This lens is the same as the kit lenses that come with the rebel series. ONLY A LOT BETTER! first off the F/2.8 is great in all situations especially for wonderful bokah and low light situations. The only reason why this lens is not an L series is because it does not work with all the cameras.

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Fast; Rugged; Sharp Focus

This lens is the same as the kit lenses that come with the rebel series. ONLY A LOT BETTER! first off the F/2.8 is great in all situations especially for wonderful bokah and low light situations. The only reason why this lens is not an L series is because it does not work with all the cameras.

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Fast; Rugged; Sharp Focus

Having owned and used a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens for around 15 months, I feel that I have some well balanced experience with it. Being an EF-S lens (the 'S' standing for 'Short' back-focus), it is designed for use ONLY with cameras having APS-C size sensors.

Useful range; Fast f/2.8 aperture; Great IS; Superb image quality

Lens hood costs extra

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Scratches Easily

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is a fast lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, so you can use it to obtain a shallow depth-of-field or help with reasonable exposures in lowlight situations.

Heavier than the kit lens but the 17-55mm f/2.8, is one of the best (if not the best) low-light walk-around lenses you can buy. Its 17-55mm focal length range makes it versatile for use in either landscape or portrait photography. It may be pricey, but it's worth every last paise you pay for it.

As mentioned the lens is not a designated L grade lens and while this may not be really obvious based on the naked specifications it does show up with respect to its build quality.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM was announced in early 2006. The lens is designed to fit APS-C type cameras and has a reduced imaging circle with protruding back element which would cause mirror clearance issues if used on a full-frame camera.

It is a great general purpose lens for every day photography ,fast focus ,great picture details with low light capability . With lens hood it it has a wow factor ! But some how EF 50mm f/1.4 usm is more practical and easy to use if wide angle is not your need of the hour !

I bought this lens in October of 2013 for my T2i and I love it. It's the only lens I have for my camera but I think it's worth the upgrade from the kit lens that comes with the T2i. Great all-round general purpose lens.