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

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.

I just bought this lens and it is AMAZING! It's my first telephoto zoom lens, and I got it for a wedding I'll be in next month. I wanted to get better zoom pictures. Obviously, it is not the best of the best. Canon makes amazing lenses. But for the price, this is definitely worth it.