New Zoom Lens - Canon EF-S 55-250?

[GarrettH]

Okay, so I just stared really getting into photography about two years ago with a Canon point and shoot camera. Now I own a Rebel XTi, a 50mm 1.8, and the kit lens (18-55). I'm looking for something to capture subjects that are a bit farther away. I was thinking about the Canon EF-S 55-250 f/4.0-5.6 IS. Does anyone have any experience with this lens? I'm looking for something a little stronger than the kit lens, but I'm on a super tight budget, so I need really cheap lenses. I can get this one for just under $200 on Amazon or eBay. Are there any better choices?

[RichardTaylor]

I have the EF-S 55-250mm F4.5-5.6 IS lens.

It is good value for money (be sure to budget for a lens hood)
It is small.
Performance, both mechanical & IQ wise, is ok but not great.

There are "better" lenses
The EF 70-300 F4.5-5.6 IS USM (A good lens for a lot more money)
and a Canon 100-400 F4.5-F5.6 IS L (a great lens for heaps more money)
I own both the above lenses.

[Vagebond]

I have the 55-250 too. If you're okay with the quality of the 18-55, the 55-250 will not disappoint you; it may even surprise you. As Richard said, good value for the money but not spectacular.

It's light, so easy to carry.
Performance at 250mm is soft, maybe even noisy, but zoomed out just a notch (EXIF says about 235mm) it's good.
Auto-focus on my 450D is pretty good, but I use only the centre focus point.
IS: I don't have a steady hand. 1/200sec works very well at 250mm, 1/125 pretty well and if I really concentrate on keeping still 1/60 can be done. Leaning against something improves those times.

Again, nothing spectacular but for a "low" budget a very acceptable lens.