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

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.

Dust !!!
First the positives. The lens optically is a good lens, it does sharp images, nice colors and all that stuff. But the big problem is dust that gets inside of the lens. After 9 months of usage there is so much dust inside that it makes the lens basically unusable. Do not undervalue this problem like I did. Or make sure you may eventually return the lens if there is a problem. The lens already came with 3 dust dots inside which wasn't such a big deal but you should see it now. I have 70-200 and 24-70 both L line there is no dust problem. There is no dust problem even in my kit lenses. I am surprised that Canon can release such lens, because this is not a cheap lens.
At the beginning I could not decide whether to get 16-35 f2.8 II L or this lens. But Since I have Canon D 30 I preferred to get wider lens. No I would go for 16-35 even at the cost of lower zoom range and extra cost.
Now I have to figure out how to return the lens, I bought it in the US from BH photo, but now I am in Europe, so it is a bit complicated.

Pricey, but worth it.
I bought this lens to use with the Canon 40D. It covers the wide end very well. The IS is fantastic; you can shoot hand-held down railroad tracks from the passenger side of the car while crossing them! AF is fast and quiet, and f/2.8 allows you to use this lens in almost any situation. Image quality is outstanding. Colors are vivid, images are super sharp, chromatics are imperceptible. I have no vignetting at all wide open.

Downside: size, weight, and cost. The size and weight are insignificant when the image quality is taken into account. The cost, while high, is in line with other lenses of this quality. If you want the best wide angle zoom lens for your xxD or Rebel, this is it.