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

Excellent walkaround lens
I recently went to Europe this past winter and took this lens + Xsi + Lowepro Fastpack 100. It was an excellent performer in all light conditions -- day and night. I suppose shoppers for this lens are looking for a fast walkaround lens with the right focal lengths (zoom, instead of prime). Other than the normal shots, I use a handgrip and sometimes shoot it around like a cleric in the movie Equilibrium. A bit colorful description but really -- I felt that confident with this lens. I even keep 75% of night photos that were shot on a fast vibrating tour bus. Usually during the day and outdoors I shoot in (P) mode, and when evening sets in or when indoors I just use (Av) and f/2.8. I'm done buying lens -- this fits all my needs as regular ordinary shooter.

wow! next best thing to L lens
Before this lens I had been using a Sigma 17-70/f2.8 Macro DC Lens for over a year. My other lens, a Canon 50mm/f1.8 always produced a much sharper, richer image than the Sigma. If that was the type of quality I could expect from a Canon lens, I wanted more! After some research, I decided to get the 17-55 because 1) budget, 2) image quality & sharpness, 3) fixed 2.8 aperture at all focal lengths, 4) image stabilization. I highly recommend this lens, it's well worth it. I can't wait until I have enough to buy an L lens!

Great Lens
I have only had this lens for 2 days. My initial impression is very favorable as demonstrated by my rateing. The weight is good and the image quality is amazing, this is very good glass.

Although the price is high for a non-L lens this is a good investment. The image stabilization is very good and is not offered on any comparable L lens.

I wish this was a EF and not an EF-S but I have no intention at this point of upgrading to a full frame sensor. Also, it would be very nice to have an included lens hood for this price range.

I would highly recommend this lens based on initial impression.