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Canon Zoom lenes
#1
I must not be interpreting the test results correctly on photozone and think I'm missing something.

I have a 450D and use the EF-S 55-250. I consider it nice, but soft.

I have read good reports on the L series EF 70-200 f4 USM L (NON IS).

But if I compare the specs on photozone, the two lenses appear very close in resolution. Certainly in the realm of nearly indistinguishable differences.



If the 70-200 is a much better lens, why are the resolution figures so close?



Thanks, Bob
#2
[quote name='bestremera' timestamp='1314731103' post='11172']

I must not be interpreting the test results correctly on photozone and think I'm missing something.

I have a 450D and use the EF-S 55-250. I consider it nice, but soft.

I have read good reports on the L series EF 70-200 f4 USM L (NON IS).

But if I compare the specs on photozone, the two lenses appear very close in resolution. Certainly in the realm of nearly indistinguishable differences.



If the 70-200 is a much better lens, why are the resolution figures so close?



Thanks, Bob

[/quote]



Well, the provided sample images here at PZ look very fine to me and in line with the ratings ...
#3
[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1314731726' post='11174']

Well, the provided sample images here at PZ look very fine to me and in line with the ratings ...

[/quote]
#4
So then, according to your tests, the EF-S 55-250 will indeed provide comparable resolution and print quality to the 70-200 f4 USM L? This is interesting that the $250 lens provides the same quality as the $650 L series glass. Thanks, Bob
#5
[quote name='bestremera' timestamp='1314737279' post='11177']

So then, according to your tests, the EF-S 55-250 will indeed provide comparable resolution and print quality to the 70-200 f4 USM L? This is interesting that the $250 lens provides the same quality as the $650 L series glass. Thanks, Bob

[/quote]



The L lens received about ~1 school mark higher results at 135mm f/5.6. and 200mm f/5.6 and it shows less vignetting. It has probably also a better contrast (punch) compared to the 55-250 IS at max. aperture.

This will be visible to some degree. They are just not worlds apart. The f/4 aperture of the L lens has a higher creative potential though because you can achieve a shallower depth-of-field. The better build quality and the faster USM AF comes on top. So all in all there're reasons to pay more for the L lens.



The 55-250 IS is a dedicated APS-C designs. Such lenses tend to have a slight (relative) advantage on APS-C DSLRs over full format lenses. The 70-200/4L is also quite old - basically a film era lens.



cheers



Klaus
#6
[quote name='bestremera' timestamp='1314731103' post='11172']

I must not be interpreting the test results correctly on photozone and think I'm missing something.

I have a 450D and use the EF-S 55-250. I consider it nice, but soft.

I have read good reports on the L series EF 70-200 f4 USM L (NON IS).

But if I compare the specs on photozone, the two lenses appear very close in resolution. Certainly in the realm of nearly indistinguishable differences.



If the 70-200 is a much better lens, why are the resolution figures so close?



Thanks, Bob

[/quote]

You consider the 55-250mm to be soft? On a 450D? This lens is generally seen as nicely sharp, for the price and class. Do you have any example to show its softness?



The 70-200mm f4 L USM has nicer background bokeh, which is its biggest plus, especially for close up stuff. Also has fast and silent USM, fast enough to track fast moving subjects in AI-Servo mode (and f4 at 200mm).



The 55-250mm is cheaper, lighter, provides a bit more tele reach and has images stabilization.



The differences are clear enough to make a choice over.... the 55-250mm for the budget conscious, who gain IS. The 70-200mm f4 L for those with not super deep pockets, for a lens that renders a bit nicer and has very fast AF. And for those who can afford it, the 70-200mm f4 L IS USM.
#7
[quote name='bestremera' timestamp='1314737279' post='11177']

So then, according to your tests, the EF-S 55-250 will indeed provide comparable resolution and print quality to the 70-200 f4 USM L? This is interesting that the $250 lens provides the same quality as the $650 L series glass. Thanks, Bob

[/quote]



I should mention that "softness" could also be introduced by a centering defect.



So if your results are unusually softer than the sample here at PZ or at other sites I'd suggest to try the following ...



http://forum.photozone.de/index.php?/top...#entry7409
#8
[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1314778880' post='11183']

You consider the 55-250mm to be soft? On a 450D? This lens is generally seen as nicely sharp, for the price and class. Do you have any example to show its softness?

[/quote]



BC, thanks for reminding me that we should ask people for specific examples whenever they make vague general observations. Yes, of course the original poster should point us to an example of the 55-250mm's weakness, along with exposure details such as ISO/shutter speed/F-stop/post-processing.
#9
I own a 55-250. My lens is quite sharp. At 250 mm wide open it's slightly soft, but stopping down to f/8 helps a lot.



I don't have a 70-200/4 but I've used it; my friend owns one. What the extra money buys you is:

  • Better build.

  • Better AF. Ring USM.

  • Much better bokeh. The 55-250 is not bad at 250 mm but at lower focal lengths (especially the middle of the range) it's doughnut city.

  • A tad more aperture.




The 55-250 gets you IS, of course, which the plain-jane 70-200 doesn't have.



I consider the 70-200 to be mainly a portrait lens. The 55-250 is a jack-of-all-trades telephoto zoom (landscape detail, portrait, various stuff).
#10
[quote name='bestremera' timestamp='1314731103' post='11172']

I have a 450D and use the EF-S 55-250. I consider it nice, but soft.[/quote]



I have a 7D and use the EF-S 55-250. I consider it nice, and quite sharp. In the past I had 70-200/4, 70-200/4 IS, 70-200/2.8 and 70-200/2.8 IS. Sharpness is very similar.
  


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