confused in choosing a lens (55-250mm) :confused:

[reeavees]

i've EOS 550D/T2i, i plan to upgrade my kit lens... plan to get 55-250mm...

i see two variant of this Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS and Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II.

my question is can 550d support Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS? or i should go for the other.

your guidance pls

thanks
Vishnu

[mbrobich]

Sounds like you found the older IS (version 1) and the IS II ( version 2). IS stands for Image Stabilisation. Version 2 should be newer, smaller, lighter and faster. But more money.

[mrteacherdude]

Either one will work. As mbrobich said, the II designation means it is the second generation IS for that lens (literature says 4 stops worth). I've never used the II version of this lens so I don't personally know if there is a big difference between the two other than the IS. Unless I'm missing something, all of the other specs look nearly the same.

[Preeb]

As a rule, the mark II versions of Canon lenses are significantly better than the mark I models. I would not buy the older version if it was me. The price difference on those two entry level lenses is not enough for me to settle on the poorer one. Just be aware that both are Canon's lowest quality lenses. The $300 price tag may sound like a lot if you are new to DSLR, but in reality it's about as cheap as it gets.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Preeb

As a rule, the mark II versions of Canon lenses are significantly better than the mark I models.

Errr.... not necessarily. It depends on the lens. Sometimes, the upgrade has nothing to do with the optics.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 II and the EF 50mm f/1.8 are optically identical. It's just the Mark II was made cheaper, by switching from a metal to a plastic mount, removal of the distance scale, and a much flimsier manual focus ring.

The EF 200mm f/2.8L USM and the EF 200mm f/2.8L USM II are optically identical, only they removed the built-in hood of the Mark I.

In the case of the 55-250 IS, Mark I and Mark II are, from all reports, optically identical. They just upgraded the IS unit and focus motor. So, it's nicer, but "significantly better"? Not really.

[Preeb]

Originally Posted by inkista

Errr.... not necessarily. It depends on the lens. Sometimes, the upgrade has nothing to do with the optics.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 II and the EF 50mm f/1.8 are optically identical. It's just the Mark II was made cheaper, by switching from a metal to a plastic mount, removal of the distance scale, and a much flimsier manual focus ring.

The EF 200mm f/2.8L USM and the EF 200mm f/2.8L USM II are optically identical, only they removed the built-in hood of the Mark I.

In the case of the 55-250 IS, Mark I and Mark II are, from all reports, optically identical. They just upgraded the IS unit and focus motor. So, it's nicer, but "significantly better"? Not really.

From what I've read on the POTN forum (nearly all Canon users) the mark II IS on this lens is significantly better, more than worth the difference in price. Since I have never used either, I can't speak from experience.