Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras

Jan 26

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras

Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B000EW8074
Manufacturer: Canon
Release Date: 2006-03-31
Average Customer Review: (From 86 total reviews)
List Price: ~~$1,700.00~~
Amazon Price: Too low to display (32 new available)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours (Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping)

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon web site at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.

Features

17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon DSLR cameras
AD and aspherical elements deliver impressive image quality through entire zoom range
Image Stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for image shake even in dim lighting
Large circular aperture produces shallow depth of field; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
Measures 3.3 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long; weighs 22.8 ounces; 1-year warranty

Accessories

Editorial Reviews

Product Description:
To meet user demands for a fast EF-S zoom lens, Canon has specially designed a new lens with a large aperture of f/2.8 for select Canon Digital SLR cameras. The large circular aperture produces a shallow depth-of-field, creating background blur that draws attention to the photographic subject. The lens construction includes UD and aspherical elements, which deliver impressive image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Image Stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for camera movement so that the image appears steady on the image plane, ensuring clear, crisp images, even in dim light. With a Ring-type USM, inner focusing and new AF algorithms, this lens achieves autofocus quickly and quietly, and with full-time mechanical manual focusing, manually adjusting the focus is possible even in AF mode.

Amazon.com Product Description:
Designed to meet consumer demands for a fast EF-S zoom lens, the EF-S 17-55mm offers image quality on par with Canon’s highly regarded L-series lenses. The lens features a large circular aperture that produces a shallow depth of field, creating background blur that draws special attention to the photographic subject. The lens construction, meanwhile, includes UD and aspherical elements that deliver impressive image quality throughout the entire zoom range. And thanks to the Image Stabilizer lens groups–which shift to compensate for camera shake–the image appears crisp and clear on the image plane, eve in dim light. Finally, the lens offers a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM), inner focusing, and new AF algorithms to help achieve autofocus quickly and quietly, along with full-time mechanical manual focusing that makes it possible to manually adjust the focus even in AF mode. As with all Canon lenses, this lens carries a one-year warranty.

Focal length: 17-55mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Lens construction: 19 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal angle of view: 78 degrees (at 30 feet) to 27 degrees (at 50 feet)
Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual
Closest focusing distance: 1.15 feet
Zoom system: 5-group helical zoom (front group moves 27mm)
Filter size: 77mm
Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter, 4.4 inches long
Weight: 22.8 ounces

Customer Reviews

Almost, but not L quality images by E. Vest
The best part of this lens is that it is stabilized and f/2.8. I can take had held shots at weddings regardless of the lighting.

The downside is that it is not nearly as sharp or high quality as a L lens. It sucks a lot of dust inside which doesn’t affect the pictures but could eventually be a mechanical issue. It is not sharp until around f/8 and does not handle contrast or vivid colors as well as L glass.

I would recommend buying this if you need to take hand held shots with a zoom, in low light. Otherwise buy a L or a couple primes.

Nice lens by ShutterNut

Only had the lens a short time but so far, picture quality is awesome!!!

So far LOVING it!!!!!

My only complaint and one which I wrote to Amazon about is their lack of proper packaging. This is my second lens purchase with Amazon, both costing close to $1,000 each and both items came in a box twice the size of the item with 1 small balloon packing that did absolutely nothing to protect the item. Based on this I will consider buying items such as this else where unless Amazon responds to my letter stating they will change this practice!

I would give this lens 5-star if price is a tad lower… more below by W. Lam
To do this lens justification, images produce by this lens are EXCELLENT. I have a Canon 40D camera, and I also have Canon 10-22mm, 27-70mm f/2.8L, this lens, and 70-200mm f/4 IS.

After I got this lens, the first thing I did was to immediately compare it with my 24-70mm lens. This lens clearly beat my 24-70mm in resolution. With its excellent IS, I was also able to take images in very dark environment. So far, all the test pictures I took are all crisp and clear. It is also a LOT lighter than the 24-70mm lens. I really like this lens and I can see myself using this lens more than my 24-70mm.

I don’t like the following:

1. Pricey. At almost $900, it doesn’t come with a lens hood. WHAT?

2. It does get dusty. I try very hard to avoid having dust get into this lens by blowing air against the barrel occasionally. I still see tiny specs of dust getting into it. I can see this situation getting worse.

One thing I also like to mention is that pictures produce by my 24-70mm lens tend to be slightly warmer (saturated) in color than those produce by my 17-55mm lens. The difference is very minor and may not be noticeable until you pay very close attention.

The 1 star it lost has to do with its price (I would feel better if it comes with a lens hood) and susceptibility to allow dust in. But overall, I like this lens a lot.

Too dusty by Wako Niko
I purchased this lens along with a 40D a few weeks ago. Let me be clear: Image quality is as good as it gets, and the combination of a very useful focal range (with small sensor cameras such as the xxxD and xxD), a wide aperture, and image stabilization makes this lens one of the most interesting in Canon’s lineup, including the L lenses. I actually bought it over the slightly more expensive 24-70 L because of the added benefit of IS in low-light situations.

However, the bad construction of the lens is a huge deal-breaker considering the dust issues I have with it. Dust keeps coming and coming and coming from who knows where. At this point I have over 50 dust specs on at least the first 3 front elements. And again, I’ve had it for a few weeks only. I’m sure Canon would probably tell me that I got a bad unit and I should have it replaced, but from my readings online, there are huge holes behind the little plastic ring that covers the edge of the front element with no sealing whatsoever, and all units are impacted. And I’m guessing that since I have a filter in place from the start and the dust keeps coming anyway, there must be other gaps elsewhere.

I suggest you just buy the 24-70 L and be done with it.

UPDATE: I ended up returning the lens to Amazon and got a full unconditional refund. I have to say, the customer support is top-notch! I’ve never seen anything like that including B&M. Thank you Amazon!

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