Canon 55-250 STM using adapter vs Sony 55-210 native (also how does it compare to EOS M + 55-250STM)
Jan 19, 2016
I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sony a5100
rjjr • Forum Pro • Posts: 14,769
Well...
4everAnoob wrote:I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.
There are several reasons why I use my A6000 and not my EOS M, and I would pick the A6000+55-210 over the EOS M+55-250 STM+Canon adapter or A6000+55-250 STM+adapter every time.
A6000 has:
Better IQ
Wider DR at base ISO (I try to keep ISO as low as possible)
Higher resolution
EVF
Focus peaking
User programmable function buttons
A6000 raw files look much better converted with Capture 1 for Sony than Canon raws converted with ACR.
Canon AF on the A6000 with an adapter is very slow and unreliable, if it works at all.
4everAnoob wrote:I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.
I'll keep it simple.
- Optically, the Canon is better. Much better. It's sharper at 250mm f5.6 than the SEL at 210mm f11.
- In terms of AF, an a6000 easily beats an M3. However, the a6000 AF will be really slow with the Canon lens. The EOS M would be better with the same lens but honestly, at that point you could just as well get any Canon SLR for proper AF performance.
I'd either take the SEL and accept the bad IQ or take a Canon SLR. Or a FZ1000 which has IQ comparable to the Canon lens at the long end (they're both 400mm equiv. FOV) coupled with a capable body.
Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN (E/EF-M mounts)
Entropy512 • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,202
Re:
johnsmith404 wrote:4everAnoob wrote:I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.I'll keep it simple.
- Optically, the Canon is better. Much better. It's sharper at 250mm f5.6 than the SEL at 210mm f11.
- In terms of AF, an a6000 easily beats an M3. However, the a6000 AF will be really slow with the Canon lens. The EOS M would be better with the same lens but honestly, at that point you could just as well get any Canon SLR for proper AF performance.
I'd either take the SEL and accept the bad IQ or take a Canon SLR. Or a FZ1000 which has IQ comparable to the Canon lens at the long end (they're both 400mm equiv. FOV) coupled with a capable body.
These comments on IQ make me really want to try the 55-250 with the Techart III.
The Techart III provides MASSIVE AF improvements with some lenses but it's buggy as hell. That said, with lenses that it "plays nice" with (50 STM and 24 STM work very well, I've heard 10-18 STM completely fails?), it's a game-changer.
I've been wanting to try it, unfortunately the friend I know who has a Canon 55-250 has the older IS II - and most of the pre-STM "II" lenses that were refreshed with STM perform very poorly when adapted.
Sony a6000 Pentax K-5 Pentax K-01 Sony a6300 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM +5 more
Shyamelge • Regular Member • Posts: 377
Re:
I am currently in a similar boat.
I have got a6000 plus fotga adapter which works very well with canon 50mm and 40mm (both stm). For zoom, I short-listed sony 55-210 but was not happy with the optical quality.
Last week, I bought a used 55-250 IS II lens for $80 and tried it on a6000. Unlike my 2 stm lenses, auto focus is slow on 55-250 but picture quality is sharper than sony 55-210 at both 55 and 200mm. The manual focus works fine.
My guess is that 55-250mm stm will fast focus and therefore looking for comments from users who have tried both lenses (stm and IS II) with fotga adapter.
OP 4everAnoob • Regular Member • Posts: 299
Re:
Yep the 55-250 stm is known to be a fast lens - it is really fast on the eos m even, so there is hope for nex users.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sony a5100
OP 4everAnoob • Regular Member • Posts: 299
Re:
FZ1000 I don't consider, but the FZ200 has become a very realistic option because of its all time low price. I would exchange my HX50 for it.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sony a5100
Timbukto • Veteran Member • Posts: 4,988
Re:
2
johnsmith404 wrote:4everAnoob wrote:I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.I'll keep it simple.
- Optically, the Canon is better. Much better. It's sharper at 250mm f5.6 than the SEL at 210mm f11.
- In terms of AF, an a6000 easily beats an M3. However, the a6000 AF will be really slow with the Canon lens. The EOS M would be better with the same lens but honestly, at that point you could just as well get any Canon SLR for proper AF performance.
I'd either take the SEL and accept the bad IQ or take a Canon SLR. Or a FZ1000 which has IQ comparable to the Canon lens at the long end (they're both 400mm equiv. FOV) coupled with a capable body.
Agreed.
I've gone through a lot of systems and lenses including the A6000 and the 55-210. I started out with the Canon t3i and had the 55-250 (version I and II and not even STM which is optically superior). I still have some RAWs I shot at 250mm wide open that I can post...after trying larger sensors and even more premium tele primes, etc, the 55-250 quality after all these years is really just optically incredible for the cost, size, and weight.
The 50-200 I'm shooting on my Pentax K-50 is really poor in comparison (but has WR and good dynamic range). Nikon's 55-200 is nothing special either. Realistically when you shoot a slow tele, dynamic range is moot if you need a decent shutter speed anyhow. To be honest the 24MP Rebels combined with a 55-250 STM are an incredible tele bargain, but whenever Canon improves DR it would be the system to beat in terms of *cheap* and *light* tele IQ.
Any of the consumer budget tele's from Pentax, Nikon, Sony, etc all dwell in the realm of barely good enough and definitely usable when downsized or you wouldn't care if you smudge it with NR anyways, but only the Canon 55-250 is L-like sharp wide open. You may think this is an exaggeration, but according to DxOMark, you just do not get a huge boost from even L tele lenses on an APS-C compared to 55-250 STM (i.e. comparing the closest 70-200 f4 L IS). In other words the gap in optical quality from an L tele lens and a 55-250 STM I would rate as smaller than the gap between a 55-250 STM and the other brand consumer teles.
I was pretty happy with Pentax in regards to being cheap, small and having WR, and like the primes but after shooting plenty of shots with its 50-200 WR and knowing what I have in my library years ago with the t3i and the 'older' 55-250's...I know what I would want if I wanted cheap small tele. The fact that Canon nailed the 55-250...*and* nails the cheap wide-angle zoom as well is great...they only need to nail DR next to seal the deal.
Canon EOS M Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM
Entropy512 • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,202
Re:
4everAnoob wrote: Yep the 55-250 stm is known to be a fast lens - it is really fast on the eos m even, so there is hope for nex users.
Problem is, sometimes ultrafast AF motors cause issues for adapted lenses on Sonys - especially with the Techart III.
That said, there's more and more evidence I should give this a try, one benefit of this lens is ready availability at multiple local B&M stores.
On the other hand I have sworn I'll switch to the A7II if the next APS-C camera doesn't have IBIS or the A7xII adapted lens AF algo - and so I really shouldn't be buying this until I know whether or not I'll be sticking with APS-C.
Sony a6000 Pentax K-5 Pentax K-01 Sony a6300 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM +5 more
Shyamelge • Regular Member • Posts: 377
Re:
In reply to Timbukto • Jan 19, 2016
Timbukto wrote:johnsmith404 wrote:4everAnoob wrote:I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.I'll keep it simple.
- Optically, the Canon is better. Much better. It's sharper at 250mm f5.6 than the SEL at 210mm f11.
- In terms of AF, an a6000 easily beats an M3. However, the a6000 AF will be really slow with the Canon lens. The EOS M would be better with the same lens but honestly, at that point you could just as well get any Canon SLR for proper AF performance.
I'd either take the SEL and accept the bad IQ or take a Canon SLR. Or a FZ1000 which has IQ comparable to the Canon lens at the long end (they're both 400mm equiv. FOV) coupled with a capable body.Agreed.
I've gone through a lot of systems and lenses including the A6000 and the 55-210. I started out with the Canon t3i and had the 55-250 (version I and II and not even STM which is optically superior). I still have some RAWs I shot at 250mm wide open that I can post...after trying larger sensors and even more premium tele primes, etc, the 55-250 quality after all these years is really just optically incredible for the cost, size, and weight.
The 50-200 I'm shooting on my Pentax K-50 is really poor in comparison (but has WR and good dynamic range). Nikon's 55-200 is nothing special either. Realistically when you shoot a slow tele, dynamic range is moot if you need a decent shutter speed anyhow. To be honest the 24MP Rebels combined with a 55-250 STM are an incredible tele bargain, but whenever Canon improves DR it would be the system to beat in terms of *cheap* and *light* tele IQ.
Any of the consumer budget tele's from Pentax, Nikon, Sony, etc all dwell in the realm of barely good enough and definitely usable when downsized or you wouldn't care if you smudge it with NR anyways, but only the Canon 55-250 is L-like sharp wide open. You may think this is an exaggeration, but according to DxOMark, you just do not get a huge boost from even L tele lenses on an APS-C compared to 55-250 STM (i.e. comparing the closest 70-200 f4 L IS). In other words the gap in optical quality from an L tele lens and a 55-250 STM I would rate as smaller than the gap between a 55-250 STM and the other brand consumer teles.
I was pretty happy with Pentax in regards to being cheap, small and having WR, and like the primes but after shooting plenty of shots with its 50-200 WR and knowing what I have in my library years ago with the t3i and the 'older' 55-250's...I know what I would want if I wanted cheap small tele. The fact that Canon nailed the 55-250...*and* nails the cheap wide-angle zoom as well is great...they only need to nail DR next to seal the deal.
Your comments have encouraged me to seriously explore 55-250 stm even though it is not easily available in my country. If I get it into my hands, I would share my findings.
maadfw • Regular Member • Posts: 354
Re:
1
Timbukto wrote:Your comments have encouraged me to seriously explore 55-250 stm even though it is not easily available in my country. If I get it into my hands, I would share my findings.johnsmith404 wrote:4everAnoob wrote:I would like to hear what your experiences are using these lenses. Especially if you own an EOS M, I would like to know how the performance compares between these lenses/platforms.
I have the (cheapo) Fotga adapter for Canon lenses btw.I'll keep it simple.
- Optically, the Canon is better. Much better. It's sharper at 250mm f5.6 than the SEL at 210mm f11.
- In terms of AF, an a6000 easily beats an M3. However, the a6000 AF will be really slow with the Canon lens. The EOS M would be better with the same lens but honestly, at that point you could just as well get any Canon SLR for proper AF performance.
I'd either take the SEL and accept the bad IQ or take a Canon SLR. Or a FZ1000 which has IQ comparable to the Canon lens at the long end (they're both 400mm equiv. FOV) coupled with a capable body.Agreed.
I've gone through a lot of systems and lenses including the A6000 and the 55-210. I started out with the Canon t3i and had the 55-250 (version I and II and not even STM which is optically superior). I still have some RAWs I shot at 250mm wide open that I can post...after trying larger sensors and even more premium tele primes, etc, the 55-250 quality after all these years is really just optically incredible for the cost, size, and weight.
The 50-200 I'm shooting on my Pentax K-50 is really poor in comparison (but has WR and good dynamic range). Nikon's 55-200 is nothing special either. Realistically when you shoot a slow tele, dynamic range is moot if you need a decent shutter speed anyhow. To be honest the 24MP Rebels combined with a 55-250 STM are an incredible tele bargain, but whenever Canon improves DR it would be the system to beat in terms of *cheap* and *light* tele IQ.
Any of the consumer budget tele's from Pentax, Nikon, Sony, etc all dwell in the realm of barely good enough and definitely usable when downsized or you wouldn't care if you smudge it with NR anyways, but only the Canon 55-250 is L-like sharp wide open. You may think this is an exaggeration, but according to DxOMark, you just do not get a huge boost from even L tele lenses on an APS-C compared to 55-250 STM (i.e. comparing the closest 70-200 f4 L IS). In other words the gap in optical quality from an L tele lens and a 55-250 STM I would rate as smaller than the gap between a 55-250 STM and the other brand consumer teles.
I was pretty happy with Pentax in regards to being cheap, small and having WR, and like the primes but after shooting plenty of shots with its 50-200 WR and knowing what I have in my library years ago with the t3i and the 'older' 55-250's...I know what I would want if I wanted cheap small tele. The fact that Canon nailed the 55-250...*and* nails the cheap wide-angle zoom as well is great...they only need to nail DR next to seal the deal.
This lens is available for $129 right now at canon refurbished with one year warranty. I have had this lens for few months before upgrading to 70-200 f4 L lS. Highly recommend it.
-maadfw
QQsubs • Regular Member • Posts: 195
Re:
In reply to maadfw • Jan 20, 2016
maadfw wrote:This lens is available for $129 right now at canon refurbished with one year warranty. I have had this lens for few months before upgrading to 70-200 f4 L lS. Highly recommend it.-maadfw
Which adapter do you use it with? I presume you are using this on the A6000??
Sony RX100 II Sony Alpha NEX-F3 Sony a6000 Sony E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro +9 more
Re: Canon 55-250 STM using adapter vs Sony 55-210 native (
2
I don't have the 55-210, but love using the Canon 55-250. I use it with a fotodioX Pro adapter and AF doesn't work at all in that combination. So I stick to slow moving or still subjects. Here are a couple of examples.
A6000 w/Canon EF-S 55-250 STM
A6000 w/Canon EF-S 55-250 STM
A6000 w/Canon EF-S 55-250 STM
Sony a6500 Sony a6700 Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS +3 more
Shyamelge • Regular Member • Posts: 377
Re:
In reply to maadfw • Jan 20, 2016
>Your comments have encouraged me to seriously explore 55-250 stm even though it is not easily available in my country. If I get it into my hands, I would share my findings.This lens is available for $129 right now at canon refurbished with one year warranty. I have had this lens for few months before upgrading to 70-200 f4 L lS. Highly recommend it.
-maadfw
How big is the upgrade from 55-250 to 70-200 f4 in terms of optical quality?
kevindar • Veteran Member • Posts: 4,625
Re: Canon 55-250 STM using adapter
3
both the M version and STM version are sharper than the sony. the stm on comlite adapter on sony is manual focus for all practical reasons. the focus peaking worked well the couple of times I tried it, however, if shooting moving objects, its really not practical.
The AF of a6000 is far superior to the M.
all things considered, for moving objects, I would use sony with native lens.. the af is good, and the sharpness is good, though not as good as canons.
Canon EF 85mm F1.2L II USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Sony a7R II Sony a6300 +25 more
rjjr • Forum Pro • Posts: 14,769
Re:
Shyamelge wrote:Your comments have encouraged me to seriously explore 55-250 stm even though it is not easily available in my country. If I get it into my hands, I would share my findings.How big is the upgrade from 55-250 to 70-200 f4 in terms of optical quality?This lens is available for $129 right now at canon refurbished with one year warranty. I have had this lens for few months before upgrading to 70-200 f4 L lS. Highly recommend it.
-maadfw
According to the DXO comparisons I just checked for these lenses mounted on a 760D and 100D, if you use both at about 100-135 and f/8-11, they're pretty well matched but outside that range, the L lens is better. You should check out the DXO comparisons for yourself...
DXO comparison on 100D
DXO comparison on 760D
I select the Measurements tab then select Sharpness and then the Field map tab or the Profile tab and work through the aperture and focal length selections. I find the Profile tab gives me a better idea of how lens performed across the frame in their comparison.
OP 4everAnoob • Regular Member • Posts: 299
Re: Canon 55-250 STM using adapter
In reply to kevindar • Jan 20, 2016
That picture is really amazing, I've seen it before I think.
Still the 55-210 is not great value for money where I live. Also, I have the feeling an EVF would be nice to have with a tele lens but I have the A5100.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sony a5100
OP 4everAnoob • Regular Member • Posts: 299
Re: Canon 55-250 STM using adapter vs Sony 55-210 native (
Does AF normally work with that adapter? Is it lens specific?
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sony a5100
OP 4everAnoob • Regular Member • Posts: 299
Anyone tested a 55-250 STM + (Fotga) AF adapter on a A5100/A6000 ??
Please let us know the result...
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Sony a5100
Entropy512 • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,202
Re:
In reply to maadfw • Jan 20, 2016
1
This lens is available for $129 right now at canon refurbished with one year warranty. I have had this lens for few months before upgrading to 70-200 f4 L lS. Highly recommend it. -maadfw
Thanks for the pointer!
Surprised that the STM refurbs are actually cheaper than the IS II refurbs for the 55-250.
Either way - buying one now to test with Techart III.
Sony a6000 Pentax K-5 Pentax K-01 Sony a6300 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM +5 more
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum MMy threads
You may also like
Latest sample galleries
Latest in-depth reviews
The Aura Carver 10.1" HD Digital Frame is a great way to put your portfolio on display and a great way to surface forgotten memories. The colors are vibrant, and the build quality is solid, but the Carver isn't without a few quirks.
With a bigger battery and better video capabilities, the Fujifilm X-S20 could be the vlogging machine content creators have been waiting for.
The Sony a7CR is a high-resolution addition to the company's compact full-frame a7C series. So what did we make of it and where does it leave the a7 IV that it sits just above?
Lomography's LomoChrome '92 is designed to mimic the look of classic drugstore film that used to fill family photo albums. As we discovered, to shoot with it is to embrace the unexpected, from strange color shifts to odd textures and oversized grain.
The LowePro PhotoSport Outdoor is a camera pack for photographers who also need a well-designed daypack for hiking and other outdoor use. If that sounds like you, the PhotoSport Outdoor may be a great choice, but as with any hybrid product, there are a few tradeoffs.
Latest buying guides
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.