Page 28 - Fuse Magazine - Volume 41 2018

group test: Budget telephoto zooms

mount option: canon ef-s mount option: canon ef-s

Canon EF-S 55-250mm Canon EF 70-300mm

f/4-5.6 IS STM f/4-5.6 IS II USM

£300/$300 £465/$500

Like the Nikon 55-200mm and Pentax 55-300mm lenses Canon’s first 70-300mm IS USM had a mediocre
on test, this Canon telephoto is designed for DSLRs with stabiliser and a pedestrian, noisy autofocus system
APS-C format image sensors. It’s physically longer than based on an ultrasonic micro-motor, not ring-type
both competitors, at least when not in use, because it ultrasonic. The Mk II features upgraded optics, a
doesn’t share a retractable design. On the plus side, it’s new four-stop stabiliser and a revolutionary Nano USM
immediately ready for shooting without you having to autofocus system, which is very rapid for stills, yet
first extend the barrel. It’s also fairly light at 375g, thanks enables smooth focus transitions during movie capture,
in part to a plastic rather than metal mounting plate. similar to a stepping motor system.
Compared with the previous edition of this Canon lens, Another novel feature is the LCD info screen on the
this model has a stepping motor (STM) autofocus system, barrel. The adjacent mode switch enables you to cycle
which is quicker and quieter than the previous micro through display modes for focus distance and depth of
USM system. Handling is also improved, as the focus ring field, effective focal length on an APS-C format camera,
no longer rotates during autofocus and enables manual and the current level of vibration. The plastic hood costs
override, via an electronic coupling. Image stabilisation is £80 in the UK, but a more reasonable $45 in the US.
rated at 3.5 stops.
performance
performance The Mk II delivers much better image quality than its
Image quality is good overall. Sharpness isn’t great, but predecessor. Sharpness is very impressive across the
at least it’s quite consistent through the entire zoom whole frame, throughout nearly all of the zoom range,
range, and doesn’t drop off much at the widest available although corner sharpness drops away at 70mm. Colour
apertures. Overall, it’s a simple yet effective lens that fringing is well controlled, and resistance to ghosting and
offers solid performance. flare is good.