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Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens USA
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, and that offers a super wide angle to short telephoto zoom range, with built-in Image Stabilization. The focal length is equivalent to approx. 27-88mm in 35mm format.
This lens features Canon's latest optical Image Stabilizer technology, providing up to 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, the lens has specially shaped lens elements and Super Spectra coatings to suppress ghosting and flare, which can be caused by reflections off digital camera sensors.
Note: Only Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II and 12 II fit on this lens.
Note! Not suitable for 35mm film SLR cameras or digital camera with image sensor bigger than APS-C size. Only fits on the EOS Digital Rebel series, or 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, and 7D SLR cameras.
- Uses optics designed to take full advantage of the small image circle and short back focus in EF-S lenses
- Features three aspherical lens elements (two types) as well as a Super-UD glass element for high image quality at all focal lengths
- Optimized lens coating minimizing flare and ghosting prone occurring with digital cameras
- Ring-type USM provides ultra-quite, super-fast, precision auto focusing and predictive tracking
- Inner Focusing and new AF algorithms, with full-time mechanical manual focusing
- Circular aperture diaphragm produces brilliant out-of-focus characteristics
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 - 55 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF-S |
| Format Compatibility | Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 78.3° - 27.5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.2' (36.58 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.17x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5.8 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/19 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 4.4" (8.38 x 11.18 cm) |
| Weight | 1.40 lb (635 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 482 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (465)
- Consistent output (314)
- Easily interchangeable (187)
- Strong construction (171)
- Durable (166)
Cons
- Heavy (140)
- Weak casing (21)
- Difficult to clean (17)
- Lens creep (14)
- Pricey / poor value (14)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (197)
- Night photography (197)
- Low light (191)
- General purpose (152)
- Weddings (152)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (136), Enthusiast (99), Semi-pro photographer (79), Casual photographer (38), Semi-professional (36)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (173), Yes (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
A must have lens!
This lens is absolutely fantastic. It's a perfect match for 7D owners! It delivers outstanding picture results (either low light and bokehs) and when it comes to video the fixed 2.8 aperture is ...Read complete review
This lens is absolutely fantastic. It's a perfect match for 7D owners! It delivers outstanding picture results (either low light and bokehs) and when it comes to video the fixed 2.8 aperture is very handy (capturing more light and avoiding image changing while zooming). It's not a long range but it will work for almost any situation with an excellent wide angle and "very good" zoom, which is long enough to avoid camera shake.
USM motor is impressively quiet and fast. It feels very solid and durable while handling. Turning the focus ring overrides AF, which is very handy as well. IS system works as expected and is a big difference when compared to 17-40mm L series lens.
Only cons is that this lens is so heavy and so big that internal flash of the camera isn't high positioned enough to avoid the shadow on the picture (yes, you can actually see the lens shadow on the bottom of the picture so you may consider investing in a external flash)
CA is very well controlled and vignetting is an issue but all modern cameras such as the 7D has an automatic correction for that so the pictures come out just fine right out of the camera (so no worries on that).
Main question is whather or not spend this much money on a lens that is not a L series such as 17-40mm, or has longer zoom range such as the new 15-85mm. The answer is simple: YES!
When compared to 17-40mm (fixed F/4.0) it has an extra 15mm, f/2.8 and IS system, and when compared to the 15-85mm (f/3.5 - 5.6) the fixed 2.8 aperture put this lens on a whole higher level of quality and versatility, you wont even remember of these extra 30mm zoom capability because the picture quality is just way beyond.
Hope to have helped everybody who is in trouble making up their mind.
Good clicks to you all!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Gr8 glass poor construction
I use this product at work.
it consists in everything , from taking id photos , to weddings , or for fun when i got the time.
This lens are gr8 ,...Read complete review
I use this product at work.
it consists in everything , from taking id photos , to weddings , or for fun when i got the time.
This lens are gr8 , sharp as some L lenses i used, and some i own.
The things that arent gr8 is the construction , its very poor , rubish , i care about my lenses and treat them with care , and this was the 1rst one to go to canon dealer 2 times already , alot of issues with the IS , doing strange noises and stopping to work several times i spended more then 700 us dollars in repairs last year.
So why have a good lens that will take a year or less to start making u losing money.
I owned sigmas , tamron, nikon and canon lenses , and will continue to use mainly canon lenses , but this is rubish , shame on u canon.DONT BUY IT
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 482 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I just bought my first DSLR (Canon 60D) and one of these bad boy lenses. This is my first 2.8 lenses and I am enjoying very much! It is fast, the focus is fast in auto focus and the focus ring works well. It is not super easy to focus in f 2.8, but this is what happens in such a big aperture, where you have a small DOF. The pics are great in terms of sharpness, colors, quality, etc. I just took about 1K pics, most portrait and landscape and I am really enjoying it. What I didn't like is that it doesn't come with a case or the hood...that is disappoint for such an expensive glass.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I was on Hollydays (coming from France) and just 2 days after I arrived, my former wide angle lens did not work any more !
This product was perfect to do picrtures of New York Buildins. As it is a 2.8 it was perfect to make photos of Brookling Bridge at Sun Set !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I LOVE this lens! I needed something on my crop sensor camera (50D) that opened wide enough, esp for landscapes, etc. I rented this before purchasing. LOVE it & saved up for it!
it is fast, gives creamy bokeh, the IS is great! I was able to shoot @ 1/30 w/ no visible handshake at night! I can't recommend this lens enough. (and the shipping was SUPER FAST!)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Depth of Field
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great picture quality
- Image stabilization
- Nice Bokeh
- Optical quality
- Sharpness
Cons
- Expensive but unmatched
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
This lens in an upgrade from the 17-85 variable Aperture that I purchased with my original 20D. With the this f/2.8 on my 7d I should be set for some time.
I have found the 17-55 to be as sharp as I was hoping. This is a great walk around lens for most of the images I take. I am very pleased with the light range of the 2.8 and the build quality is an upgrade from the 17-85.
Decreasing my range from 85 to 55 does not seem to be a problem. Time and many images will tell a better story. The greater clarity of this lens is providing good cropping and enlarging.
Some reviews have been concerned about the weight. I do not find this a problem in the least. The 7d/17-55 combo feels well balance and stable. I am looking forward to many images ahead.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Sharpness
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Expensive but unmatched
- Heavy
- Large
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I bought this to replace a Tamron 28-75 2.8 as my basic walkaround lens. These days I spend most of my shooting time focused on taking pics of my two sons, so I needed a fast lens that was sharp, and wanted a better autofocus system than what Tamron has. This lens has exceeded all my expectations so far in all areas: sharpness, speed, autofocus, and even physical size. It's the largest lens I own!
I was also considering the Canon 24-70 2.8 L, but decided on the 17-55 for a couple reasons. First, the cost difference was a factor, as was the fact that I own a 50D and wanted a wider lens than I had with my Tamron 28-75. Also, the 17-55 has image stabilization, which could help get this sharp lens even sharper. And finally, I realized I will likely never get a FF body that would require a 24-70, so I might as well enjoy life in the crop-sensor world and save a little while I'm at it.
I liked my Tamron 28-75, but the Canon 17-55 is an improvement in every way. I can't wait to get lots of use out of this!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I love the lens for daily photography, it's a great multi purpose lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
Well, price for one. This is a pricy lens which I was not sure I was going to use as much as my 70-200- 2.8 which I love but which is heavy etc. Second, there are some other non-canon lenses which are good but based on everyone's opinion could not say specifically go with one or the other. So.... I decided to go with the Canon. In two minutes on my first pics at sunrise I knew I made the right decision. Tack shape, great color, smooth, great speed. worth the extra dollars already in satisfaction, image and long term usage. I will hike and travel with this lens for so many things.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
Very good lens for portraits and wedding photography
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I purchased this for my Canon 7D and couldn't be more happier. This lens is perfect for crop camera bodies. The low f2.8 is awesome in low light. It really should be a L series lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
For some reason canon chose not to give this lens an 'L' status but it is every bit of a professional level lens. Just did a maternity shoot with it and the results were incredible. Clearest, crispest lens in my arsenal. Extremely fast autofocus
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Difficult to Clean
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I recently purchase this product for my canon 7d lends. And I had a hard time choosing the right lens for my video shooting. So basically I need a IS stabilize camera and with a good zoom range(so I can use for pics as well. I figure out that L lens is too expensive for me and they are not that necessary for a newbie like me. So I decided to go for lends that is good for both video and still pics. Which this will be the best! It has good zoom range, has an is and it might be a better quality of non-l lens. I really love it! The image quality rocks! Purchasing from bh photo is definitely the cheapest and the trusted place! Thank u bp! U save me tons of money!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I get amazing clarity with this lens. I shoot music videos primarily, and its versatility in focal range is a necessity. It shoots great in low light, it isn't too heavy, and it provides a sharp image.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
This is such a workhorse lens. I love the crystal clear images that I get. The only drawback for me is that it is a bit heavy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens to replace my Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro lens that was ~4 years old and I absolutely love the Canon lens. It's amazingly sharp, and good in low light. The lens is also very quick. Its very sturdily built, but a bit heavy and no lens lock on the telephoto.... Biggest downside is the price, but I do love the quality of the photos...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens for my Canon 40D. I used it for the first time on a trip to San Diego, and got some spectacular shots. Photos of the coastline where phenomenal and the colors were outstanding. I couldn't be more pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
Seems to be excellent optically. Not quite as fluid and smooth focusing as the L series.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
If you want a high-quality lens for your Canon DSLR, you have only one choice, Canon 17-55mm/2.8. This is a very high quality lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture and image-stabilization. This lens is wonderful and beautiful for Canon 7D DSLR. The weight of the lens make more comfortable and feel like stable. I bought this lens for our 10th wedding anniversary, actually for my wife. With image stabilization of the 17-55/2.8, it makes my wife easy to take a picture. Also, an aperture of f/2.8 makes the viewfinder image brighter. The EF-S 17-55 has higher contrast and better sharpness, especially in the corners, than the kit lens. My wife is really happy to take pictures. The 17-55/2.8 IS is a great lens. Also, I'm always happy with B&H, the greatest seller. I believe B&H.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
I was looking for a lens that was both fast and also wide enough to be a great general purpose lens that would be mounted on my camera the majority of the time. This lens fits both criteria perfectly. I had a hard time deciding between this 17-55 and the 24-70 f/2.8 L. Both are fast enough but I ultimately wanted the extra width (17mm vs. 24mm). The extra quality of the L-series lens was hard to give up, but I am very happy with the build quality of the 17-55 f/2.8. It feels as heavy and robust as the 24-70...it is definitely not a cheaply made lens. The autofucus is fantastic (fast and quiet) and this lens takes great pictures. You won't be disappointed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
So far I am satisfied with this lens. It is excellent for shooting movies at wide angle for cropped sensors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Zoom Lens:
We have always wanted a lens that would handle depth of field easily. Not only does this lens meet that goal, but the quality of the picture is much nicer than the lens that comes with the camera kits. With the large opening, this lens also works better in low light. We are pumped.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 3-7 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- E-77U 77mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- 1-Year Warranty
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