Canon EF-S 17-55mm F/2.8 IS USM Lens

Ideal upgrade from Canon's standard zoom

This is an ideal lens if you are looking to upgrade the rather plasticky, but optically ok, kit lens that you get with a Canon crop-sensor camera (I have a 750D and a 7D). This is a much more substantial piece of kit. Many reviews suggest it is heavy but that really isn't a problem for me. The lens offers a very similar zoom range to the kit (17-55) but the maximum aperture of F 2.8 means that it is a lot better in low-light situations where you want to avoid using a flash. The biggest advantage, however, is the image quality which is extremely impressive judging from the pictures I have taken so far.

I am delighted with this lens and would really recommend it if you are wanting to upgrade your equipment. The only disadvantage I would say is that if you want to get a full-frame camera this will not work and you would need to get its L range equivalent - not a cheap option. Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: greenquark

Canon EF-S 17-55mm a 2020 perspective

There are plenty of 5 star reviews for this lens, most are several years out of date. So here's a 2020 view.

Build quality is ok, the plastics aren't too cheap. You shouldn't be disappointed.r>Weight: Some say the lens is heavy, but I disagree. The body and lens combo should feel balanced, which is achieved when mounted to a typical DSLR.
Image Quality - there's way too much emphasis on the constant F2.8.
Tested at F2.8 with a 17mm focal length, the image is soft (not just the corners). I took the same shot on a cheap Motorola phone, the F/L appears to be about the same - roughly 17mm.
The phone won. A bit sharper when viewed side by side. I was very surprised, things have moved on - a lot!
The good news - stopped down to F8, the lens does produce some decent images. I also have the notorious Canon 24-105mm L lens.
In comparison at 24 & 55mm focal lengths, the 17-55mm performed nearly as well.
The L lens is just a fraction sharper, but not sufficient to warrant any unnecessary excitement.
The lens is sharpest at F11, the quality tails off after that.
To sum up - a decent lens, much better than the kit stuff. However don't expect super sharp (handheld) shots in low light, F2.8 just can't come up with the goods. You'd be better off using a phone. For all other situations the lens is perfectly adequate.
Just don't pay too much for one, there's just no point!
I hope this helps.
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A quick update - after a couple of months use, I think the 24 - 105mm L is the preferential option.
Yes - it's not as wide, but the extra 50mm of zoom power is much more useful in the real world. If you need a wide shot, take two in portrait & stich together. You'll get a better image with less distortion & more resolution - sorted!

(All test shots used a 7D mk2, at ISO 100, using a tripod & remote shutter release for consistency).




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Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: bullet-1098

Amazing

Delivery was super fast and packaged well. Have only used it a little but seems to be top quality as listed. The lens has very little signs of use and in great condition as listed. Hoping to get that extra sharp image in every picture taken.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: recycledphotoli...

great lens , super sharp, versatile focal range

seriously one of the sharpest lenses, just great depth in the images too.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: brighty17adam

A great lens

In a different street to the kit lens. Sharp even in the corners and the large aperture gives a bright image and nice blurry background. Only drawback is the size and weight. But if that`s a problem for walkabout buy a spare cheap second hand kit lens.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: mikej_csp

It’s a very good lens

I am only a hobby photographer,but the lens gave me clear shar pictures. I prefer landscapes but find taking photos in large churches interesting and the wide angle lens does it for me

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: vic999tor

A must have lens

Although this lens has basically the same zoom range as the kit lens, the build quality is that of L range lenses. I purchased this to do an all night photo shoot in London, and with the f2.8 this meant I could take certain photos hand held. This will now become one of my main lenses in addition to my 10-18mm and 70-200 f2.8.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: dTC9aABOShS@Del...

Not bad, for the price I expected a better picture quality.

My non telescoping lens (55mm) takes much better portraits. This lens works well if your taking landscape and need a zoom lens.

THE canon super upgrade from the Kit 18-55

THE upgrade from the Kit 18 -55.. If this wasn't designed for APSC only (EF-S) .. it would be a red- banded "L" lens in terms of versatilely and quality.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: littlegreenmons...

Great lens,

This has turned into my go to lens for video. Quite and smooth with great quality.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: domshields