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

AMAZING lens, worth every penny!!!
I bought this lens for my trip to Tokyo, Japan. I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi, so the crop body makes my widest lens, a very slow 28-90mm, not all that wide. This lens went VERY wide compared to anything I am used to. It made all the difference in the world on my trip. I was able to get shots inside small rooms, in dark places, and wide vistas that would not have been possible without it. The images are GORGEOUS, especially outdoors with a really good circular polarizing filter, which I highly recommend. The zoom range is great and I rarely, if ever, felt the need for more. This is the only lens I will have on my camera, until I take a safari in Africa, when I will get a really long zoom lens for wildlife photography.

excellent lens
it is the best lens u can buy in this category of std zoom, expensive for sure but worth every bit, perfect balance with my rebel xsi, i always have people who see it, asking what is this i got on :), the zoom ring is very nicely made, very wide for good grip. delivery was perfect, ontime, full packaging etc.

Amazon Packing is Horrible
Despite some of the warnings about Amazons packing on this lens, I went for the lowest cost and tried again (better packing with other lenses) with a new EF-S 17-55mm. The carton showed-up today. A large box, deflated airbags and my new $1000 lens in Canon's carton bounced around. I can not believe Amazon hasn't a clue on packing/shipping these lenses. Fortunately, it seems my lens is OK, but this is the last of several purchases I will make direct to Amazon.com.