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.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1242B002
• Released on: 2006-03-31
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l, 1.50 pounds

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

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

From the Manufacturer
The EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM offers image quality on a par with Canon's highly regarded L-series lenses. It has a large maximum aperture which, combined with higher shutter speeds, can minimize subject motion blur. Shallow depth-of-field separation of a subject from its background is much easier to achieve and the f2.8 maximum aperture allows a bright finder and extremely precise focusing with f2.8 compatible AF sensors. The internal stabilization has a sharpness benefit equivalent to a three-stop faster shutter speed, making this lens outstanding in low-light situations. Smaller and lighter than lenses of similar specifications, the EF-S 17-55 mm f2.8 IS USM lens has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27-88mm and is compatible only with the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS Digital Rebel XT, and EOS Digital Rebel SLRs.

Customer Reviews

Clear and Bright
I bought this lens as a replacement for the kit lens (28-135 3.5-5.6) whereas the kit lens was very soft at the edges, this lens is crystal clear. I use it as my walk-around lens. With it's good wide angle and fast f2.8 low light capability this lens is one I can count on for most situatuions.

great all around lens
This is a great all around lens for the canon rebel xti. I had the kit lens but was not happy with the photo quality and especially for indoor photos there was not enough light entry to take a good quality image. This is a big step up. However the pop up flash will leave a lens shadow on your close up flash images due to the larger size of the lens, so you will need to get a separate flash (I got the 430EX) to fix this issue. The image stabilizer makes a big difference in image quality.

Big and heavy ... but the best you can get for cropped sensors
I've been using this lens for about 6 months on 40D in a variety of conditions. Fairly dusty hikes and light rain. This lens has not failed to impress me. Sharp and fast. And I'm quite spoiled: I've sold 17-85 as it did disappoint me a few times in several respects and I own some of the sharpest primes. Also it has virtually no chromatic aberrations or distortion.

The only significant drawback of it is the size/weight. It's just too big for casual photography. It does inevitably attract more attention than smaller and more compact zooms. Funnily most people expect it to be some sort of 20x superzoom and can't believe that it's just about 3x zoom. Also it's long length makes it a bit problematic to use with flash. When extended it creates a large shadow on the picture.

It is also rather expensive ... but once you put it to some use you'll not regret the money.
Finally I'd be certainly happier if Canon has included the hood. A $2 piece of plastic that they charge $30-40 when bought separately.