Question 1

Hi. 
1. Does it also have Image Stabilizer feature?
2. Is it compatible with Canon EOS 550D?
Thanks

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes to both questions.  The little bit longer answer...

1.  It has image stabilization, and for Canon you can tell what lenses do as they will list "IS" in the description of the lens.  On this lens, you have 3.5 stops of IS, which is really great since it has such a long reach.  Keep in mind though that IS does nothing to help with a moving subject, only a fast shutter speed can help with that.  
2.  Your camera can use this lens, as well as all other EF and EF-S lenses.  This is one of the 4 lenses I suggest to anyone that is learning photography and wants to expand their kit beyond the lens that came with their camera.

If you would like more information about the 55-250mm lens, you should check out the review I have on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use the lens, and has suggestions/comparisons to other lenses you may have seen.  There are also sample images taken with the lens.  Here is a link to the review.   https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RBPNM432KPBLO?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Question 2

Would this newer STM lens work well with my EOS T2i I am using the older EF-S 55-250 now that's about 5 years old and looking for faster focus and sharper images....wondering if maybe the 55-250 IS 2 would work just as well as the STM for me...Thanks

Accepted Answer

Great question.  Some answers for you...

It is a better lens than the older IS II model in the following ways:  Better optics for better IQ and contrast.  Rear focusing so the front element doesn't rotate.  Better IS.  STM is better than the DC micro motor; it's faster, more accurate, and nearly silent.  The focus isn't as fast as say, USM lenses, but you will notice an improvement.  If speed of focus is more important in your case, then you should look into the EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS II USM instead.  Optically, they have very similar IQ, but the 70-300mm has much snappier focus for stills, and is still silent for video like the STM lens.

As to how much a difference you will see on your camera?  The T2i is a pretty old camera, and IQ wise think you won't see much of a difference.  Either of the suggested lenses will look good on your camera, but you might not see a large difference in overall IQ due to the age of the sensor.  I think the advantages are that you will see better contrast, have better focus (which leads to more in focus shots), and if you ever move to a newer camera then you will see a difference in IQ with a newer sensor.

If you would like more info about either of the lenses I have suggested, you should check out the reviews I have on my profile.  Both reviews cover the pros and cons, offer advice for how to use the lens, and has suggestions/comparisons to other lenses you might have considered.  There are also sample images.  Here are some links.

For the 55-250mm - https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RBPNM432KPBLO?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

For the 7i0-300mm - https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RUZO5QNFASTCS?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

For my profile just click my name!

Question 3

Will this lens be good for soccer and football when on the sidelines?

Accepted Answer

This is a subjective question.  For the most part, it's not a sports lens.  The AF system is not really built to be snappy fast for sports.  However, if you are photographing young children, I think it can work, since they are not likely to be as fast as high school aged kids.  Also, the limits of the aperture make it hard to use fast shutter speeds without a high ISO, so you will get some noise in the images.  If this doesn't bother you then it's not a big deal.  If in good light (daylight), then it will be fine so long as you know how to track your subject.  For football at night, it's going to be tough.  I would look for the bright spots on the field, like where the lights shine the brightest, and try to get photos in those places.

Here is how I would set the camera.

1.  Tv mode.  This lets you control the shutter.  Set to 1/500 sec.
2.  ISO and aperture are controlled by camera.  Make sure ISO is in auto.
3.  Set focus to "servo" mode.  This makes it so the camera tracks as you hold in the focus.  
4.  Select a small focus.  Depending on your camera, you might have to use just one point.  Some will let you choose a small grid.
5.  Get focus on your subject and hold the focus to track them as they move around.  This will give the STM motor time to find the focus.  Shoot when you have the best shot.

This is how I shot youth soccer with a SL2/200D and the 55-250mm IS STM.  Got plenty of good shots.  I'd post them in my review but it is now against Amazon policy to do so.  Not sure what happened there, they are just youth league kids playing soccer.

If you would like more info about the 55-250mm STM lens, you should check out the review I have on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use the lens, and also has suggestions for other lenses that might work for you as well.  There are also sample images taken with the lens.  Here is a link to the review.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RBPNM432KPBLO?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Question 4

IS this lens good for indoor sports video shooting with Canon 70D?

Accepted Answer

This depends on a couple things.  We talking like, pro level video?  Or maybe just a parent that wants to get better footage than a phone or the 18-55mm can do?  For pro level, not really.  It's good for video, but the overall "brightness" of the lens isn't that great.  You will have some grainy images, though to be fair video is more forgiving than stills for high ISO shooting.  For just "mom and dad" stuff, it should be fine, just get the ISO up high enough to get that brightness you will need.

If you would like more info about the 55-250mm lens, you should check out the review I have on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use the lens, and also has some comparisons to other lenses you might have seen.  There are also sample images taken with the lens.  Here is a link to the review.   https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RBPNM432KPBLO?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

ASIN	B00EFILVQU
Best Sellers Rank	#23 in SLR Camera Lenses
Brand	Canon
Built-In Media	Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens, E-58 II 58mm Lens Cap, Lens Dust Cap E (Rear), Warranty
Camera Lens	Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM
Color	Black
Compatible Camera Models	Canon APS-C DSLRs
Compatible Camera Mount	Canon EF-S
Compatible Devices	Canon Cameras, Canon Digital SLRs
Continuous shooting speed	10 frames_per_second
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,863)
Effective Still Resolution	55 mp
Exposure Control Type	Automatic, Manual
File Format	JPEG, RAW
Focal Length Description	55 to 250mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 88 to 400mm)
Focus Type	Stepper motor
Global Trade Identification Number	00400002354406
Image stabilization	4 stops
Iso Range	ISO 100-6400 (Native), ISO 12800 (Extended)
Item Type Name	Canon 8546b002 ef-s 55-250mm f4-5. 6 is stm lens for canon slr cameras.
Item Weight	375 g
Lens	Telephoto
Lens Coating Description	Super Spectra Coating
Lens Color	Black
Lens Design	Zoom
Lens Fixed Focal Length	25 centimeters
Lens Mount	Canon EF-S
Light Sensitivity	ISO 6400-12800
Manufacturer	Canon Cameras US
Manufacturer Part Number	8546B002
Maximum Aperture	5.6 f_stop
Maximum Focal Length	25 centimeters
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds
Media Type	Image, Video
Minimum Aperture	32
Minimum Focal Length	55
Model Name	8546B002
Model Number	EF-S55-250ISSTM
Number of Diaphragm Blades	7
Number of Items	1
Number of Packs	1
Photo Filter Size	5.8 centimeters
Real Angle Of View	180 degrees
Screen Size	1 inches
Shooting Modes	P, Tv, Av, M, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, etc.
UPC	700613819418 400002354406 634211869752 139865412588 898029660349 138032207422
Unit Count	1 Count
Video Capture Format	MP4
Video Capture Resolution	1080p
Viewfinder Type	Optical viewfinder
Warranty Description	1 year coverage for labor, 1 year coverage for parts
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	4.55:1

Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 is STM Telephoto Lens, Black

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