This Ultra-Affordable Canon Lens Is Surprisingly Good

Canon has released some awfully impressive mirrorless lenses, but with all that top-level performance often come high prices as well. That is why, at $349, the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is a breath of fresh air. How much performance and image quality can it offer at that low price? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect. 

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review takes a look at the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM lens. At $349, the 55-210mm is an intriguing lens for Canon RF-S users. The EF-S version of this lens was one of my first lenses, and I have to admit that I was shocked by how much better the RF-S version is. Of course, you should not expect image quality that competes with top-level, but the 55-210mm actually produces quite decent shots. Couple that with built-in image stabilization, good autofocus, and decent construction, and it is a winning option. Many might be put off by the narrow maximum apertures, but it is worth remembering that the high-ISO performance of modern bodies significantly mitigates the issue in a lot of situations. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost. 

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Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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2 Comments

The majority of Canons lenses are "mirrorless". They have some new patents for mirror lenses, so maybe we'll see something new soon. Otherwise they made a 500mm in the 80-ies; if I remember correctly.

There wasn't an EF-S 55-210 AFAIK. There was an EF-S 55-250 though.

However, this lens is likely more similar to the EF-M 55-200, which is also excellent.