Canon's budget full-frame telephoto zoom — the EF 55-200mm with USM motor.
The Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM is a compact budget telephoto zoom for Canon EOS full-frame and APS-C bodies. Covering 55-200mm on full frame or 88-320mm equivalent on APS-C, it offers affordable telephoto reach with the advantage of Canon's USM ring-type autofocus motor for fast, quiet focus acquisition with full-time manual override.
Optical performance is basic but functional. Centre sharpness is acceptable throughout the range, with the usual softening at longer focal lengths. The USM motor is the standout feature — it provides significantly faster and quieter AF than the micro-motor lenses at this price point. No image stabilisation limits handheld use at longer focal lengths.
Canon EF mount, full-frame coverage. Filter thread is 52mm — compact for a 200mm lens. Weight is approximately 310 grams — very light. Build quality is basic plastic. The Mark II designation indicates minor updates from the original. No IS and no weather sealing. The compact 52mm filter thread and light weight make it easy to carry.
Very affordable on the used market. Check for smooth USM motor operation and clean optics. The lack of IS is the main limitation. The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is the better choice for APS-C users who want stabilisation, while the EF 70-300mm IS USM is the full-frame upgrade path.