The EF-S 55-250IS is a relatively new lens designed to supplement the EF-S 18-55IS "Kit Lens" for the Digital Rebel line of DSLRs. Like the EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS, the 55-250/4-5.6 IS uses Canon's new low cost IS system.

An 88-400mm equivalent, this is Canon's longest EF-S (digital only) zoom, and roughly the low-cost digital alternative to its 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L full-frame "white" image-stabilized zoom that's so hot with pros.

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens is a small , light and economical telephoto zoom with a long focal length range - one that matches up very well to many general purpose zoom lenses . As it is an "EF-S" lens, the 55-250 IS can only be mounted on Canon APS-C/1.6x FOVCF bodies.

very value for money telephoto lens. not to good for candid in wedding, because not fast enough, unless picture noise is not a big deal, we can use high ISO. very good match for 18-55is kit. image quality is as the price

very light, value for money; the IS is good enough; the autofocus fast enough

not to sharp, and chromatic aberation is visible at 100% croping (but i am not pixel peeper); not to fast; build quality is so so; but better than 18-55is

Regarding the recently reviewed EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS I was prepared to receive another el-cheapo plastic lens but, honestly, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS did surprise me here a bit. Sure, it is not build like a tank but the plastic quality is fairly decent and the tolerances are pretty tight.

Features and handling The unusual 55-250mm focal length range of this telephoto lens butts up neatly with Canon's 18-55mm standard kit lens. Between them, the two optics offer EOS users an uninterrupted range of 18-250mm – that's 29-400mm once you factor in the EOS system 1.6x crop factor.

Available for AU$449, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS is a lightweight, affordable first or second lens to complement your entry-level or midrange digital SLR. With its 400mm-equivalent focal length, you get the reach and angle of view desirable for shooting portraits and sports, or just to bring...

Lightweight and compact; Affordably priced; Very usable manual focus capability; Optical image stabilisation for sharper handheld photos at slow shutter speeds

All-plastic construction; which is less durable than metal; Sharpness falls off at 250mm where it is likely to see a lot of use

Canon's new EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS is designed specifically for cameras with 'APS-C' sized sensors and combines light weight with a very low price tag for an optically-stabilised lens.

The Canon EF-S 55-200mm is equivalent to a 88-400mm lens on a film camera. This makes it a great all-round telephoto lens that's capable of capturing the action even when it's a long way away; football, rugby and cricket matches are good examples, as well as most types of motorsports.

New to photography. I pick up new hobbies at whim so I didn't want to spend a small fortune on camera accessories immediately but knew I had a need for this type of lens. It is noisy but I'm ok with that. It took a little getting used to but it really seems to read my mind.