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Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS 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 ISCanonRF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2007March 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 European announcement–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades
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 supportCanon extenders cannot be used according to The Digital Picture–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.1 m0.73 m
Maximum magnification0.31×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailMicro Motor autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; focus ring rotates during autofocusLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; front element rotates during focusing according to The Digital PictureMinimum 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; automatic panning detection according to Canon's European announcementOptical 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 during zooming and focusing according to The Digital PictureExtending zoom barrel
Weather resistance–No dust or moisture resistance
Dimensions detailCanon gives 70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm lengthApproximately 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 detail–Approximately 270 g lens
Lens hoodET-60 hood sold separately according to The Digital Picture; LP1019 pouch also optionalET-60B hood and LP1016 pouch, sold separately
In the box–Lens, E-55 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detailCanon 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.March 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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