Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Like the Nikon 55-200mm and Pentax 55-300mm lenses on test, this Canon telephoto is designed for DSLRs with APS-C format image sensors. It’s physically longer than both competitors, at least when not in use, because it doesn’t share a retractable design. On the plus side, it’s immediately ready for shooting without you having to first extend the barrel. It’s also fairly light at 375g, thanks in part to a plastic rather than metal mounting plate. Compared with the previous edition of this Canon lens, no longer rotates during autofocus and enables manual override, via an electronic coupling. Image stabilisation is rated at 3.5 stops.