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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II compared with EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS IICanonEF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2011September 2013
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length55–250 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22–32
Optical construction12 elements in 10 groups15 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsUD glass elementOne UD element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's UK launch announcementSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′Horizontal 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; 88–400 mm equivalent field of viewCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.1 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.31×0.29×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF modeSTM stepping motor with lead screw; electronic manual focus adjustment after One-Shot autofocus locks according to ePHOTOzine
Focus distance detailMinimum 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 RockwellMinimum focus distance 0.85 m throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.29× magnification at 250 mm; non-rotating front element
Stabilisation detailFour-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 battery3.5-stop CIPA claim; automatic panning detection disables correction in the direction of movement
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm70 mm
Length108 mm111.2 mm
Weight390 g375 g (better)
Weather resistance–No weather seals according to Digital Camera World
Zoom designBarrel extends towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell–
Dimensions detail70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without caps70 mm maximum diameter × 111.2 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detailApproximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodOptional ET-60; reversible for storageET-63; sold separately according to both reviews
In the boxFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optional–
Release detailCanon 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.Canon Japan gives first sale on 12 September 2013; Canon Camera Museum gives September. This day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

More comparisons