Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

This is an excellent lens for under $500. It is designed to be a good all purpose tele zoom lens for non-pros. I think it fits the bill nicely. The lens is very sharp at all focal lengths and really doesn't have any bad spots like most cheap lenses. Aperture is a bit on the slow side, but normal for a lens in its class. The Image Stabilization really works well. You won't want a telephoto lens without it once you've had it. Build quality is about normal for the price. It is mostly plastic, but that keeps down on the weight. Macro performance is pretty good, too. It is a 1/3 magnification, which is a bit better than average without being an advertised macro lens. You can certainly fill the frame with a flower bud or a leaf, if that is what you are after. I give it 5 stars, not because it is the best lens in the world, but because it is the best lens for the price and the intended photographers. It pairs perfectly with the 18-55 IS and then you get a seamless range of 18-250 (28-400 equiv), all Image stabilized. The next step up is at least twice the money. Nothing else in the price range can compare with the features, sharpness and focal range in my opinion.

I got this lens to improve the range of pictures I could take. I only had the lens that came with my Rebel (18-55 mm) and I found that I wasn't able to take pictures that I wanted from a distance. This lens allows me to capture those shots. So far, it's been a great extra lens.

All in all a nice lens. The capablity of the 55-250 allows for several different shooting techniques. I was very impressed with the lens. Macro shooting was ever possible at semi-close distances. Good bang for the buck.

I'm still a novice photographer. So, I bought this low-end lens with IS to get my feet wet in photography. IS does wonder to taking shots. I'm travelling Europe right now and having tripod is not an option. So free-hand shooting is all I have. And with IS, it forgives my occasional shakes, ok constant shakes, lol. And I do still get some blurred shots but that's because of lighting and exposure. I'm still learning to pay attention to it. But overall, the qualities of shots are amazing.
Once I get into serious photography, I will look into other lens. But right now, with this and 17-55mm IS, I can capture most of what I need.

I bought the 55-250 consumer IS lens to go with my new Rebel XSi which comes with the 18-55 consumer IS lens. I have now used the "larger" lens in daylight, twilight and night -- all handheld. It is as good as the reviews said it would be.

It is sharp, quick to focus and the IS is fabulous. (I have not yet done an IS/non-IS comparison yet but I know from handholding my F4 L 200mm zoom how much the IS compensates at the slow shutter speeds.)

While I'll continue to use the L zoom sometimes (primarily when I'm not traveling and there is plenty of light), the 55-250 IS will be my primary zoom.

This is my 2nd Rebel -- I've been shooting digital for 7+ years and shooting off and on for over 50 years.

Wonderful camera, wonderful set of lenses.