Buy EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II now or wait until September?

[CustomizedMacs]

I am going to get the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II. I am not sure if I should just get it now or wait until September to see if an update comes in the mean time. Any suggestions?

[neuroanatomist]

No need to wait, I'd not expect an update.  The last 'update' wasn't really one, either - same lens optically, just some cosmetic changes to make production a little cheaper for Canon, and addition of an automatic panning detection algorithm for the IS system.

[CustomizedMacs]

No need to wait, I'd not expect an update.  The last 'update' wasn't really one, either - same lens optically, just some cosmetic changes to make production a little cheaper for Canon, and addition of an automatic panning detection algorithm for the IS system.

Can you tell me which petal hood to get?

[Mt Spokane Photography]

If you are in the USA, get a refurb now while they are on sale.
http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_323780_-1
 
Sometimes you can find a used one for under $200.  Most of the time, used ones are unused or very seldom used.  There are not a lot of users who use them frequently, they are just something that came with their camera.

[CustomizedMacs]

On ebay, you can get one for about $160.

[neuroanatomist]

Can you tell me which petal hood to get?

It doesn't take a petal hood, those are generally for wide angle lenses.  The compatible hood is the ET-60.

[Hesbehindyou]

I am going to get the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II. I am not sure if I should just get it now or wait until September to see if an update comes in the mean time. Any suggestions?

Get it now. It's as cheap as it'll be and it's already had a recent update (mainly cosmetic, a few changes to construction that don't affect IQ).

[CustomizedMacs]

I just read in this article that the old version is better: http://lenstests.com/reviews/canon-ef-s-55-250mm-f4-5.6-is-ii-page-3

What do I do? Get the old one or new one?

[preppyak]

I just read in this article that the old version is better: http://lenstests.com/reviews/canon-ef-s-55-250mm-f4-5.6-is-ii-page-3

What do I do? Get the old one or new one?

That's now how it reads to me...it says the old one might be a little better optically (though that is likely sample variation), but that mechanically the new one is better (tighter zoom ring, etc).

As others have said, the 55-250 comes up in deals in the $150-175 range from time to time, so I'd wait for one of those. If not that, then it gets sold off "used" (but really new in box) when people buy kits but don't want it; and you can usually get it for $150 then too.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I just read in this article that the old version is better: http://lenstests.com/reviews/canon-ef-s-55-250mm-f4-5.6-is-ii-page-3

What do I do? Get the old one or new one?

That's now how it reads to me...it says the old one might be a little better optically (though that is likely sample variation), but that mechanically the new one is better (tighter zoom ring, etc).

As others have said, the 55-250 comes up in deals in the $150-175 range from time to time, so I'd wait for one of those. If not that, then it gets sold off "used" (but really new in box) when people buy kits but don't want it; and you can usually get it for $150 then too.

 
If you decide on one, and are not in a hurry, and are capable of testing it, you can look for a deal on craigslist.  They usually ask $200-250 for them, rarely $175, and once every year or two for $150.
 
 
 
 
 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I just read in this article that the old version is better: http://lenstests.com/reviews/canon-ef-s-55-250mm-f4-5.6-is-ii-page-3

What do I do? Get the old one or new one?

 
The lenses are said to be identical except for some cheaper plastic parts in the newer one.  I'd get either one, depending on the condition and operation.
 
Even a expert cannot determine which is sharper when looking at both, it takes careful and extensive testing of many samples, since just one individual lens can vary from another by a large amount.  Don't read just one review, particularly if they only tested one lens.
By getting a new or refurb with Return rights, you can spend some time testing the lens and return it if its not what you expected.  Thats worth something, sending the lens on a trip to Canon will likely cost $100 or more.

[CustomizedMacs]

I just ordered a new one from eBay for $169.99. Now, I need a petal hood. Which is the best? I have a T3i with a 18-55mm.

[unfocused]

I owned this lens ("loaned" it to my daughter, so I suppose I still own it technically, but I will never see it again). It's one of Canon's best bargains. It's very sharp and has IS.

Maybe it's just me, but on a lens this cheap, I would pay the small premium to buy new from an authorized dealer rather than risk buying used. Particularly because it isn't the most robust lens in the world and you just never know what kind of abuse a used lens has been subjected to.

[bseitz234]

Why do you want a petal hood? Just get the ET-60 that's designed for it...

The EW-63II might fit, it's designed for the 28 f/1.8 (among others) which shares the 58mm filter threads, so it should be close in size. Won't be as useful, since it's not really deep enough though. That's probably the closest you'll get... or just take the ET-60 and cut it to a petal shape if it's that important.

[jeff92k7]

You don't want a petal hood for that lens.  The front element rotates (along with any attached lens hood), so every time you change focus, you would have to adjust your lens hood.  Get the lens hood that is designed for it as has already been mentioned more than once.