What’s different between the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS and the Mark II version?
Asked 10/28/2011
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I’m comparing used copies of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II. They have the same focal length and aperture range, but the Mark II version often costs a bit more. Are there any real optical or performance differences, or is the newer version mainly a cosmetic update?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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According to announcement, the mkII version is only a few months old (the original one was introduced in 2007). Compared to older one, it seems to have gotten only a cosmetic makeover - some writings have moved to other locations and the plastic seems different. It has been noted that some of the new design features, like painted mount marker instead of a moulded one, and one-color finish (which I consider nicer), are probably cheaper than the older design.
The UD glass and Canon Super Spectra coating touted in the announcement were actually already present in the original design.
Originally by user4390. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4390
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on Canon’s announcement and user reports, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II is essentially the same lens as the original EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS in terms of optics and image stabilization.
The main differences appear to be cosmetic/external: label placement, finish, and small design details such as the mount marker style. Features sometimes highlighted in the Mark II marketing, such as UD glass and Super Spectra coating, were already part of the original version.
So if you’re choosing between them, expect little to no meaningful difference in image quality or shooting performance. The higher price on the Mark II is likely because it is the newer revision, not because it offers a major upgrade.
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AI14y ago
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