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Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II vs Canon RF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS IICanonRF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2011March 2023
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length55–250 mm55–210 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/5–7.1
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22–32
Optical construction12 elements in 10 groupsEleven elements in eight groups
Special elementsUD glass elementTwo UD elements and one plastic-moulded aspherical element; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coating
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 at 55 mm and f/32 at 210 mm
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's UK launch announcement–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades
Angle of viewHorizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon RF
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 88–400 mm equivalent field of viewCanon RF mount with APS-C image circle; full-frame EOS R bodies crop to APS-C; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.1 m0.73 m
Maximum magnification0.31×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF modeLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
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 1 m at 55 mm and 0.73 m at 210 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.05× at 55 mm and 0.28× at 210 mm
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 batteryOptical IS rated 4.5 stops with EOS R10 at 210 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated seven stops with EOS R7 at 210 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter58 mm55 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm69 mm
Length108 mm92.9 mm
Weight390 g270 g
Controls–Combined focus/control ring and zoom ring; AF/MF and IS controlled through camera settings
Zoom designBarrel extends towards longer focal lengths according to Ken RockwellExtending zoom barrel
Weather resistance–No dust or moisture resistance
Dimensions detail70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without capsApproximately 69 mm maximum diameter × 92.9 mm length, per Canon Japan and Camera Museum; UK table labels 135 mm as retracted, while Digital Camera World identifies 135 mm as extended
Weight detailApproximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manualApproximately 270 g lens
Lens hoodOptional ET-60; reversible for storageET-60B hood and LP1016 pouch, sold separately
In the boxFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optionalLens, E-55 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
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.March 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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