Canon DSLR Users: EF-S 17-55 F2.8IS Lens Review!

[GTaudiophile]

For those willing and able to spend $1200 on an EF-S lens...

Announced at the PMA '06 the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM L IS is one of the most anticipated lenses for Canon users since the introduction of Canon APS-C DSLRs. So far users had the choice between two standard zoom options within the native Canon lens lineup - the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (kit zoom) and the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 USM IS. The latter is a decent lens but not really significantly superior to the simple kit lens so there was no real upgrade path for the more ambitious users who often ended up with third-party alternatives. With the introduction of the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM IS Canon closed this gap but at a steep price of a little less than 1000 EUR/$. Some may wonder why such a pricey lens wasn't marketed as a true Canon L grade lens - obviously a marketing decision.

 

[imported_Mike]

I like it, but I am broke after my 24-105.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Mike
I like it, but I am broke after my 24-105.

I don't think I would trade my 24-105 for it either. But I am asking for some direct comparisons.

 

[dowxp]

i'd think the 16-35 and 24-105 would cover all ranges. throw in the 70-200 (any variant) and you are good. using EF-S will just be a hassle when you get to the 5d upgrade...

 

[halik]

so which one of you can actually take pictures that justify spending $1200 on the lens?

 

[dowxp]

Originally posted by: halik
so which one of you can actually take pictures that justify spending $1200 on the lens?

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=134529391&size=l
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=134532322&size=l

 

[randomlinh]

damn it, i can't sell off all my internal organs....

 

[GTaudiophile]

Well, I am betting on Full-Frame cameras coming down in price, so I think EF lenses are the better investment.

 

[PHiuR]

why didnt they make this EF?

 

[tfinch2]

Looks like a nice lens, but $1200! Sheesh.

 

[dowxp]

Originally posted by: PHiuR
why didnt they make this EF?

because there are the 17-40L 24-70L 25-105L 16-35L ... EF-S line is only what .. 5 lenses? the only one worth considering on a 1.6 is the 10-22 UWA

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Looks like a nice lens, but $1200! Sheesh.

I would take it more seriously at $600-$800, where the EFS 17-85 is priced. The 17-85 should be priced at about $300-$400 IMO. The EFS 10-22 is right where it is. over $1K for a non-L seems nuts to me.