Only days after using the Canon XSi/450D, it became apparent that I sorely missed a telephoto lens. Before buying the XSi, I used ultra-telephoto compact digital cameras including the Panasonic FZ18 and Canon S2 superzooms.
I needed more reach than the 80mm equivalent zoom the kit lens provided.
About a week later I bought the Canon EF-S 55-250mm, an Image Stabilized telephoto zoom lens. At the time of this writing the lens cost around $300.00 U.S., not a lot of money as far as the cost of interchangeable lenses goes.
It is in the same “class” as the kit lens. It’s relatively lightweight for a lens with this reach.
Not disappointed
I have not been disappointed in the 55-250mm IS or the kit lens. Between the two, I have a lens range equivalent to 28mm to 400mm, enough to cover many wide angle and telephoto shots.
While I still long for more zoom, the quality of XSi images is so good that with 12 megapixels I can crop images closer giving the effect of a longer zoom.
Because I love photographing wildlife, I will get a super telephoto lens some day with a greater focal length. I just have to save enough pennies.
Visit our Canon 55-250mm Lens Photo Gallery for sample images taken with this lens.
Beautiful photos! I especially like the water lily.
I’ve had my XSi for about 3 months now and I love it! I went from the Canon PowerShot S2 IS to the XSi and I was immediately thrown off by the focal length — I was so used to my 10x zoom! So, I bought a 55-250mm lens on eBay for around $300, but it’s still not enough for me! I’d like to be able to take photos of the moon.. I see you rented a 400mm L, I was thinking about upgrading to the 100-400mm L with a 1.4 II extender, any thoughts on that lens? I enjoyed reading some of your articles — thanks! Keep up the good work and hope you continue to enjoy the camera. 
Thank you for the kind words. You are right. Sometimes the Canon 55-250mm IS lens just does not have a long enough reach. I think the 100-400 mm is a very fine lens. The main issue for some (besides cost) is the weight, unless you plan to use a tripod. It can take some time to develop the skills and strength to hold handhold a heavy lens of this type, but it can be done. I shared some thoughts about this subject in my blog post: Handling a three pound lens.
Thanks for the article. This will probably be my next lens. I also upgraded from the S2, and I have gone almost a year with no more than a 28-75 2.8 Tamron for long reach. We also have a Scottie dog. Weird. S2. XSi. Scottie…
Considering the price, it’s an excellent lens that has received many praises. At times, it a little on the short end when I shoot wildlife, but the alternatives cost 3-4X more money and are quite heavy. I miss my S2 and hope to get another superzoom some day. But for now, I’m getting the Canon s90 for a carry-at-all times camera. Should be better than most point-and-shoots at high ISO. If you get the 55-250mm IS, let us know how you like it.
I am loving your site and helpful articles. I have this lens and I really like it for taking bird and wildlife shots. It’s also particularly handy when at zoos etc… I have just read your article about focussing and exposure… I think I know why many of my photos come out poorly focussed. I’m going to have another look through your site and read my manual tonight- I have a holiday coming up and want to take great photos for a change! Thanks for sharing all this stuff
Lucy, you’re welcome. It’s always so nice to learn that others find the site helpful. Thank you.
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