Question 1

Is this a "macro" lens? I needed a lens for microscopic detail.

Accepted Answer

No. This lens has a magnification factor of .31. True macro lenses have a magnification of 1X (meaning the object is actual size on the surface of the sensor) or more. I'm not sure how small your intended subjects are but a macro lens might not be powerful enough to reveal truly microscopic details, i.e., great for insects, not so helpful for cellular structure.

Question 2

Any advice on what lens to buy to take shots across soccer field?

Accepted Answer

I know this is an older question, but I see a lot of similar questions and want to put some info here for everyone to see.

Sports like soccer, baseball/softball, or really any outdoor sport played in decent light can take advantage of lenses like this.  The limits of the aperture make it more challenging for indoor sports like basketball and volleyball.  But for soccer, you really can't do better than this lens for its price.  There is also the 75-300mm lens that sometimes gets bundled with cameras, but I really think this lens is better in almost all ways.  Better image quality, better focusing, and also has IS.  On a crop sensor camera, both will have plenty of range for soccer.  I actually have used a 55-250mm for soccer, and it did fine.  Plenty of reach, and plenty good photos.  Will it be professional quality?  Well, no, but it is pretty good for what you will pay.

There is also an updated version of the 55-250mm, the IS STM version.  It has some nice upgrades, but is over twice the price new.  You can find them on ebay or refurbished for about 150 USD, so if that is ok with you, then I would recommend it.  It's probably the best telephoto for less than 1000 USD.

If you would like some more info about the 55-250mm lens, you should check out my review on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use it, and also has suggestions for other lenses that might be better for you.  There are also sample images, and it is the #1 review on amazon for this lens.  Here is a link to the review.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1QA3NW3157QWO?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Question 3

Will this work on the 80d?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it will, your camera can use all EF and EF-S lenses.  There is a newer version though, the EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM.  There are some fairly important updates to the STM version; here is a list of the most important ones…

1.	STM v Micro motor focus – The IS ii has an out of date focusing system, which is slow, noisy, and seeks for focus too much, especially zoomed out.  The STM focus is faster, smoother, and nearly silent.  It also supports continuous focus in movie mode, but only the t4i and newer models.  The barrel extends during focusing too, and the IS ii is a bit wobbly fully extended, and the STM is much sturdier.
2.	Rear Focusing – the IS ii version has a front element that rotates during focus, a problem if you are trying to use any kind of filter that needs to be positioned in a specific way.  This makes it challenging to use a circular polarizer and graduated ND filters.  The STM version uses rear focusing, and the front element does not rotate, which eliminates this issue.  
3.	Improved Optics – There is a noticeable difference in image quality from the IS ii and the STM version.  The STM is sharper at all ranges of the zoom.

All this does come at a cost, an increase in cost to be exact.  The IS ii can be had for a little more than 100 USD right now, and the STM is 300 new.  If you already have the IS ii and have no intention of getting a higher quality lens (like the EF 70-200mm F2.8L), then it might not be a bad idea to get the STM version.  If you don’t have either, then it is no contest, get the STM, as it is possibly the best telephoto for under a grand.

If you would like more info about the 55-250mm lens, you should check out the review I have on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use the lens, and even has suggestions for lenses that might work better for you if you have the budget for them.  There are also sample images taken with the lens.  Here is a link to the review.    https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1QA3NW3157QWO?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Question 4

Will this fit on the 70d?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It will. This lens fits all the Canon bodies which has white square marked on lens adapter side.

ASIN	B0011NVMO8
Best Sellers Rank	#369 in SLR Camera Lenses
Brand	Canon
Built-In Media	Lens
Camera Lens	Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 is EF-S Lens
Color	black
Compatible Camera Mount	Canon EF-S
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,474)
Exposure Control Type	Automatic
Focal Length Description	55-250
Focus Type	Micromotor
Global Trade Identification Number	00013803079371
Image stabilization	4 stops
Item Part Number	5123B005
Item Weight	390 g
Lens	Telephoto
Lens Coating Description	Multicoated
Lens Design	Zoom
Lens Mount	Canon EF-S
Light Sensitivity	100-6400
Manufacturer	Canon Cameras US
Manufacturer Part Number	2044B002
Maximum Aperture	5.6 f_stop
Maximum Focal Length	25 centimeters
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/15
Media Type	ProductImage
Minimum Aperture	32 f_stop
Minimum Focal Length	5.5 centimeters
Model Name	2044B005AA
Model Number	2044B002
Model Series	EF-S
Number of Diaphragm Blades	7
Number of Items	1
Photo Filter Size	5.8 centimeters
Real Angle Of View	27 degrees
Screen Size	1 inches
UPC	206977379051 013803079371 031961400011
Unit Count	1 Count
Viewfinder Type	Optical viewfinder
Warranty Description	1 year limited
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	4.5:1

EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 is II Telephoto Zoom Lens

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