Quick answer
A small telephoto zoom for film and full-frame EOS bodies with a 52mm filter thread and USM autofocus. It weighs about 310g.
Pros
- Light at about 310g
- Compact
- USM focus
Cons
- Plastic construction
- Slow aperture
- No stabilization
Verdict
A light telephoto for snapshots. Later stabilized zooms are easier to use.
About this lens
The Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM is a short-telephoto zoom lens covering 55-200mm at f/4.5-5.6 for Canon EF mount cameras, with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. The range suits portraits and general telephoto work.
Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 55-200mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/4.5
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1998
- Optical construction
- 13 elements in 13 groups
- Aperture blades
- 6
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.2 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.21x
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 310 g
- Length
- 97 mm
- Diameter
- 70 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM?
- Casual telephoto work
- Travel
- Film bodies
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 55–200mm | 10.3–36.2° | 12.3–42.9° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 88–320mm | 6.4–23.1° | 7.7–27.6° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM full frame?
Yes, it covers film and full-frame sensors. On APS-C it frames like a 88-320mm lens.
Does the EF 55-200mm have image stabilization?
No. You need a high shutter speed at 200mm.
What filter size does the EF 55-200mm use?
52mm.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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