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The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a large-aperture lens specifically designed for EF-S type digital SLR cameras. It has the hallmarks of Canon's professional, full-frame L-series (solid construction, aspheric elements, UD glass). But it couldn't be labeled "L" because it won't work on all EOS bodies. It offers a super wide angle to short telephoto zoom range, with built-in Image Stabilization. The focal length is equivalent to approximately 27-88mm in 35mm format. This lens features Canon's latest optical Image Stabilizer technology, providing up to a 3-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. This ensures clear, crisp images, even in dim light. Designed specifically for digital photography, it features specially shaped lens elements and Super Spectra coatings to suppress ghosting and flare, which can be caused by reflections off digital camera sensors.
In the lab, our DxO Analyzer 2.0 tests uncovered Slight barrel distortion at 17mm (0.29%), and Slight pincushion distortion at 35mm (0.22%) and 55mm (0.21%). This is equal to or better than the comparable Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron f/2.8 lenses, and a dramatic improvement over Canon's amateur 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS lens. Light falloff left the corners by f/5.6 at 17mm and by f/4 at 35mm and 55mm -- again a step above Canon's 17-85mm IS. Magnifying power was okay, with maximum magnification ratios at the uniform close-focusing distance of 13 inches ranging from 1:14.3 at 17mm to 1:5 at 55mm. Lab tests of the IS system based on DxO blur factor readings for exposures made at 55mm by three different shooters showed between 1 and 3 stops of extra handheld sharpness when IS is engaged. Sounds low, but it's not surprising since IS shows its most dramatic gains at long focal lengths.
This lens is a natural for photojournalists, as well as event and wedding photographers who need to work in ambient light without the mood-crashing intrusions of flash and/or tripod. The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is available with a street price of approx. $1,000.
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this lens.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9.33
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Ease of use |
9.5
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Fit and finish |
8.83
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Versatility |
8.83
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Legibility of exterior markings |
9.17
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Smoothness of zoom |
9.33
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Hoods and filters |
8.83
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Overall value |
8.17
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
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