Has anyone got an opinion on the Canon EF-S 55-250 IS zoom?

Question

I'm considering buying this lens so I'd like to hear what you guys have got to say about it.

I know it's not strictly speaking a macro lens but how close does the lens allow you to focus?

Any other comments?

Answer 1

Here is the data on how close the camera focuses

Closest focusing distance: 1.1 meters (just over three feet)



Maximum magnification (x)  0.31 (at 250mm).  I don't know what that means exactly, since macro calibration is measured in the ratio of the subject size to the size of the film (sensor in this case)  Really any thing from 1:1 to 1:2 image ratio is considered a macro mode, but many third party lens companies are a little liberal in their marketing when they describe lenses as "marco".

If you are shooting sports or wildlife, it is a good starting lens.  Later you will want to buy a longer lens as you can save up enough to buy a 400 mm or so.  The other option is to buy a really good used Canon lens.