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Canon EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 ISCanonEF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2008July 2011
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–200 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups12 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsTwo UD and two glass-moulded aspherical elements according to Canon Camera MuseumUD glass element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's UK launch announcement
DiaphragmSix blades with a circular aperture; minimum f/22–36 according to Canon Camera Museum, while Canon Japan's later specification table lists f/22–38Seven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–6°30′, vertical 45°30′–4°20′, diagonal 74°20′–7°50′ according to Canon JapanHorizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to approximately 29–320 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatible according to Canon JapanEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m1.1 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.31×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailConventional DC autofocus motor, without full-time manual focus override, according to PhotozoneMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF mode
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front filter thread; focus ring rotates during autofocus according to PhotozoneMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.31× magnification at 250 mm; front and focus ring rotate during autofocus according to Ken Rockwell
Magnification detailMaximum 0.24× at 200 mm according to Canon Japan–
Stabilisation detailCanon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; automatic distinction between normal and panning shotsFour-stop launch claim based on 1/(focal length × 1.6) shutter speed; automatically compensates across the direction of panning; manual recommends switching IS off on a tripod to save battery
Design
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter78.6 mm70 mm
Length102 mm108 mm
Weight595 g390 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; focus and zoom rings; zoom transport lock at 18 mm–
Zoom designExtending double-trombone barrel according to PhotozoneBarrel extends towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell
Dimensions detail78.6 mm maximum diameter × 102 mm length; approximately 595 g according to Canon70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without caps
Weight detail–Approximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hoodEW-78D hood and LP1116 pouch are optional accessories according to Canon JapanOptional ET-60; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, E-72 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UKFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optional
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 2008 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 26 August and first sale on 27 September 2008; a UK first-sale day is not established by these sourcesCanon Camera Museum and Canon's UK launch announcement give July 2011 first availability. Canon identifies the 2007 EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS as its predecessor; the II retains its optical design and changes the exterior.

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