Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Canon

EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM

Buy on Amazon

Canon

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

Buy on Amazon

Verdict at a glance

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is faster by 0.4 stops (f/3.5 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is lighter by 170g.
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM goes wider (18mm vs 55mm).
Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM reaches further (250mm vs 55mm).

Specification comparison
Spec	EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM	EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Brand	Canon	Canon
Mount	Canon EF-S	Canon EF-S
Type	Zoom	Zoom
Focal length	55-250mm	18-55mm (wider)
Max aperture	f/4.0	f/3.5 (faster)
Released	2013	2013
Blades	7	7
Format	aps-c	aps-c
Groups	12	11
Af motor	STM	STM
Elements	15	13
Weight g	375.0	205.0 (lighter)
Filter mm	58	58
Length mm	111.2	75.2
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	70.0	69.0
Min focus m	0.85	0.25 (closer focusing)
Max magnification	0.29	0.36

Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM

The EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM is a telephoto zoom for Canon APS-C cameras giving about an 88-400mm equivalent view, with stabilization and a stepping motor.

Pros

Image stabilization
Quiet STM focusing
Light (375 g)

Cons

Variable aperture
Soft at the long end
Plastic construction

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

A common kit zoom for Canon APS-C cameras with image stabilization and a stepping motor, compact and light for everyday shooting.

Pros

Image stabilization
Quiet STM focusing
Light and compact
Closest focus 0.25 m

Cons

Slow variable aperture
Plastic construction
Limited zoom reach

More comparisons for Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM

Compare other lenses or browse our best-of guides.