Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
by Canon
List Price:
Our Price: $1,049.00
You Save: $721.00 (38%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $890.00 (click here)
Category: Digital Camera
See more digital camera details and other models
Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: CanonFormat: CD
Release Date: 2006-03-31
Model: 1242B002
Color: black
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
- 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
- Nissin Di622 Speedlight for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, Guide number 145
- Dolica CF9-ND77 77mm 0.9ND 8X Neutral Density Filter
- AmazonBasics Lens Pen Cleaning System
- AmazonBasics Universal Camera Case for Digital Cameras HF (Black)
Digital camera reviews of Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: *The* Walkabout Lens
Summary: 4 Stars
Considering that my camera came with a lens that has almost the same focal length (my kit lens is the EFS 18-55 3.5-5.6 IS), I was wondering if this lens was really worth the shocking price.
It took all of one afternoon to convince me just how much better this lens is. I still think that the lens is on the pricey side, but performance wise this is an L lens. Images are stunningly sharp, and colors are fantastic. Wide open it produces beautiful bokeh, and because it is a fast lens you can use it indoors as well as out-doors. Since the 17-55 mm range (since it only can be used on a 1.6 FOV body, it's actually a 27-88 mm lens) covers my favorite focal length (35-50mm) it is my favorite walk-about lens. Wide-angle shots (especially inside buildings) are handled equally well as portraits by this lens.
Compared to my kit lens -- well, there really is no comparison. The fixed 2.8 aperture through the whole focal range alone puts the kit lens to shame. Mounted on a 450D this lens produces a nicely balanced composition that is easy to handle. AF is quick and silent, and the image stabilisator helps to steady those shots that otherwise would require a larger aperture. As with the kit lens, it can't do miracles, though, as too many marginal pictures unfortunately prove (I should have upped the ISO on those). The much larger (compared to the kit lens) body is easier to operate, and frankly, also looks better. The 77mm filter thread may be an annoyance to you if you don't have any other lens with that size, as you have to purchase new filters and can't share them with other lenses (most of my other lenses, not being L type, have 58mm threads).
Although the barrel extends with zoom, it does not turn during zooming, nor during focusing. This helps a lot when you are shooting outdoors with a circular pol filter and have to get the right focal length fast.
Although the lens has a nice weight (650g), I am a bit disappointed that the barrel is made from plastic instead of metal - I would expect that a lens with this price tag would have a quality feel to match. The plastic does feel a bit cheap. I'm also disappointed that this lens did not come with a lens hood. Again, at that price I would expect these things to be included.
When deciding to purchase this lens it is important to also consider the fact that this lens is an 'EF-S' type and will only work on 1.6FOV cameras, not on full frame bodies. It will therefore stay with your 1.6 should you get a full body later.
Personally, I think it is an excellent lens, and I happily recommend it to anyone who shoots in the same focal range.
Summary of Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
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.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
Digital Camera Accessories
Cameras and Photo
Most talked about in Canon
Canon EF 28-200mm f/ 3.5-5.6 USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR CamerasCanon; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Canon TTL Hot Shoe AdapterCanon; Digital Camera
Best price: $82.99
Price in other shops:
Canon BCI-3E Photo Ink Tank Multipack for BC-32ECanon; CE
Best price: $15.00
Price in other shops:
Canon BCI-3e Color Ink Tank for the BC-31e InkJet Cartridge - 3 Pack (Cyan/ Magenta/ Yellow) (4480A263)Canon; CE
Best price: $12.00
Price in other shops:
Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & BatteriesCanon; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Canon 8x32 Waterproof Binoculars w/ Case & Neck StrapCanon; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Canon Sure Shot Snappy LXII Date 35mm CameraCanon; Digital Camera
Canon Sure Shot Owl Date 35mm CameraCanon; Digital Camera
Canon PowerShot S10 2MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical ZoomCanon; Windows NT; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Canon BJC-80 Portable PrinterCanon; Windows NT; CE
Best price: $499.99
Similar digital cameras
Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging (Body Only)Canon; Digital Camera
Best price: $609.00
Price in other shops:
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/ 3.5-4.5 USM SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLRsCanon; Digital Camera
Best price: $768.95
Price in other shops:
Canon LP-E6 Battery Pack for Select Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Retail Package)Canon Cameras US; Release date: 2009-11-30; Digital Camera
Best price: $57.99
Price in other shops:
B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant CoatingB + W; Digital Camera
Best price: $109.00
Price in other shops:
Hoya 77mm DMC Pro1 Digital Multi-coated UV FilterHoya; Digital Camera
Best price: $40.99
Price in other shops:
B+W 77mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant CoatingB + W; Digital Camera
Best price: $165.00
Price in other shops:
Hoya 77mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Slim Frame Glass FilterHoya; Digital Camera
Best price: $25.99
Price in other shops:
Canon EW-83J Lens Hood for EF-S 17-55mm f/ 2.8 IS USM LensCanon; Digital Camera
Best price: $41.00
Price in other shops:
Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Body Only)Canon; Release date: 2009-11-30; Digital Camera
B+W 77mm Clear UV Haze with Multi-Resistant Coating (010M)B + W; Digital Camera
Best price: $69.00
Price in other shops: