Canon 55-250 IS ii OR STM - NOT shooting video

I am in the market for a zoom lens. I use my Sigma 17-50 for most everything but there are occasions when I wish I had a 55-250 or 70-300. I would just like to be able to cover that range when I need/want to. I was thinking the 55-250 bc it basically picks up where my Sigma left off. I will not be shooting video but heard there are still differences between the Canon 55-250 IS ii and STM when it comes to photos. IQ, AF, etc.

Since I will not be using it a ton, I don't want to go with anything more than $300-$350. So, my question(s) is: Should I go with the Canon 55-250 IS ii or STM? Is it worth it to go with the STM if I am not shooting video? Are the differences even noticeable? Explanations of your votes would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

STM is significantly sharper than the ii, definitely the STM.

raptor3x wrote in post #17095572
STM is significantly sharper than the ii, definitely the STM.

That's what i've been hearing. I was just hoping someone could talk me into the ii...lol
I can find the ii used at a decent price but not so much with the STM. I don't buy anything new.

BlakeC wrote in post #17095609
That's what i've been hearing. I was just hoping someone could talk me into the ii...lol
I can find the ii used at a decent price but not so much with the STM. I don't buy anything new.

Brand new it's just $50 price difference. Come on man, even brand new the 55-250 STM is dirt cheap @ $349

raptor3x wrote in post #17095572
STM is significantly sharper than the ii, definitely the STM.

I suppose it depends on the definition of "significantly sharper" and what review site

http://www.photozone.d​e/
"The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is an obvious choice for those on a budget. It can deliver high quality results with only a few compromises. Despite the new optical design, the differences are fairly marginal compared to the initial EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

Another advantage of the 55-250 STM is internal focusing. This isn't a big deal if you never use a circular polarizer but we often do. If you do, you can set the CPL for best use and it won't change when you focus unless you move your camera to another position. With the previous models, the barrel rotates when the lens focuses.

Canon Direct has refurbished 55-250 STM lenses for $237.99 at the moment (15% off sale), though they are currently out of stock. You could keep an eye on the site if that price interests you. Amazon has a few used ones available at the moment as well.

Hermelin wrote in post #17095623
Brand new it's just $50 price difference. Come on man, even brand new the 55-250 STM is dirt cheap @ $349

Lol i know! I have a wife to deal w tho!
I can only buy camera gear w money that my camera has already earned. I already bought one lens this month too!

I found the STM on sale new for $268 though. Prly gonna grab it. I have the last one on hold!

if you can get the STM for ~270 grab it !
if you missed it than the MK II is pretty sharp - plenty are sold as "white box" or refurb at great prices.
i have one and i also have the 70-300L (best in class optics) - and i find myself taking the 55-250 many time for weight reasons
Do note that its is a slow lens (slow both in terms of min. aperture and AF speed)
you will enjoy it either way

omer wrote in post #17095703
slow both in terms of min. aperture and AF speed

are you referring to the AF speed of the ii or STM?

Ok, just ordered the STM for $268. Should be here early next week! Feels like an impulse buy but I DO need to cover that focal range and have NEEDED to but couldn't. Prly just feels like an impulse buy bc I had to jump on the deal. Also, could always resell it and break even!

Thanks for the input!

Any advice on the lens now that I have it coming?

watt100 wrote in post #17095628
I suppose it depends on the definition of "significantly sharper" and what review site

http://www.photozone.d​e/
"The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is an obvious choice for those on a budget. It can deliver high quality results with only a few compromises. Despite the new optical design, the differences are fairly marginal compared to the initial EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

TDP saw completely different results, at least at the long end.

Congrats on your new toy
You will like it alot
By the way for af speed i ment the mk2
The stm should be better

I have one STM lens and I love it but I never use the AF feature for video, even though I have a body that can use it.

I know you just purchased, but the Tamron 70-300 VC is an awesome lens.

BlakeC wrote in post #17095659
Lol i know! I have a wife to deal w tho!
I can only buy camera gear w money that my camera has already earned. I already bought one lens this month too!!

That is harsh! I guess this is why me and my wife don't have a shared economy