With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range and a 3-stop Image Stabilizer, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM provides outstanding performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions.
High performance wide angle zoom
With an effective Focal length range of approximately 27-88mm (35 mm equivalent), the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a powerful lens that delivers remarkable image quality. The wide angle zoom allows you to capture more of every scene and add a new sense of space and perspective to your photography.
Fixed aperture
The large f/2.8 aperture provides excellent results in low light conditions. The aperture remains constant through the full focal length range, allowing you to zoom from approximately 27-88mm (35 mm equivalent) without slowing shutter speed.
Pleasing background Blur
A Circular aperture provides a pleasing background blur when shooting with a wide aperture; ideal for creating a sense of depth and isolating your subject from the background.
Image Stabilizer
The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM features Canon’s 3-stop Image Stabilizer (IS). Ideal for handheld work, IS allows use of shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower with no perceptible increase in image blur. IS helps with low light conditions, fast paced scenes and shooting from moving vehicles.
Fast, quiet auto focus
A ring USM (Ultrasonic motor) uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive responsive, near-silent high speed auto focus. Good holding torque stops the focusing lens group with precision without overshoot. Full time manual focus override is available without having to switch out of AF.
Super Spectra coatings
Optimised Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping suppress flare and ghosting - more prone to occur with digital cameras due to Reflection off the image sensor. Coatings also help achieve true colour balance and increase Contrast for vivid hi-fidelity images.
Passes Distance information to E-TTL II
The lens passes distance information back to the camera's E-TTL II flash system to ensure optimal flash metering in any shooting situation.
This month's Technical Report introduces the
EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM large aperture, high-performance standard zoom
lens specifically for the EOS DIGITAL cameras using an APS-C size
digital imaging element and the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM large aperture
medium telephoto L-series lens, both announced together with the EOS
30D.
Photo 1 EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Concept of development
The EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (Photo 1) is a large aperture,
high-performance standard zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8.
It was developed to bolster the lineup of dedicated interchangeable
lenses for EOS DIGITAL cameras using APS-C size digital imaging
elements (EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS Kiss Digital N and EOS Kiss
Digital as of May 2006).
The development concept is as follows:
Large aperture with maximum aperture of f/2.8
High image definition throughout the entire zoom range
Image stabilization equal to about three shutter speeds
Digital camera compatibility
Feature 1: Large aperture with maximum aperture of f/2.8
The optical system of the EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is designed to
provide a large aperture, high definition and image stabilization. The
optical design takes advantage of the smaller Image circle and shorter
back focus of EF-S lenses optimized for APS-C size digital imaging
elements, enabling a large f/2.8 maximum aperture while keeping the
optical system compact.
It has Inner focusing by the second lens group and parallel shift-lens
image stabilization by the twelfth and thirteenth lens groups (image
stabilizer lens group) (Fig. 1).
The focal length is equivalent to 27-88mm in full-frame 35mm format.
Fig. 1 EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Optical System
Feature 2: Ultrahigh image quality
The optical system of 19 elements in 12 groups uses three precision
aspherical lenses of two types, which helps minimize aberrations that
occur during zooming and focusing, enabling the large f/2.8 maximum
aperture and high definition throughout the entire zoom range.
Two UD lenses are used to minimize chromatic aberrations
throughout the zoom range, providing L-series excellent quality images
with both high Resolution and contrast throughout the zoom and focusing
ranges (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 MTF Characteristic Charts of EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Thick lines: 10
lines/mm; thin lines: 30 lines/mm. The darker black lines represent the
MTF characteristics at maximum aperture; the blue lines at f/8. The
solid lines trace the radial S (sagittal) curve, while the broken lines
trace the tangential M (meridional) curve.
Feature 3: Image stabilization of about three shutter speeds
Through the use of a dedicated high-performance compact image
stabilization (IS) unit (Photo 3), developed specifically for the
EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, and a vibration gyro for precise Camera shake
detection, it gives image stabilization equivalent to using a shutter
speed about three steps faster (Fig. 3).
Photo 3 EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM IS unit
Fig. 3 EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM camera-shake correction
The general rule for the slowest permissable shutter speed to avoid
camera shake is 1/focal length in seconds, or for the APS-C format,
1/(focal lengthx1.6) in seconds so the slowest acceptable shutter speed
for 17mm focal length is about 1/30 seconds. Using the image stablizer,
good images can be obtained at a rate of 90% or over even at 1/8sec.
Furthermore, the f/2.8 maximum aperture allows a fast shutter speed,
thus hand-held shooting is possible even in low light (Photo 4, 5).
Photo 4 Image stabilizer ON
Photo 5 Image stabilizer OFF
(Photo 4 and 5 taken with an EOS 30D at 17mm, 1/4sec)
The image stabilizer used in the EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM also has the following excellent features.
• The image stabilizer is activated within half a
second after pressing the shutter button halfway, allowing the user to
capture the decisive moment.
• The same image stabilizer effects can be attained when using a monopod as in hand-held shooting.
• There are no restrictions on using a tripod.
Feature 4: Lens Coating optimized for use with digital SLR cameras
The EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM optical design and coating optimized for
use with digital SLR cameras gives both good Color balance and
minimizes ghost and flare attributable to surface reflections from the
digital imaging element.
Feature 5: Superb operability Closest focusing distance of 0.35 meters
The 0.35 meter minimum focusing distance throughout the zoom range is
achieved by increasing the power of the focusing lens group. The
maximum magnification is 0.17x at 55mm (field of view: 88 x 131mm).
Circular aperture for attractive bokeh effects
Thanks to the EMD's (electromagnetic diaphragm) circular aperture, the lens provides attractive blur effects (bokeh).
Silent, high-speed AF
In addition to the silent ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) and inner
focusing, the high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithm contribute to
very fast autofocus.
Manual focusing enabled even in AF mode
The EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM has full-time mechanical manual focusing
that allows manual focus after one-shot AF operation without leaving AF
mode.
Switch design that prevents unintended switching
The focus mode switch and IS switch are designed to prevent unintended switching during shooting or when being carried.
Non-rotating filter ring
Since the filter does not rotate while zooming or focusing, circular PL (polarizing) filters are easy to use.
Use of the Canon 77mm PL-CII filter is recommended to prevent Vignetting.
Dedicated large scalloped hood with superb light blocking
The EW-83J, a large scalloped hood dedicated to the EF-S17-55mm f/2.8
IS USM, has superior antireflection flocking on the inner surface. It
is very effective in keeping unwanted light out of the lens (Photo 6).
Photo 6 EW-83J dedicated hood for EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Feature 6: Environmentally friendly design
The optical system contains only environmentally friendly lead-free glasses.
Effective from July 2006, EU (European Union) will restrict the use of
certain hazardous substances* in the electrical and electronic
equipment according to the ''EU's Restrictions on Hazardous Substances
(RoHS) Directive''.
The EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is already in compliance with Canon's own
standard covering the RoHS directives including those still being
finalized.
*Six substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, bromine
flame retardant PBB (polybrominated biphenyl), and PBDE (polybrominated
diphenyl ether).
Being an EF-S lens, the 17-55mm will only work on a EF-S compatible bodies like the 30D and 400D. The optical performance is very impressive.
(more in-depth review coming soon)
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I have borrowed a friends Where did you buy this item?: N/A Price paid: 0 When did you buy this item?: N/A
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Great Optics, well built Cons: Only fits canon EF-S bodies
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 105 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.4
Build Quality
4.2
AF Speed
4.2
Value for Money
4.2
Add new review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Best Walk Around Lense For Cropped Sensors, Thursday, 25 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Started with SLRs way back in the 70s when I was in the navy. My old Yashica checked out over 25 years ago and it was point and click until November 2007 when my wife and I broke down and finally bought a 40D. Since then we have rented L lenses, bought Canon primes and Sigma telephotos and ended up selling everything but a Canon 1.4 50 MM, the Canon 100MM macro and now this lens. We are set and I wish I had not wasted the time and money on all those other lenses. The 3 lenses I mentioned are sharp as a tack (though the 50MM lags behind the other two), sturdy enough for all but mountain climbers, and cover a range for anyone that has no interest in shooting birds at 100+ yards. The 100MM macro and this lens produce the best pictures of any of the lenses I've had on this body, including ALL the L lenses. I am not impressed by name/style/reputation. I only go by what I see, and the Canons 100MM macro and this 17-55 are the best.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
A great overall zoom, Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Pros: -Fast (for a zoom) f/2.8 Aperture -3-stop Image Stabilization -USM-based Autofocus with Full-time manual focusing means faster, quieter focusing that allows manual touchups without changing focus modes. -Very useful focal length range. -Relatively light for a f/2.8 zoom -UD glass elements = great sharpness -Build quality overall feels solid (read cons, however) - not worried about breaking this lens despite its plastic build.
Cons: -Large for the focal length range, and especially with the hood installed. Sigma and Tamron's alternatives are much more compact (but lack the HSM and IS modes). Feels a tad unbalanced on a Rebel series body because of this size. -Zoom ring not damped, and snaps into the 17mm position. Chances are this will loosen over time and result in zoom creep. With this type of zoom ring, it also results in a lack of smoothness overall in changing focal lengths. -Lack of appropriate dust-sealing means that dust can and often will enter the lens. I've owned this lens for around two weeks with a filter always installed, and there are one or two small specks within the front lens element. This must enter through the zoom ring. -Does not include Hood or Lens Pouch, since it is not designated "L" -Would have preferred the state of the art IS implementation (4-stop with panning mode) -EF-S only means this lens can not be used with all Canon EOS cameras (only Rebel and XXD series cameras currently apply). This was not a drawback for me as I have no plans to buy a full frame camera. - Lacks a zoom transport lock. - Small MF ring with oversized (and larger in diameter) zoom ring feels like it was designed for continuity with other EF-S zooms rather than utilitarian design (the 24-105 and 24-70 L feel much more well sorted in this regard). The MF ring also has a fairly short travel. - Canon's side-button caps are much harder to use than Tamron or Nikon style center-pinch caps when you are using a lens with a hood. Every time I purchase a new canon lens I automatically have to purchase a pinch cap. - Canon 1 year warranty begs to be improved. Sigma and Tokina have a 3-year, Nikon a 5-year, and Tamron a 6-year warranty. Considering this lens is in a price bracket above Sigma and Tamron's alternatives, and that Canon is competing directly with Nikon, you would think they would want to offer a longer service warranty to compete. I would recommend purchasing supplemental insurance for a lens this price (Mack seems to have a good offering - you can purchase one with accidental coverage)
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
The best lens for Canon Rebel and 10D -50D, but bu, Friday, 19 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Many users in internet complaint about the price and comparing this lens to Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras. It is understandable. This lens is not perfect. it is not L quality means that the construction is not the highest possible quality. The zoom bar is not smooth at 17-35mm. Some people argued that it is purposely done so to prevent lens creep. But I prefer smooth zoom better. Overall The lens build quality is above average. At a glance it looks like 17-85mm or 28-135mm kit lens. But it is slightly better of the popular 40D kit lens. The difference is, the lens is surprisingly longer and heavier. It also has texture on the body.
Quality of image is top notch, very sharp at most focal length, especially f/4. The IS works miraculously. This lens is one of the best in low light. However, it is a slightly soft wide open at f/2.8, and at wide open, the AF won't be accurate all the time.
Although the lens hood is not included (it is $44 sold separately) I will say it is a good investment due to the image quality (sharp on edge, nice 'bokeh' or Depth of field blur). Please visit my blog at radiantlite.com for more reviews.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
It should be an "L" series, Wednesday, 03 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I know it's expensive, $960 with rebate, but this lens is great for landscapes as well as candid photos of the grandchildren. With the f/2.8 aperture I can get early morning photos without the blur. Great sharpness!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
So far works as advertized, Monday, 25 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Like so many people, I bought this to replace my kit lens. In my case that's the 18-55mm IS associated with the XSI. The main issue I had with that lens was the variable (and small) aperature. I wanted constant 2.8 without sacrificing zoom or IS. That's what you get here.
1. Optical quality. So far, it seems unambiguously better than the 18-55. No surprises there. I don't see any issues with aberrations, though I seldom take photos fully wide open and that's where people tend to see them.
2. Performance. It zooms quickly and quietly and it has full time manual, so you can tweak the zoom after it has zoomed. It's really nice that the focus ring doesn't twist when it focuses. You can keep your hand on it without worrying about interfering with the focusing. It's an excellent design.
3. Weight. It's heavy. There's a huge difference between this and the kit lens. If I were to go on a long walk with my camera, I'd take the kit lens for weight reasons. Besides, outdoors the advantages of this lens are much less. Also this is an expensive lens so I'd never take it somewhere where it might get hurt.
4. Design. The front lens is really close to the front, so watch out for fingerprints. I use a lens hood and it keeps stuff away from the glass. It also cuts down on the ghosting, which apparently this lens is prone to although I haven't experienced it. Like I mentioned, I really just use this lens indoors. The construction has been critisized, but it feels pretty solid to me. It's not metal, but it's heavy, hard plastic. I have used L lenses before and unless you are coming under gun fire I see no need for the metal construction. People have complained of dust inside the lens. I have been using mine frequently for a month or so and I don't have any dust in there at all. That's not much time, so we'll see. The zoom ring is very large. It practically begs you to use the zoom instead of walking back and forth. And the constant F2.8 helps encourage that. Why physically move when you can zoom without losing aperature?
5. Aperature. I think 2.8 is a great aperature for indoors. It's not so wide that the field of view is so narrow that people's noses are out of focus if their eyes are in. It's wide enough that you get a pleasant bokeh and take pictures in pretty low light. It's an excellent width for indoor shots of your kids and stuff. That's what I use it for. When I want crazy bokeh I use my F1.8 prime, which works well for that. That doesn't happen much, though. The difference between F2.8 and what you'd be using in the kit lens is very noticeable. Totally a good thing.
6. Accessories. I don't use any filters, but this lens really deserves a hood. I can't abide the prices canon charges for their hood here, but on ebay you can get a knockoff shipped from Hong Kong for like 1/6 the price. I did, and it's a really sturdy, well-fitting, excellent hood.
7. Image stabilization. I'm in the camp that thinks IS is really important. Shaky hands and all that. The IS doesn't make any noise and it doesn't noticeably drain the battery, so I have it on almost all the time. I haven't really tested it thoroughly to see how well it works, but I assume it works about as well as other lens based IS systems. If so, it works well.
So far this lens has lived up to my expectations. The USM is nicer than I expected and everything else is pretty much what people say. It's a great lens. Overpriced, yes, but it's a real winner. As long as you remember it's just a lens and it can't change the quality of your composition and lighting, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.
By the way, if you want something that will magically make your photos way better, get the Canon 430ex II or 580ex II external flash and bounce it, along with a DIY or Fong diffuser. That makes a huge difference. By the way the external flash is kind of necessary with this lens because it sticks out farther, so if you use the onboard lens you will get a shadow in the picture from it, especially if you are using the lens hood. Not a problem with the bounced external flash. If I had to give up this lens or my flash, I'd give up the lens.
Get both, though. You won't be disappointed.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
I want my red ring..., Sunday, 24 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is an excellent lens, it should have a couple things...
1. A red ring, it is a "L" lens no matter what people say... 2. A lens hood 3. A camera pouch
Canon should just get over themselves and include these things to a excellent lens.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens, Sunday, 10 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I am very pleased with this lens. Last week I took approx. 700 pictures on a trip to Iran, mainly using this lense. The IS, together with the f/2.8 makes it a very good indoor lens. I some of the museums you are not allowed to use flash; this lens is solving that problem.
I believa that the softness I expire in the photos is because of my D40 camerahouse, not the lens.
What I am missing: - the weather-proofing you get on the L-series - the Lens Hood should be a part of the (expensive) lens - A pouch should be a part of the (expensive) lens
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Perfect Lens for a 1.6 crop., Saturday, 25 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I purchased the 17-55mm about a month ago, and was very happy with the quality of images the lens produced. I like night photography and the f/2.8 helped alot, even when shooting without using a tripod. There are alot of good things to say about this lens, i know alot of people are in love with it, maybe because it's one of few lenses that Canon produce for the 1.6 crop cameras? Well on day 2 of having the lens, i was shooting outdoor and noticed a few dust particals behind the front glass. It was not fun to see dust from the 2nd day of getting the lens, specially after paying that amount of cash. I kept using the lens for almost 3 weeks, and everytime i shoot outdoor i noticed more and more DUST particals in my lens. So i decided to return the lens for a full refund. Amazon did the refund very fast, it just took like 2-3 days to get the money back. Thanks Amazon for a great and honest support. Well after getting the money back, i placed an order for 2 other lenses from Amazon. EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and EF 50mm f1.4 USM. I just could not stand the dust issue, and i have read that they won't effect the image quality or the foucs. I also have freinds that have been usig this lens for a while now, without having the DUST issue. I guess i was not lucky.
Regards,
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Perfect Lens for a 1.6 crop., Saturday, 25 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I purchased the 17-55mm about a month ago, and was very happy with the quality of images the lens produced. I like night photography and the f/2.8 helped alot, even when shooting without using a tripod. There are alot of good things to say about this lens, i know alot of people are in love with it, maybe because it's one of few lenses that Canon produce for the 1.6 crop cameras? Well on day 2 of having the lens, i was shooting outdoor and noticed a few dust particals behind the front glass. It was not fun to see dust from the 2nd day of getting the lens, specially after paying that amount of cash. I kept using the lens for almost 3 weeks, and everytime i shoot outdoor i noticed more and more DUST particals in my lens. So i decided to return the lens for a full refund. Amazon did the refund very fast, it just took like 2-3 days to get the money back. Thanks Amazon for a great and honest support. Well after getting the money back, i placed an order for 2 other lenses from Amazon. EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and EF 50mm f1.4 USM. I just could not stand the dust issue, and i have read that they won't effect the image quality or the foucs. I also have friends that have been using this lens for a while now, without having the DUST issue. I guess i was not lucky.
Regards,
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Best overall lens for the 1.6 crop factor body, Monday, 20 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is THE best overall lens made for the Canon 1.6 crop factor bodies like the 20d, 30d, 40d, 50d!
When I first received my lens and camera body, nothing was in focus. I sent it all back to Canon and within a week I had it back with the ability to take amazing pictures! The lens is great in low light because of the large aperture and the image stabilizer. No other lens in the Canon line has these two aspects in one lens, that includes the pro lenses.
I've used this lens and the 24-70mm, because of the stabilizer, this lens is sharper. It's expensive but you will not get better results with any other lens.
I've now upgraded to the 5dmark2 and I really, really miss this lens.
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0 of 3 people found the following review helpful
slightly dis appointed, Monday, 06 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
1.5
Sharpness
2.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
2.0
After reading some very good reviews of this lens, I was very diaappointed to see dust inside the lens, including a fairly large spot, within days after getting it. The distortion around the edge was quite noticeable. With a lens costing this much and comparison to "L" lens, I never expected this. Canon needs to improve its quality control. I, too, believe that a lens hood should have been included at this price.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Absolutely great on a crop body, Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I got this lens with my EOS 50D instead of the kit lens. It is a fine lens and, if you have a crop (non-full frame) sensor like a 50D or 40D or Rebel XSi, it is the best choice in this focus range. It is a lot lighter than the 24-70 L lens and does the same job. I bought the Canon lens hood to go with it and also keep a B+W multicoated uv filter on the front. If you are considering the 24-70 L and have a 50D body or similar then you should probably go with this lens, the 17-55/2.8. I have heard of photographers who use it and put the 24-70 L away, mainly becuase the 17-55 is lighter, has image stabilization, and takes excellent pictures. Do get the lens hood also. The lens hood prevents flare (extraneous light) which can happen particularly with wide-angle lenses. A lens hood also provides physical protection for the lens. A uv filter removes atomspheric haze and also protects the front of the lens. Don't use a cheap filter- use the multicoated ones and name brands like B+W, Heliopan, etc. Some people don't use a uv filter- it's one of those eternal debates in photography.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Absolutely great on a crop body, Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I got this lens with my EOS 50D instead of the kit lens. It is a fine lens and, if you have a crop (non-full frame sensor) like a 50D or 40D or Rebel XSi, it is the best choice in this focus range. It is a lot lighter than the 24-70 L lens and does the same job. I bought the Canon lens hood to go with it and also keep a B+W multicoated uv filter on the front. If you are considering the 24-70 L and have a 50D body or similar then you should probably go with this lens, the 17-55/2.8. I have heard of photographers who use it and put the 24-70 L away, mainly becuase the 17-55 is lighter, has image stabilization, and takes excellent pictures.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Absolutely great on a crop body, Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I got this lens with my EOS 50D instead of the kit lens. It is a fine lens and, if you have a crop (non-full frame) sensor like a 50D or 40D or Rebel XSi, it is the best choice in this focus range. It is a lot lighter than the 24-70 L lens and does the same job. I bought the Canon lens hood to go with it and also keep a B+W multicoated uv filter on the front. If you are considering the 24-70 L and have a 50D body or similar then you should probably go with this lens, the 17-55/2.8. I have heard of photographers who use it and put the 24-70 L away, mainly becuase the 17-55 is lighter, has image stabilization, and takes excellent pictures.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Absolutely great on a crop body, Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I got this lens with my EOS 50D instead of the kit lens. It is a fine lens and, if you have a crop (non-full frame) sensor like a 50D or 40D or Rebel XSi, it is the best choice in this focus range. It is a lot lighter than the 24-70 L lens and does the same job. I bought the Canon lens hood to go with it and also keep a B+W multicoated uv filter on the front. If you are considering the 24-70 L and have a 50D body or similar then you should probably go with this lens, the 17-55/2.8. I have heard of photographers who use it and put the 24-70 L away, mainly becuase the 17-55 is lighter, has image stabilization, and takes excellent pictures. Do get the lens hood also. The lens hood prevents flare (extraneous light) which can happen particularly with wide-angle lenses. A lens hood also provides physical protection for the lens. A uv filter removes atomspheric haze and also protects the front of the lens. Don't use a cheap filter- use the multicoated ones and name brands like B+W, Heliopan, etc. Some people don't use a uv filter- it's one of those eternal debates in photograhy.
