doesn’t mean bad, and expensive doesn’t necessarily mean ‘better’!

[@travelsahead]

Those sample video shots were amazing and really sharp tbh. I hope I can get something nice like this. I just ordered this lens from a used place in NYC for 100$ .

[@NaikMedia]

Hey, thanks Sam - I really appreciate the kind words. That is a pretty sweet deal for the lens, hope you enjoy using it as much as I have! =)

[@user-xk7pk7wq1x]

You seem like a genuine guy. Good video and advice 😊

[@NaikMedia]

Thank you, really appreciate the kind words :)

[@protarget1]

I have a Sony A6000. With a 7Artisan EF-SE AF Lens adapter for use with a few Canon EF/EF-S lenses i have, including this lens. All lenses The 7Artisan adapter works like any native less on the canon. All AF modes work, including Eye AF. It has a button to switch from Contrast or Phase detect AF. Using This lens is a joy. The sony has an actual Crop factor of 1.54 = 385mm But on the Sony A6000, has a setting for clear image zoom. which adds another x1.5 with no loss of image quality making it a 577mm lens. I paid £90 post off UK bay. 😊

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for the insight - it’s actually really timely as I’m looking at the Zv-E10 for live-streaming… How is the video AF?

[@protarget1]

@@NaikMedia The A6000, although being a hybrid AF, with 175 Phase Detect points it is a Contrast Detect sensor, So as you know, especially with older lens AF systems.they can be hit and miss on low contrast subjects. I have no problems with native Sony lenses I have. Cameras with PD sensors would be pretty fast., But saying that, with the 55-250mm IS STM lens, although sometimes, it needs a little help to focus on low contrast subjects, but once locked on AF is instant in all AF modes. I find using AF-C and Zone focus area works perfect. And It's the same in video mode. Once locked on to a moving subject, it stays locked on. BTW I tried the PD mode on the adapter, only AF-S would work. All other modes were greyed out. That's how I knew the A6000 is definitely a contrast detect sensor

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for all the info - really helpful. I would have got another one of the a6xxx series if any of them had usbc power. Native lenses will probably be safer :( I’ll miss my 55-250s

[@scotboy1297]

Appreciate the review of this affordable lens. Also, great impersonating of Gordon Laing with ski cap.

[@NaikMedia]

He pulls it off better.

[@Str8Stripping]

I was debating on getting the R7 with the kit lens for an additional $400, however I found this one for $100 used at my local shop and after watching this video think I'll give it a shot! Appreciate the video mate!

[@NaikMedia]

Glad you found it helpful! I was eyeing up the R7 - looking like an excellent camera system, and nice and light. Enjoy =)

[@nick8418]

Great video! You covered everything I wanted to know :) thank you!

[@NaikMedia]

Hey! Awesome! Glad you found it useful Nick :)

[@SKBenergy]

what is a good cheap lens that lets in more light at night ? i have a canon M6 Mark 2 and i use mostly the EF, EFS canon lenses.

[@NaikMedia]

Depends on your budget and uses, but the cheapest low light lenses tend to be 50mm 1.8, or 1.4. But that would be a 80mm on your camera, which might be too tight.

[@karaleise]

Absolutely fantastic video!!! I need to check if it works with my canon M50 then I'll get it

[@NaikMedia]

Hey, thank you so much =) Glad you liked the video. You'll need an adapter for the M50 but it will be a great combo.

[@dinokurtovic5661]

Great review!!

[@NaikMedia]

Thank you! Hope it was useful :)

[@smokingbrush2498]

Information packed video and stylish, relaxed delivery. Thank you; have subscribed to the channel.

[@NaikMedia]

Wow! Thank you SB :) I really appreciate that. I’ll be back to making more videos soon!

[@smokingbrush2498]

Excellent; look forward to it.@@NaikMedia

[@JosephTower-k6m]

Than you. Absolute beginer, purchased this lens used😊 Was curious what it was ? Appreciate the break down.

[@NaikMedia]

You’re welcome! Enjoy the lens 😁

[@artistjoh]

Comparative lens - I would have thought the most comparable lens would be the Canon EF 75-300mm f4.5-5.6. Lighter and smaller than the 100-400's, affordable. Better reach, but lacking IS.

[@NaikMedia]

You’re right. That is probably a more comparable lens. I was going mostly on FF equivalents of the focal length that 55-250 gives on Canon APS-C, so didn’t look at that one as a comparison. Thanks for raising the point though :)

[@charlesteton]

Where what you say is 95% correct, incudig sharpness, especially stopped down a stop or two, having used it for fast action polo, compared to a EF 70-200 MK II, it focus hunts a lot and focus noise is considerably more, when doing so, but apart from that, yes its a bargain. C

[@adude394]

Mine just came the other day (quickly followed by the 24-105). I haven't had a chance yet to put it through its paces, but I've liked what I've seen from some basic test shots. Obviously, I won't use it on my 1DX Mk III, but I think it'll be a really nice lens for my 7D Mk II, 20D, and even my beloved old 300D.

[@NaikMedia]

Enjoy using it! And thanks for sharing your experience here :)

[@teddyroosevelt8870]

Great review! Where can I get that wallpaper behind you??

[@NaikMedia]

Thank you Teddy! 🙌🏻 glad you enjoyed it. My partner bought the wallpaper at diy.com (GoodHome Loroco Beige & pink Metallic effect Leaves Textured Wallpaper)

[@theritualist5175]

Does the maximum aperture change when the lens is mounted on an APS-C camera? I doubt.

[@NaikMedia]

As far as I’m aware, the maximum aperture doesn’t change when mounted on APS-C.

[@chriswittstruck282]

Great vid thanks! Subbed.

[@NaikMedia]

You're very kind Chris! Hopefully I can do your subscription justice with more content soon! =)

[@techjoriane146]

Amazing review and video shots, i just got mine today, cant wait it to try with my CANON 90D. What settings and camera did you use on those video shots, as those shot you took were phenomenal!

[@NaikMedia]

Thank you for the kind words :) you’re very generous! They’re shot on an R5 C, but I’ve used a 90D before and it’s going to look fabulous with this lens. Settings were 50p/100p on a 25p timeline for slow motion. Always ensure your shutter speed is set to double your frame rate (eg 24p -> 1/48s) for good motion blur, and keep that aperture wide open for shallow depth of field; iso low as possible. Enjoy using the lens and have fun creating!

[@trebor8143]

Only thing I found wrong with this lens is that it falls apart when you put it on a high resolution camera like a 90d or R7. I was using this lens on my 70d and it was fantastic but when I upgraded to a 90d this lens kind of fell apart :(

[@NaikMedia]

Most EF lenses fall apart when pixel peeping on these higher resolution crop sensors. For video however it should be good up to 6K. If you want high resolution crop lenses for photos you’ll need to go with Fuji! :)

[@sanchalichakraborty2009]

I own Canon 850d with 50mm lens. Recently I plan on going to a safari and thinking of purchasing a lens(budget friendly and beginner friendly). Do you think 55-250 mm will solve my purpose or suggest any other lens? I intend to make videos too. Thank you 😊

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for the comment! This lens gives you the full frame equivalent of 400mm (f5.6 light gathering and f9 equivalent depth of field), so it’s up to you if that is enough reach with your 24mp 850D. I used a 350mm equivalent on my 20mp GH5 before and found it great for safari in Zimbabwe. Given the reach and size of the combination, i think it will be great and more convenient than the full frame equivalent:)

[@Stuffed007]

I own this lens it’s crazy sharp

[@NaikMedia]

Isn’t it just?! A hidden gem 😌

[@DesmondStephenphotography]

I have a canon R50. I want to get this lens and use it for fashion runway. Would I get to 400mm range?

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for the question. 250mm on an R50 gives the full frame equivalent of 400mm. So yes!

[@bencrouch259]

Can I ask this or the tamron 70-300 image stabilization usd version

[@NaikMedia]

I’ve never used the Tamron so can’t comment on that, but unless it has better features for your needs or is lighter or has some better features then I’d say go with canon for the more reliable autofocus, longevity and better resale value.

[@aviator7202]

Hi! Fantastic video! I’m planning to get this Lens to replace my Canon EF 75-300mm. Will this lens fit on Canon EOS 200D (SL2)?

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks Aviator! Glad you enjoyed it! The lens will for on the 200D nicely. I use this lens in combination with 250Ds for live-streaming. A brilliant combination - and those cameras are almost identical. Enjoy!

[@aviator7202]

@@NaikMedia Thanks Man! Just Subscribed too! :D

[@acetopicviews4391]

Well I would like to see a video of a photo shoot with this lens.

[@NaikMedia]

I'll try get a portrait shoot with it arranged!

[@JorgeGonzalez-nk6bv]

Here a new subscriber from Canada. Nice video !!!

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks Jorge =) Great to have you here! I should hopefully have some new videos coming in the next few weeks!

[@ASmith-lh7ex]

I was gifted a Canon Rebel T3i ( body only ) will this lens fit the T3i ???

[@NaikMedia]

As far as I know, yes it should fit. The T3i is an EF-S mount, and the lens is too.

[@edwardlin2941]

thanks for the video

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for checking it out and commenting! 😁

[@travispond916]

Does it fit on a 3000d? I can’t seem to find a direct answer on google

[@NaikMedia]

Yes - it fits on any Canon EF-S camera.

[@wolfiemedia]

Hi 👋🏻 how did you measure the sharpness? I just watched a review by Chris Frost who said the opposite, and shown evidence that it’s 1. not sharp at all 2. had very poor bokeh 🤷🏻‍♂️ …you said it’s “sublime”? I’m stuck now whether to buy it or not 🤯

[@NaikMedia]

Mainly from experience using the lens. Bokeh is subjective. Sharpness for this lens is dependent on the resolution of your sensor. Christopher Frost is an excellent lens reviewer and he has 2 reviews on this lens, one with a 20mp APS-C sensor from 9 years ago and the other with a 30mp APS-C sensor from this year (2023). I’d recommend you watch them both, and then decide which better represents the camera you’re shooting on. I use it on cameras with a super35 mode of around 18mp and it looks tack sharp. If you have a 30mp camera it will look soft due to diffraction (as Christopher’s latter video shows. Even L lenses look soft on a 30mp APS-C camera. Check out James Readers R6 vs R7 video.

[@NaikMedia]

I’m guessing you were referring to Christopher’s more recent one, so here’s a link to the older video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGbai3SsitKDi6Msi=yTC8K8eopgYjXw0D

[@SergSpace]

1:21 Yes, you can use it on Full Frame EF cameras if to replace lens bayonet, which is easy thing to do and to add x1.4 Kenko Teleconverter. Canon 55-250 (STM) vs Canon 100-400 (II), Kenko x1.4 Teleconverter for FF camera. Real life samples. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ-rq2qZj7t1qrc

[@NaikMedia]

Interesting, but this option isn’t feasible for non-handy people like me. Thanks for sharing anyway!

[@SergSpace]

@@NaikMedia My pleasure! It's actually not that hard to replace this back cap (bayonet) if to follow my video.

[@puluqemil]

It is a gret lens, i am thinking to buy R7. May i ask, what camera did you use ,it that R7?

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for the question Emil. I use a Canon R5 C. Though I've heard the R7 is a great camera for video, with some great tools such as C Log 3 (the colour profile I shot this in) and false colour etc. What will you be using the R7 for?

[@kennedyalyssajones3675]

Can this be used on the Canon R?

[@NaikMedia]

Only with one of the EF-RF adapters, and even then it will only allow the R's APS-C mode, giving you around 11mp. So it will work with the adapter, but you'll lose some resolution. Not that 11MP is at all shabby!

[@iranpop80slover]

What camera did you have the lens on when you recorded the video ?

[@NaikMedia]

Good question, it was Canon R5C.

[@kaptentojerry3072]

55-250 is stm or tamron 70-300 sp af di vc ??

[@NaikMedia]

Never tried the Tamron, but if the price is similar I'd suggest go Canon for likely more reliable auto-focus, particularly in video.

[@isaacjordan5910]

dose this work with cannon m50?

[@NaikMedia]

You would need an adapter (EF to EF-M)

[@rw3452]

Could you use on a R6?

[@NaikMedia]

Yes, afaik. You’ll still get 4k video I believe, but your photos will be greatly diminished in resolution. On the R5/R5C using EF-s lenses gives you only 17.5MP photos (‘only’, lol). Do double check with your camera store/canon, as some cameras such as the Eos R and RP actually reduce your video quality too when using EF-S lenses (eg no 50p/60p Full HD on Eos R, and no Full HD at all on the RP!) If R6 is like the R5, then the lens should work just fine for video, and at lower resolution for stills :)

[@imzaazmi]

Can this be use on 700d ?

[@NaikMedia]

Yep :)

[@imzaazmi]

Thank you for the reply 🙏🏼❤️ 📸

[@Lexa-106]

I'm thinking of selling my 18-135mm stm and going for the 55-250mm or 70-300 is usm (the old one with stabilization) Sooo witch one would you recommend? It's for my Canon 80D. Great video btw

[@NaikMedia]

Thank you Lexa :) glad you enjoyed it! what kind of photography/video will you be using the lens for? Fraser who I mentioned in the video, actually messaged me to say that the MTF charts of both the lenses you mentioned are very similar as his partner has that one too - so sharpness wise, they’re pretty similar. I guess the main question is whether the extra reach of the 70-300 makes up for its larger size and heavier weight?

[@Lexa-106]

@@NaikMedia Well the zoom i would use for landscape, cityscape and maybe moving stuff like cars. But I did hear that the 70-300mm can be soft after 250mm, and that the 50-250mm is pretty sharp. The only thing that i don't like is the plastic mount lol other than that it seems pretty good.

[@NaikMedia]

Just realised that he was talking about the 70-300 L lens, not the older version, so the 55-250 STM is going to be much sharper than the older 70-300. Plus, 75mm at the long end is not actually that much of a difference. I’d go for the smaller, sharper lens designed specifically for Super35 cameras like yours (love the 80D btw, brilliant camera). Yes the lens mount is plastic, but unless you’re changing lenses often, in a rush and while focusing on many other things, you should be alright. The metal lens mounts are considered pro because pros change lenses like idiots (I’m a prime example). You just need to make a conscious effort to take care. Let’s face it, if you drop any lens from a height enough to break a plastic mount, you’re probably going to damage something else as well (eg focus motor or IS system) even with a metal mount 🤷‍♂️ Good luck with the choice. I’m sure you’ll love whichever one you choose :)

[@Lexa-106]

@@NaikMedia Thanks I'll probably go for the 55-250mm stm. It will mostly be used for landscape, for other stuff i have a Sigma 17-50mm and 50mm f1.8 so i guess it's a good combo. Also I subscribed so keep up the good work 🔥

[@NaikMedia]

That’ll be a great lens combo! A lot of people don’t realise how good a telephoto can be for landscapes, so you can show them how it’s done 🙌🏻 Thanks for subscribing, great to have you here :)

[@hyun-shik7327]

I'm just getting into "real" cameras coming from my smartphone and I think I'm gonna get this one because I can actually afford it and have wanted something longer than the 18-55 my camera came with.

[@NaikMedia]

Thanks for commenting :) There are a lot of reasonably priced gems out there: this lens in particular, the 50mm 1.8 stm, 17-55mm 2.8, and the 18-135 STM. I’m using that last one a lot recently and it is *excellent*. Ignore the chart sharpness videos, these EF-S lenses are brilliant in real world usage. I’ve used the 55-250 and 18-135 in numerous ‘professional’ shoots. Clients love the images and don’t care the lens doesn’t have a red ring on it or cost thousands. You can find very reasonably priced and well taken care of samples on eBay etc. Oh, and welcome to the community! Enjoy using your proper camera! 🙌🏻

[@gbdecwerkztv6608]

I HAVE THAT ONE

[@OneluchoSalazar]

Thanks.

[@NaikMedia]

No worries! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@TheBinfordMan]

You say to avoid the IS II but never say why. . .

[@NaikMedia]

Apologies. It’s not nearly the same quality as the STM version: noisy and slower autofocus, and not as good image quality wise. They go for a similar price second-hand so it’s easy to mistake the two, but the STM is the superior lens.

[@zielscheibchen7773]

You cannot use the EF-S on all crop-sensor cameras! APS-H is not compatible with EF-S! Please get informed before publishing false information.

[@NaikMedia]

An accidental oversight. Thank you for the good correction, but I'd politely ask that you take a more pleasant, rather than accusatory, tone in future.

[@zielscheibchen7773]

@@NaikMedia i dont read it like accusive and i didnt wrote it accusive, its just factual, if you want to read it accusive, reset yourself. Back to fact: ef-s lenses can be adapted in two ways but none is without breaking the lens or physics. You can either cut the rear part of the lens off to give the mirror space or you can use a macro adapter ring to give that space.

[@pumagamer4358]

@zielscheibchen7773 The tone is clearly accusing

[@zielscheibchen7773]

@@pumagamer4358 thanks for the misunderstanding in your statement. idgaf anymore.

[@drunkblindmendriving1]

Going to probably buy a lens for planespotting. Torn between this lens and the 70-200 f/4L USM. Do you have any guidance on what to buy??

[@NaikMedia]

What are you shooting on? Will you be using a tripod? This lens isn’t the steadiest because it’s so light. I’d lean towards the L lens: likely sharper with better IS and weather sealing in case you get caught in some rain. The build quality of L lenses make them a much better investment if you have the budget for it. If the tele lens is your main lens, get a rugged one. I was using this lens as light option in the bag for occasional use.