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Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STMCanonEF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS
Overview
ReleasedApril 2017November 2007
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–55 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22–32
Optical construction12 elements in ten groups12 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsAspherical lens elementUD glass element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's European announcement
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of viewCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders cannot be usedCanon extenders cannot be used according to The Digital Picture
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m1.1 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.31×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settingsMicro Motor autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; focus ring rotates during autofocus
Focus distance detailManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviewsMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; front element rotates during focusing according to The Digital Picture
Magnification detailMaximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm–
Stabilisation detailFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve powerFour-stop launch claim based on 1/(focal length × 1.6) shutter speed; automatic panning detection according to Canon's European announcement
Design
Filter diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter66.5 mm70 mm
Length61.8 mm108 mm
Weight215 g390 g
Zoom designBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital PictureBarrel extends during zooming and focusing according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding capsCanon gives 70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length
Lens hoodEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016ET-60 hood sold separately according to The Digital Picture; LP1019 pouch also optional
Release detailCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.Canon Camera Museum records November 2007 introduction. The Japanese announcement originally scheduled late October 2007 availability; this was a planned date rather than the Museum's recorded introduction. The Digital Picture tested a Canadian retail sample in November 2007 and notes the later US announcement.

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