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

This is a great all-around lens. If you want to upgrade to something better than the stock lens, this is a great buy. Its pricey, because it's a 2.8, and while not an "L" Series lens, it still offers superb image quality within the standard focal length. I use it for long trips and generally for everything else, especially in the winter months when the lighting gets less than ideal. The motor is fast for focusing, and it seldom has any focus errors (i.e. focusing on the wrong point). I do believe it works better with the T6i than the T5, but its so much more responsive, than the kit lens. And it's got the lower focal length that the 28-135 doesn't, so you don't have to back up when your in too close. Amazingly enough this one is nearly similar to the 16-35mm IS II. I've owned both, and I kept this one, as paying 1300 for the same focal length with just a slightly faster focusing, doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, as their both 2.8's. Your really not going to be disappointed with this lens, over the 16-35mm costing 2.5x times as much.Read full review

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - An Excellent Lens I am now the third owner of my copy, and it doesn't seem to be any worse for wear for it. But then again most camera buffs take pretty good care of their equipment. My copy, perhaps just lucky me, also does not seem to exhibit the dreaded dust sucking problem that it has been reputed to have. I see no dust specks under the front element. I upgraded to this from the 17-85mm IS f4-5.6, which is a nice lens in its own right. I am glad I did for a number of reasons: - its constant f2.8 is great for low light and bokeh - my 40D body shifts its center cross-type autofocus point to a higher accuracy mode with f2.8 (or faster) lenses - it's sharp wide open, and is razor sharp at f4 - images taken with it have more "pop" (i.e. contrast and colour) compared to the 17-85mm, which is typical of L glass - its barrel distortion at 17mm is significantly better than the 17-85mm (of course you can use DPP in post processing to further reduce) - it can directly share the 77mm C-PL, ND4, and ND8 filters I already have - it feels a bit sturdier than 17-85mm did - it maintains it's value very well, and the demand is high for it in the secondary market So it's all good, but there are some (minor) niggles: - it maintains it's value very well, which means I paid a lot for it which I wouldn't mind so much if ... - ... and it's the same old complaint: for that kind of money you don't get either the L build or a hood (although admittedly I was lucky the additional EW-83J hood was included in my purchase from the previous owner) - it is big in comparison to the 17-85mm, but it is well balanced on my 40D - I mourn the loss of the 30mm of extra reach the 17-85mm had (but I have a 85mm f1.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8 in my kit to take care of that) In summary the lens is great as a walkaround or for indoors, and you won't be disappointed if you get it. It's considered by many, including myself, to be the best single Canon EF-S lens to date for IQ. I had briefly considered the 24-105mm f4L instead, but felt that not having the wide end was a show stopper for my walkaround needs even though I also own a 10-22mm. The 24-105mm is a perfect range on a FF body though. Some would advise against buying this lens, or any other EF-S for that matter, because if you ever upgrade to FF you will need to ditch it. That is true, but if that time comes for you, you will have a lineup of buyers ready to take it off your hands without you losing very much from what you paid for it. Canon's 1.6x crop lineup is going to be around for a very long time.Read full review

Outstanding all around lens I started with a Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 lens and thought it took good shots. However, after using on vacation for 10 days, I found that I had many shots that simply were not sharp, so when I returned home, the Sigma was also returned. However, I was sold on the utility of a walkaround lens in that range. After doing quite a bit of research, it became clear that the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens was loved by everyone that reviewed it and used it. After I read a review that showed it consistently delivers sharpness equal to or better than most primes, I made the leap. I have to tell you, this lens exceeded my expectations. The only reason I cannot get a sharp image is due to my own failing, not this lens. I can use it wide open and not have to worry about soft edges or other issues often noted when you use lesser lenses at their max aperture. Focus is fast and dead on and while the IS isn't quite as good as my 70-200, it is still terrific. Don't let anyone tell you you don't need IS with wider lenses, you do - at least with Canon's IS. This is indeed my walkaround lens - great for landscapes and almost every other task not requiring a longer lens. The only reason to go to a prime is for a faster lens - for that, I have my eye on the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Don't do what I tried to do and settle for less, especially if you have made the investment in a good camera (I have the 7D). Spend the money on a few good Canon lenses - especially zooms, and use Sigma/Tamron for primes and macros where they seem to do quite well.Read full review