This is the one many Canon dSLR owners have been waiting for... a versatile wide to mid-range zoom with great low light capability due to the wide aperature of 2.8. Add to this IS and USM, and this is a winning package.

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens, with a fast, fixed f/2.8 aperture, very high image quality , 3-stop Image Stabilization and a very popular focal length range, is one of the best general purpose lenses available .

I have been debating for a long time whether I should go for EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS or EF 24-70 f2.8L. The EF-S 17-85 is a big no-no because of its poor optical performance. My major concern on 17-55 is that it only fits EF-S mount cameras, which means it will have to go when I upgrade to a full-frame...

Great optical performance (comparable to L series); wide open at f2.8 for background blur; IS is a huge plus

Price is too high; no lens hood included; zoom barrel not smooth enough; construction not as good as L series; fit only EF-S mount cameras

I have used this lens for about five months now and shot several hundred pictures with it. It's used only on a 30D body. Some people have noticed barrel distortion and some pincushion issues with their lenses.

Build quality; Fast maximum aperture; which takes advantage of the finer 30D autofocus capabilities associated with f2.8 and faster lenses; Superior picture quality

Wish the short focal length was 15mm; Not dust sealed like the L lenses; Fits only digital Rebel; Rebel XT; Rebel XTi; 20D; 30D; and probably the upcoming 40D (or whatever they call it); Attracts a lot of attention; especially with the hood attached; Lens hood doesn't come with lens; is expensive (I...

All zoom lenses have drawbacks. However, according to many reviews this is a fantastic lens especially when you consider what is available for the EF-S lenses---those lenses for Canon cameras that have a 1.6 crop factor such as the Rebel, 20D and 30D.

Despite lacking the L branding this lens is a good quality item of kit, as indicated by its price. The build quality feels right with all the switches and rings having that positive smoothness of operation to them.

Good build quality with smooth operations; Excellent Image Stabilisation; Good image quality; Popular Filter size

Expensive with no-upgrade path; Distortion at the longer focal length; Slightly bulky for focal range

CanonEF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Strengths: You get what you pay for with respect to image quality with this lens. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS had 50% MTF and resolution scores closest to L-lenses or primes across the focal lengths tested.

Canon makes two distinct lens ranges. The EF lenses will fit any of the EOS bodies, but the EF-S lenses will only fit Canons with the smaller APS-C sized sensor. That includes the EOS 1000D, 400D, 450D, 40D and new 50D.

I purchased this lens to use with my 40D. It is the only lens I have right now. I did a lot of research before purchasing it as the price tag was rather steep. I can honestly say I have no regrets. This lens, due its wide angle and zoom, is a great all purpose lens.

I/S; durable; excellent for low light shots

heavy; pricy; lens hood not included

This digital-only, 27-88mm equivalent ($1,000, street) is a pro-caliber upgrade of Canon's popular 17-85mm amateur Image Stabilizer lens ($515, street). It has the hallmarks of Canon's professional, full-frame L-series (solid construction, aspheric elements, UD glass).