Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.4 x 4.2 inches ; 11.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000CCW64
• Item model number: 8808A002
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Canon 55-200mm Ef/4.5-5.6 Ii Us

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You get what you pay for ..., June 12, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This is a re-tread of Canon's APS 55-200 lens. It complements the 18-55 that comes with the Digital Rebel, but doesn't really have much else going for it. So-so image quality, and cheap plastic/poor quality construction. In general, a wobbly lens is NOT a good thing!

If you're looking for something in this price range, I would recommend the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM. For about the same money, you get ring USM, better image quality, and solid construction.

If really need the longer focal length, spend the extra money for a 75-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM which has image stabilization and comparable image and build quality to the 28-105. Or invest in a 70-200 f/4 L, which while pricey, is a vastly superior lens that will last a lifetime, and hold its resale value.

50 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for the price, but not stunning, March 2, 2004

By 

Simon St.Laurent (Dryden, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I bought this lens to complement the 18-55mm that came with my Digital Rebel, giving me a complete range from 18-200mm. Given that the Rebel effectively makes all lenses more telephoto (multiply by 1.6 for 35mm equivalent), and that I like to shoot in the range near 55mm, this lens seemed like a better idea than the more readily available 75-300mm lenses.

Its build quality feels a lot like that of the 18-55mm, a little wobbly but nothing that interferes with using it. Autofocus seems a bit slow sometimes, but that may also just be the smaller aperture (and less light), especially at the telephoto end. My only real complaint is that the lens has some softness to it, especially past 135, even when I use a small aperture and mount it on a tripod.

For the price, though, it's excellent, and should hold me for the years it'll take to save up for L-series glass.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get what you pay for... in a good way, April 7, 2008

By 

J. Mannion "Jake" (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Electronics)

You can't drop $200 and change on an entry level telephoto and expect it to be the most stunning piece of equipment you've ever laid eyes on. In that regard, I think the 55-200 does remarkably well. A bit of a learning curve involved, as it's not the fastest lens in the land.

It performs very well for sporting events, especially in the day. Nighttime sports are a cinch to shoot as long as the field/stadium lights are above average.

I love it to bits, I wouldn't travel anywhere without it in my camera bag (at least until I put aside enough coin for a real heavy-hitter telephoto). :)