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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 II

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 II
Overview
ReleasedApril 2017July 2011
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 UK launch 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 manualHorizontal 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; 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 usedEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual
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 settingsMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF mode
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; maximum 0.31× magnification at 250 mm; front and focus ring rotate during autofocus according to Ken Rockwell
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; automatically compensates across the direction of panning; manual recommends switching IS off on a tripod to save battery
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 towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell
Dimensions detail66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps70 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-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016Optional ET-60; reversible for storage
In the box–Front and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as 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 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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