Reviewed by Ben Lee, http://dslrlensesonline.com editor.
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras |
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| Retail Price: $1,399.99 |
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The Canon EF S 17 55mm f2 8 IS USM Lens is a fast EF-S zoom lens whose image quality is on par with that of the highly acclaimed Canon L series range. Its fast, fixed aperture, high image quality and popular zoom range makes it a hugely popular lens in its own right.
Since the 17-55mm comes from the EF S range, it is primarily designed for use on 1.6x Canon DSLR bodies which means that the actual focal range is closer to 27.2-88mm.
As a result this particular lens excels in a wide range of styles – everything from a family portrait to a wide seascape or landscape.
You may or may not be aware that there are already a couple of Canon zoom lenses in this range, namely the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens and the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens.
For starters, the 18-55mm kit lens is vastly inferior in terms of image quality and construction. On the other hand, the comparison between the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and the EF-S 17-85mm is more complex.
What the 17-55mm has over the 17-85mm is L series low dispersion glass lens elements and a fixed f/2.8 aperture.
However, what the 17-85mm brings to the table is that it is cheaper, lighter and has a greater focal length. There is no inherent winner out of these 3 lenses, it really comes down to which lens is best suited to you.
Anyway, the 17-55mm features both image stabilization (IS) and a USM (ultrasonic motor) – both hallmarks of a good Canon lens. This lens is undoubtedly the fastest EF-S lens that has been produced and it is a real joy to work with in the field with the extra shallow depth of field allowing for nice some bokeh (soft, out of focus backgrounds).
The added image stabilization feature allows you to handhold the camera in situations where you might not have thought possible – opening up a whole new world of shooting locations and possibilities.
At a glance…
- 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
So who is this camera for? Again, it’s a horses for courses scenario as with most DSLR lenses. However, if this lens had to be best suited to anyone it would be those who like portraiture and low light photography.
Most other photographers who fall into the general category and cannot justify the extra expense of the 17-55mm f/2.8 would be best served to pick up the 17-85mm. Even if the widest it will go is f/4, it is still suitably priced and not a bad lens in its own right.
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So in conclusion, there a couple of things you need to consider when weighing up whether to buy the Canon EF S 17 55mm f2 8 IS USM Lens.
- if you want more focal range at the expense of a faster aperture, then choose the 17-85mm
- if you want a faster overall lens, perfect for low light photography and are not worried about reach, choose the 17-55mm.
- if you are just starting out and don’t know what you want, buy a DSLR body with the 18-55mm kit lens or even ask a question below!
I thought this customer review was quite good, so I’ve included a portion of it below..
“Conclusion: This is one great lens! There’s nothing else out there for 1.6x crop digital cameras that gives you the sweet spot of zoom range, low light capability, depth of field control, image stabilization, fast and quiet auto-focus, and superior image quality rivaling prime lenses. And to put the considerable weight (22.8 oz.) into perspective, it is still 3.8 oz. lighter than the very good digital-only Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8, and the Nikon does not even have image stabilization (and costs more to boot). Game, set and match!”
- Steven A. Hoagland – Richmond, VA, USA.
If you want a few more reasons to buy the 17-55mm, read the rest of this Canon EF S 17 55mm f2 8 IS USM Lens
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