Canon Announces the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Canon has refreshed its EF lens range by announcing the new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Created for DSLR photographers who’d like to get closer to subjects than their current kit lens allows, the compact, lightweight and versatile Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is the first EF-S telephoto zoom to feature Canon’s advanced STM technology.
Compatible with Canon DSLRs that feature the EF-S lens mount such as the 100D, 700D and 7D, Canon’s advanced STM technology is claimed to offer high-performance autofocus when capturing stills, and smooth, near-silent AF in movies with compatible cameras. With fluid continuous focus tracking when shooting movies of moving subjects, STM also provides clean and natural focus transitions when focus shifts from one subject to another. The other benefit of the near-silent STM mechanism is that it won’t affect audio footage when recording HD video.
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM also incorporates Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. The 3.5-stop advantage over non-IS models prevents the effects of camera shake – which are more exaggerated when shooting handheld with a telephoto zoom lens – making it easier for photographers to capture crisp and striking images.
The construction features a new optical design that’s made up of 15 elements arranged in 12 groups, with an improved focusing distance of just 0.85m throughout its zoom range. An Electro Magnetic Diaphragm (EMD) with a circular aperture gives photographers fine control over aperture and smooth, blurred backgrounds, while an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens tackles chromatic aberration, ensuring images are as sharp and clear as they appear to the human eye. Canon’s optimised Super Spectra Coating is also used to minimise internal reflections, as well as ghosting and flare.
The redesigned lens now incorporates a non-rotating front element, ensuring a consistent effect when a filter is attached to the front of the lens. The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens will be available late September for an estimated retail price of US$350.
The launch of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM asks the question as to whether it will replace the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS indefinitely. Canon are yet to say whether the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a direct replacement, so we presume both lenses will be sold separately in the range with a premium having to be paid for the newer EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM.
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