Name: Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM
Brand: Canon

Technical Specifications of Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF-S

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

77 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

8.1

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

17 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

55 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

3.2x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

78.5 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

27.8 °

Focus & Controls

7.1

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

ring USM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

7.3

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

6.2

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
4-stop stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Has focus distance scale
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
1 more aspherical elements
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.3 vs 2
12% better value for money
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.23 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.23 vs 7.346).8.23 vs 7.35
18.4% higher user score
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.58 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.58 vs 8.091).9.58 vs 8.09
2.52x cheaper
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£210 vs £530).
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£210 vs £530).£210 vs £530
1 more aspherical elements
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
Has focus distance scale
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.

Why is Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer aperture blades
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
0.05 m longer minimum focus distance
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
1 stops weaker stabilization
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No lens hood
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
Older release date
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
164.6 g heavier
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is heavier than the average camera lens (690 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
18.6 mm longer lens
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (110.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
6.5 mm wider lens barrel
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (83.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2 fewer aperture blades
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
No lens hood
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
What it is: Whether a matching lens hood is supplied in the box.
When it matters: When you want flare protection straight out of the box without buying extra accessories.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
1 stops weaker stabilization
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.3 stops vs 4 stops
Older release date
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.2006 vs 2016
164.6 g heavier
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is heavier than the average camera lens (690 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is heavier than the average camera lens (690 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.690 g vs 525.4 g
18.6 mm longer lens
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (110.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (110.6 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.110.6 mm vs 92 mm
6.5 mm wider lens barrel
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (83.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (83.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.83.5 mm vs 77 mm

Expert reviews

imaging-resource.com

04/03/2006

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - Imaging Resource

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a fast, specialized zoom lens designed for select APS-C sub-frame Canon DSLRs, making it highly ideal for available-light photography. On the positive side, the lens delivers impressive sharpness across its entire focal range—especially when stopped down to f/4—and features a wide, constant f/2.8 circular aperture that creates beautiful background blur. Its standout feature is the built-in Image Stabilization (IS), which provides a roughly 3-stop advantage for steady handheld shooting in low light. Additionally, the Ring-type USM motor allows the lens to achieve autofocus quickly and virtually silently, while supporting full-time manual focus overrides. However, the lens has notable optical and physical drawbacks. Chromatic aberration is a distinct weakness at its widest focal lengths, and heavy vignetting occurs wide open at f/2.8 across the entire zoom range. Geometric distortion is also a mixed bag, showing modest barrel distortion at 17mm but uniformly high pincushion distortion from 20mm onward. In terms of build quality, it is bulkier and heavier than expected for an EF-S lens, suffers from zoom creep over time when pointed down,...

the-digital-picture.com

12/05/2006

Summary of the review

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

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is highlighted as a top-tier, general-purpose zoom for APS-C bodies, offering impressive center-of-the-frame sharpness, a fast f/2.8 aperture, and effective 3-stop Image Stabilization. It is valued for its quick, quiet ring-type USM autofocus, warm color rendering, and minimal barrel distortion at the wide 17mm end. However, the lens is noted for its high price and large size relative to its build quality, lacking the robust weather sealing found in Canon L-series lenses. Additional disadvantages include significant vignetting, heavy pincushion distortion beyond 20mm, notable chromatic aberration, and a lack of compatibility with full-frame cameras.

ephotozine.com

02/04/2007

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review | ePHOTOzine

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a premium, high-performance zoom for APS-C DSLRs, offering outstanding center sharpness across the range and a fast, constant f/2.8 aperture. Key advantages include highly effective 3-stop Image Stabilization (IS), fast USM autofocus with full-time manual override, and well-controlled distortion. Conversely, the lens displays significant vignetting at f/2.8 and visible chromatic aberrations. Critics note it is quite large and heavy for its class, lacks weather-sealing despite the high price, and notably excludes a lens hood or pouch from the package.

cameralabs.com

11/11/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - Cameralabs

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a premium general-purpose zoom lens designed specifically for cropped-frame (APS-C) Canon DSLRs, offering a highly versatile 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-88mm. It stands out as an exceptional choice for portrait, wedding, and low-light photography because of its fast and constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. Its premium optical engineering includes 19 elements in 12 groups, incorporating two Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass elements to minimize secondary chromatic aberrations along with two aspherical elements to reduce spherical aberrations at wider apertures. The primary pros of this lens include its superior low-light performance and ability to produce highly desirable, shallow depth-of-field backgrounds due to the constant bright aperture. It additionally boasts an edge over many full-frame equivalents (like the 24-70mm f/2.8) by integrating optical Image Stabilisation to combat camera shake, alongside a quick and quiet USM autofocus motor. On the downside, the lens is a substantial financial investment that "doesn't come cheap." Furthermore, because it is an EF-S model, it features limited compatibility and cannot be used on full-frame camera bodies, meaning users would have to...

radojuva.com

11/11/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f 2.8 IS USM review

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is reviewed as a premium-grade, APS-C standard zoom lens delivering high-quality optics, excellent contrast, and sharp images at f/2.8, complemented by a rapid USM autofocus and a 3-stop Image Stabilization system. Its versatility, low-light performance, and constant f/2.8 aperture make it a high-performance choice for, but not limited to, photography, landscapes, and indoor events. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including a construction that, despite its price, lacks weather sealing and is prone to drawing dust into the lens barrel, alongside a tendency for zoom creep and sticky zoom ring movement over time. Furthermore, the lens is noted to have a heavy build, produces noticeable vignetting and chromatic aberrations at maximum aperture, and notably excludes a lens hood, which must be purchased separately.

focus-review.com

30/08/2012

Summary of the review

Review Canon 17-55 mm (APS-C)

The Canon EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM is a high-quality standard zoom lens designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras, offering an equivalent focal length of 27-88 mm. Tested on a modern Canon 650D, the lens delivers impressive, constant sharpness across the entire image frame, especially when stopped down to f/4.0. Its bright, constant f/2.8 maximum aperture enables creative depth-of-field control and smooth, pleasant background bokeh. Additionally, the built-in image stabilization is highly effective, yielding a measured 3-stop advantage for handheld shooting. Autofocus is powered by a quiet, incredibly fast HSM system that rarely hunts in low-light environments. Despite its strong optical performance, the lens exhibits notable drawbacks, including high, disturbing distortion at the 17 mm wide-angle setting and high susceptibility to flare and aperture spots in backlit conditions. Physically, the plastic housing is relatively large and heavy. Its high price tag—comparable to professional L-series glass—makes it a costly investment. However, when paired with a camera that features in-body corrections for vignetting and chromatic aberration, the lens achieves a high "What You See Is What You Get" performance score, surpassing...

trustedreviews.com

01/04/2013

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM highlights the lens as a highly specified, capable standard zoom designed for APS-C DSLR bodies. Key strengths include a wide 17mm focal length paired with a constant f/2.8 aperture, robust build quality, excellent handling, and full compatibility with Canon E-TTL II flash for precise exposures. Trusted Reviews However, the review notes drawbacks, including noticeable sharpness drops when shooting at f/2.8 and 55mm, alongside a tendency for color fringing in challenging light. Despite these compromises at focal extremes, it is considered a high-value investment for upgrading crop-sensor kits.

whatdigitalcamera.com

02/04/2013

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review - What Digital Camera

The review from What Digital Camera highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a very capable, highly recommended zoom lens specifically designed for Canon APS-C bodies. The writer praises its solid build quality and ergonomic design, which includes a broad, short-throw zoom ring and an easily accessible manual focusing ring. Key technical advantages include an impressive constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across the 3.3x zoom range, highly accurate and brisk internal autofocusing, full compatibility with Canon E-TTL II flashguns, and a three-stop image stabilization system that performs accurately in real-world testing. Furthermore, overall peak image resolution is excellent, and geometric image distortion remains very well-controlled from wide-angle to telephoto lengths. On the downside, the reviewer notes that the lens is fairly heavy at 645g and commands a steep suggested retail price of £1,210, although its real-world street price dropped below £800. Performance flaws include disappointing wide-aperture sharpness specifically when zoomed to the 55mm focal length setting. Additionally, there is a clear roll-off in sharpness when stopping down to f/16 and beyond, alongside the visible emergence of color fringes (chromatic...

digitalcameraworld.com

17/07/2019

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM review

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the most up-market standard zoom lens designed for Canon's APS-C format DSLR cameras, offering a versatile zoom range equivalent to 27-88mm in full-frame terms. In thorough testing, the lens stands out for its fast, consistent, and highly accurate autofocus system, alongside good levels of sharpness and contrast that remain strong even when shooting wide-open. Its standout features include a generous and constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, which excels in low-light conditions, enables a pleasantly smooth bokeh for portraiture, and provides well-controlled barrel distortion at the short end of the zoom range. However, the lens shows its age through several notable drawbacks, including a dated aesthetic and a bulky, heavy design that tips the scales at 645g. It features an older-generation image stabilizer that only offers three stops of compensation rather than the four found on newer models. Additional cons include a lack of weather sealing, an uncomfortably large 77mm filter thread for an APS-C lens, and the requirement to purchase the EW-83J lens hood separately, as it is not included in the box.

photoreview.com.au

14/10/2019

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens - Photo Review Digital Camera World

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a high-performance, fast-aperture standard zoom lens designed for APS-C cameras, featuring a 27.2mm-88mm equivalent range. Key strengths include effective image stabilization, swift ring-type USM autofocus with full-time manual override, and a consistent f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. Photo Review However, the lens is considered bulky and premium-priced, with notable optical limitations at 17mm, including vignetting at f/2.8. Additional considerations include inherent chromatic aberration and geometric distortion at extreme zoom, representing a significant, albeit high-quality, investment.

fotowissen.eu

06/10/2019

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm 2.8 IS USM - My Favorite Lens

This review highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a highly capable and beloved "always-on" lens (Immer-Drauf) specifically designed for APS-C sensor cameras. The reviewer explains that this lens marked their transition from casual snapping to serious photography, offering an extensive focal range (equivalent to 27-88mm on full frame) that handles almost any photographic scenario. Key benefits include the bright, continuous f/2.8 aperture, an exceptionally fast and reliable autofocus system, outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness, and a highly effective image stabilizer that facilitates sharp low-light, handheld shooting. On the downside, the lens is notably heavy, bulky, and expensive for an entry-level user, originally carrying a manufacturer's suggested retail price of €919. Additionally, it lacks weather sealing against water splashes or dust, and its compatibility is strictly limited to APS-C sensors. This sensor limitation ultimately forced the reviewer to abandon the lens after four years of reliable use when they upgraded to a full-frame camera system. Despite these drawbacks, the review concludes that its image performance easily rivals Canon's premium EF-series lenses, making it a worthwhile investment. Medical Disclaimer: Not applicable.

erkunde-die-welt.de

17/06/2017

Summary of the review

The Canon 17-55 2.8 IS USM – sharp, but pricey!

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a highly impressive standard zoom lens designed for APS-C sensor cameras, providing exceptional image quality that rivals Canon's premium "L" series lenses. In real-world testing on a Canon 7D Mark II, the lens delivers outstandingly sharp images across the entire frame, outperforming newer competitors like the Sigma 17-70mm in pure resolution, while maintaining excellent contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. Key advantages include a fast, constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, a rapid and near-silent USM autofocus system with full-time manual override, and a built-in 3-stop image stabilizer. Additionally, the front element does not rotate during focusing, which is highly beneficial for using filters. Despite its stellar optical performance, the lens has notable drawbacks, primarily regarding its premium price tag of approximately €750 and its overall physical construction. It is relatively heavy at 645 grams and lacks weather sealing, which can lead to visible internal dust accumulation after prolonged use. Long-term feedback also reveals that the exterior build quality feels somewhat cheap over time, with reports of loose zoom rings. Other...

digitalkamera.de

Unknown

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM Review - Digitalkamera.de

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a premium APS-C lens offering a constant f/2.8 aperture, exceptional sharpness, and effective image stabilization, making it a high-performance alternative to standard kit lenses. Key advantages include fast, quiet autofocus, excellent low-light capability, and well-controlled distortion. Conversely, the lens is criticized for its heavy plastic construction, lack of weather sealing, and noticeable vignetting or flare, say digitalcameraworld.com. The high price point, combined with the exclusion of a lens hood, is also highlighted as a significant drawback.

valuetech.de

27/04/2015

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM vs. Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM

The forum review evaluates the Canon EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM and the Sigma Art 18-35 mm f/1.8 DC HSM as premier, high-quality zoom options for an APS-C sensor camera like the Canon EOS 7D. The Sigma Art 18-35mm is heavily praised for its exceptional build quality, described as being built "like a tank," and its revolutionary, ultra-bright f/1.8 constant aperture. This wide aperture allows it to deliver razor-sharp images even wide open, eliminating the practical need for other separate prime lenses in that specific focal range. However, the Sigma suffers from a notably restricted zoom range (18-35mm) and is flagged for potential firmware autofocus inconsistencies on the 7D if both devices are not completely updated. YouTube · In contrast, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is highlighted as the superior "all-round" and everyday choice due to its much more flexible all-purpose focal range (17-55mm) and its inclusion of optical image stabilization (IS). It serves as a highly versatile workhorse for street and reportage photography, seamlessly integrating into kits with telephoto lenses. On the downside, the Canon lens has a...

eos-numerique.com

09/03/2006

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM review

The EOS-Numérique review of the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM highlights it as a top-tier APS-C lens, boasting exceptional sharpness, rich color rendering, and effective control over chromatic aberration. Its constant f/2.8 aperture combined with a 3-stop Image Stabilizer makes it a premier choice for low-light shooting, complemented by fast and precise autofocus via the ring-type USM. YouTube · However, the review points out that for a lens with a premium price tag, it is constructed from plastics rather than metal, is bulky, and lacks weather sealing. Other drawbacks mentioned include a propensity for collecting internal dust and the exclusion of a lens hood.

radojuva.com

11/11/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

The Radojuva review characterizes the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a high-performance, top-tier standard zoom for APS-C cameras, highlighting its constant f/2.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and creamy bokeh. It features outstanding center sharpness at f/2.8, a highly effective 3-stop Image Stabilizer, and fast, quiet ring-type USM autofocus. However, the lens is criticized for mediocre build quality, specifically its plastic construction and tendency to attract dust, while also lacking weather sealing. Despite exceptional optics, the review notes heavy weight, visible barrel distortion at 17mm, vignetting, and a high price point that makes it incompatible with full-frame cameras.

dxomark.fr

01/05/2006

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - DXOMARK Review

The DXOMARK lab review evaluates the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM standard zoom lens tested on a Canon EOS 760D body, giving it an overall score of 16. On the positive side (pros), the lens demonstrates optimal optical performance when shot at a focal length of 35mm with a wide-open f/2.8 aperture. It exhibits highly controlled geometric distortion, measuring at a minimal 0.4%. Furthermore, it keeps lateral chromatic aberration remarkably low at just 6 µm, ensuring clean high-contrast edges across the frame. Conversely, the data highlights some notable drawbacks (cons) regarding light transmission and sharpness. The lens suffers from a relatively weak light transmission performance of 3.6 TStop, which is a significant drop from its physical f/2.8 f-stop rating and indicates less light reaching the sensor. This loss of light is further compounded by a heavy vignetting metric of -1.2 EV, meaning corners will appear visibly darker. Lastly, its sharpness rating maxes out at a modest 10 P-Mpix, showing that it cannot fully maximize the resolving power of modern, high-resolution APS-C camera sensors.

photoexposition.fr

25/02/2018

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II (with mention of the 17-55mm f/2.8)

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a lightweight, budget-friendly entry-level zoom lens designed exclusively for Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. Released in 2011, this stabilized lens weighs just 200g and features an 11-element construction with a 58mm filter diameter. On the positive side, the reviewer highlights its decent optical sharpness (piqué) when properly focused and an fast autofocus servo-motor. It also handles lens flare remarkably well, suppresses vignetting significantly from f/5.6 onward, and delivers acceptable bokeh quality. Given its very low retail price of around 125 Euros (and 55 Euros used), it offers strong baseline value for beginners. However, the lens suffers from notable flaws, particularly in its physical build and ergonomics. It features a fragile, entirely plastic construction—including a plastic mount—and lacks a dedicated manual focus ring, forcing users to awkwardly grip the fragile front edge of the barrel. Manual focus override is also missing, meaning attempting to manually adjust focus while the lens is in autofocus mode risks damaging the AF motor. Optically, barrel distortion is prominent at the 18mm wide-angle end, shifting to pincushion distortion at...

fotografiaflash.com

04/05/2021

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is reviewed as a top-tier standard zoom for APS-C cameras, offering exceptional optical performance and a constant f/2.8 aperture, which makes it ideal for low-light, portraits, and video. Key benefits include, along with a bright aperture, a 3-stop Image Stabilizer for handheld shooting and rapid, silent autofocus driven by a Ring-type USM. YouTube · However, the analysis notes several drawbacks, including a lack of weather sealing, the lens being prone to dust ingestion, and a heavy, bulky design. Potential users should also consider its high price point and occasional chromatic aberration at 17mm, though performance is strong across the range.

photo-review.com

27/09/2013

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17–55mm ƒ/2.8 IS USM - Photo-Review

The Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a premium all-rounder zoom lens designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras, serving as the equivalent to the legendary 24-70mm f/2.8 full-frame lenses. It breaks away from typical plastic kit lens standards by offering robust construction, excellent optical quality, and a bright, constant f/2.8 aperture. Optically, it shines with superb sharpness and high contrast in the center of the image, fast and quiet USM autofocus, and a highly reliable 3-level Image Stabilization (IS) system that allows sharp handheld shooting at shutter speeds as slow as 1/5 of a second. Color accuracy is exceptional, and it controls aberrations and distortions better than most lenses in its class. On the downside, the lens is notably large and heavy for an APS-C optic, weighing 645 grams, which can feel bulky on smaller camera bodies. Its focal length range is also slightly restrictive at the wide end, as its 17mm starting point translates to a 27mm equivalent in full-frame terms. Reviewer Pep Costa notes that a wider 15mm start would have offered much better versatility. Furthermore, despite...

radojuva.com

11/11/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review: Lens reviews and technical comparisons vs Sigma 17-50mm

The Radojuva review highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a high-performance, versatile, and fast constant-aperture standard zoom for APS-C cameras. Key pros include excellent image sharpness at f/2.8, fast USM autofocus, effective image stabilization for handheld shooting, and a non-rotating front element. However, the lens is described as a "dust magnet" due to internal contamination issues, paired with a mediocre plastic build quality that lacks the robust feel of L-series glass. Other cons include significant weight, noticeable vignetting at maximum aperture, and the absence of a included lens hood, making it a premium-priced option with compromises in durability.

radojuva.com

11 de noviembre de 2011

Summary of the review

Revisa Canon EF-S 17-55 mm f 2.8 IS USM. Reseñas de lentes

The Radojuva review highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a high-performance, professional-grade lens for APS-C cameras, offering a constant f/2.8 aperture, exceptional sharpness, and efficient 3-stop image stabilization. It is described as offering L-series quality optics, boasting fast USM autofocus and minimal chromatic aberration. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a heavy, plastic construction that lacks weather sealing. A major issue identified is the "vacuum cleaner effect," where the design allows dust to accumulate internally over time, alongside noticeable vignetting at f/2.8 and the absence of an included lens hood.

digitalcamaralens.com

No date provided

Summary of the review

Review - Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Test

This review evaluates the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens, noting its substantial physical size but surprisingly lightweight handling at 645 grams. The exterior construction features a robust "martelé" finished plastic barrel and a single smooth, wobble-free telescopic element. Key advantages highlight its exceptionally fast, silent autofocus performance and a highly effective image stabilization system that proves invaluable in low-light conditions despite the wide f/2.8 maximum aperture. However, the lens suffers from notable design and packaging drawbacks. The reviewer criticizes the ergonomics of the oversized zoom ring, arguing its forward placement is impractical and restricts movement when a lens hood is mounted backwards. Furthermore, despite the high retail price tag of over €1,000, Canon is heavily criticized for not including the EW-83J lens hood, forcing consumers to purchase this essential accessory separately.

fotografiaflash.com

04/05/2021

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - Review

The FotografiaFlash review highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a premium, versatile lens for APS-C cameras, offering a 27-88mm equivalent focal length suitable for various photography styles. Key strengths include a constant f/2.8 aperture, an outstanding, near-silent autofocus system that rivals L-series lenses, and effective three-stop image stabilization for superior low-light performance. Conversely, the lens is described as bulky, front-heavy, and lacking weather sealing, which makes it prone to collecting internal dust. Other downsides include an unusual zoom ring placement, significant geometric distortion requiring software correction, and a high price point that does not include essential accessories like a hood.

tapatalk.com

02/05/2010

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is reviewed as an optically stellar "L-series equivalent" for APS-C cameras, offering exceptional sharpness, effective 3-stop Image Stabilization, and rapid, silent Ring-type USM autofocus. Its constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and bokeh, making it a high-performance, versatile zoom lens. However, the lens faces criticism for its plastic construction that lacks weather-sealing, along with a tendency for dust accumulation behind the front element. Additional cons include visible barrel distortion at 17mm, vignetting at f/2.8, potential "zoom creep," and a missing lens hood in the package.

focus-review.com

30/08/2012

Summary of the review

Test Canon EF-S 17-55 (APS-C) - Focus Review

This review evaluates the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens tested on an APS-C camera, specifically noting how newer bodies like the Canon 650D enhance its performance via in-camera corrections for chromatic aberration and vignetting. With a 1.6x crop factor, the lens offers a versatile 27-88mm focal length equivalent, positioning it as an excellent walk-around lens with highly effective, built-in 3-stop image stabilization and silent, incredibly fast ultrasonic autofocus. Optically, it delivers impressively high and consistent sharpness across the frame that peaks around f/4.0, while producing a smoother bokeh profile than its direct competitors. Despite these strengths, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks, including significant barrel distortion at the wide 17mm end and high susceptibility to flare and ghosting when shooting into backlight. Physically, the lens is built out of plastic with a metal mount, making it quite large and heavy to carry. Furthermore, its premium price tag exceeding 1000 euros pushes it into the luxury cost bracket of Canon's professional L-series. In conclusion, while it outperforms other native Canon standard zooms, the reviewer suggests third-party options like the Sigma...

eoszine.nl

22/02/2012

Summary of the review

Review of the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - EOSzine

The review by Pieter Dhaeze highlights the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM as a top-tier standard zoom lens that allows photographers to maximize the potential of APS-C sensor cameras like the Canon EOS 60D or 7D. Evaluated using a 60D, the lens pairs excellently with the body, delivering outstanding sharpness across the entire focal range (17-55mm), even when wide open at f/2.8 and out into the corners. When capturing images in RAW, it extracts an exceptional amount of detail, outperforming other prominent options like the EF-S 15-85mm and the L-series EF 17-40mm f/4L. Key strengths include its bright, constant f/2.8 aperture and a highly reliable built-in image stabilization (IS) system, enabling sharp handheld shots down to 1/15s while maintaining lower ISO levels for superior image quality. Additionally, its 35 cm minimum focusing distance yields a practical 1:5 magnification ratio perfect for detailed close-up photography. On the downside, the reviewer notes that the lens completely lacks dust and splash-waterproofing, requiring careful handling in rain or snow. From a design perspective, the manual focus ring is criticized for being too narrow...

eoszine.nl

23/11/2023

Summary of the review

EF-S 17-55mm vs RF-S 18-150mm

This review compares the veteran Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens (released in 2006) with the modern RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM on a mirrorless EOS R7 APS-C camera. The RF-S 18-150mm stands out for its incredible 8x zoom versatility (29-240mm equivalent) and lightweight, ultra-compact design that perfectly complements mirrorless bodies. It also delivers superior image quality at a 100% crop, showing better contrast, sharpness, and control over chromatic aberration due to its modern optics, alongside a higher maximum magnification factor for macro-style close-ups. However, its major drawbacks are a dim and variable maximum aperture that drops to f/6.3 at longer focal lengths, forcing higher ISO levels or slower shutter speeds, and the lack of physical external switches, requiring users to navigate camera menus to toggle autofocus or image stabilization. In contrast, the main advantage of the older EF-S 17-55mm is its constant f/2.8 bright aperture, which provides a massive two-stop advantage in low light over its rival. This allows photographers to capture moving subjects at lower ISO values with significantly reduced noise and achieve a beautifully soft, organic...

focus-review.com

30/08/2012

Summary of the review

Canon 17-55mm (APS-C) Review

The Canon EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM is a high-performance standard zoom lens designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras like the Canon 650D or 600D. Equivalent to a 27-88 mm focal length on a full-frame sensor, it serves as a versatile "walk-around" lens featuring a fast, constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in image stabilization that provides a proven 3-stop advantage. Testing reveals exceptional, highly consistent image sharpness across the center of the frame at all focal lengths, with corner resolution reaching its peak performance when stopped down to f/5.6. Optical aberrations like chromatic aberration and vignetting are already low in raw files but can be nearly eliminated using in-camera JPEG corrections available on modern DSLR bodies. The major pros of this lens include its outstanding sharpness, fast constant aperture, very rapid and silent Ultrasonic Motor (USM) autofocus system, and effective image stabilization. Conversely, the main cons consist of high, disturbing distortion at the 17 mm wide end, high sensitivity to internal flare and aperture spots in backlit situations, and a large, heavy physical profile. Additionally, its high price tag of...

camera-tweedehands.nl

11/11/2023

Summary of the review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM Product Description and Reviews

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a versatile, wide-angle standard zoom designed for APS-C DSLRs, featuring a constant f/2.8 aperture, 3-stop Image Stabilization, and a fast, quiet ring-type USM motor. Key performance advantages include excellent low-light capability and sharp imaging throughout the 27-88mm equivalent range. Conversely, the lens is noted for its lightweight plastic construction rather than premium weather-sealed housing, alongside a bulky, heavy design weighing 635 grams. It is strictly limited to APS-C sensors, cannot be used on full-frame cameras, and requires an adapter for mirrorless systems. For full listing details, visit Camera-Tweedehands.

Third-party reviews

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(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM?

L-series optical quality with excellent sharpness and clarity across the zoom range
Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture is ideal for low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field
Fast, quiet, and accurate Ring USM autofocus
Effective 3-stop Image Stabilization (IS) for handheld photography and video
Versatile focal range (27-88mm full-frame equivalent) for portraits and landscapes

What customers dislike about Canon EF-S 17 55 F 2 8 IS USM?

Prone to dust intrusion behind the front element due to lack of weather sealing
Build quality feels plasticky and consumer-grade compared to its high price
Large and heavy 'bulky' design for an APS-C lens
Lens hood is often sold separately rather than included
Notable vignetting and chromatic aberration when shooting wide open at 17mm

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