Since I bought my Canon 40D, I’ve been wanting a zoom lens to replace the mediocre 18-55mm that came with it. Well, I now have that better lens ^^ I am now the proud owner of a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM ^^
After researching the various Canon zoom lens, I decided upon this model. I was considering some of the L series zoom lens like the 24-105 f/4 and the 24-70 f/2.8 but decided the 17-55mm was the best lens for me. It has the wide 2.8 aperture which I definitely wanted and it has Canon’s modern Image Stabilization technology. The 24-70 has the wide aperture but no IS for slow shutter speed while shooting hand held. The 24-105 has IS but the f/4 aperture was too narrow for me. So, it was the 17-55mm :)
Though it is not a L series lens, the 17-55mm has received much praise for its image quality. It’s exceptionally sharp and the focal range is great for general purpose use. Several of the shots, like this one, from my recent Sanzen’in Nagi shoot were done with my 17-55. The relatively wide aperture (for a zoom) is great for portraits and produces smooth, beautiful background blurring. Of course, it’s also useful in low light situations without a tripod.
If you didn’t notice, there’s a passport in the intro image. I’m going on a 2 week trip to Italy this summer to visit family living there and to just have fun. It will be my first time leaving the US, so I had to get a passport. The process was actually much easier than I expected and pretty quick (had my passport in hand only 2 weeks after registering). So, that’s one of the main reasons I bought my new camera lens. I want to be able to take lots of pictures while on vacation ^^ Only 2 more months until we leave!
I’ve sold off my 18-55mm lens so my current arsenal is the 17-55mm f/2.8 and the 50mm f/1.8. My next objective is a telephoto lens. I’ve been looking at the 70-200mm but the IS versions are kind of expensive… While browsing, I did discover this other potential lens: The Canon 1200mm f/5.6. Luckily, B&H has one up for sale. Only $120,000 ^^; Anyone want to buy it for me? xD
that picture of your niece is just awesome, btw she’s a cutie. that lens is totally awesome! might have to put that on my list of lenses to pick up in the near future
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A very nice lens there. Before I got my 24-105mm L lens, I did consider the 17-55mm as well but seeing that it’s an EF-S mount lens, it won’t fit on a 5D body. Of course that’s assuming if you ever want to upgrade to a 5D, if not then the 17-55mm is a nice choice.
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@Dancing Queen:
Thanks ^^. It really is a nice lens, it makes taking pictures a lot of fun. And since it’s an EF-S, it would work great with a Rebel.
@Adun:
Yeah, I know what you mean. The EF-S-only mount was the one thing that made me hesitant to buy it. I’ve used both the 5D and 5DII and while they’re excellent cameras, I don’t think I’m at the point where I need to upgrade to FF. Plus, I got a good deal on the lens and it has good resale value for when I really do make the jump :)
Nice lens, has great specs and read good things about. Those first shots look mighty sweet. ^^
A bit out of my budget alas… I might go for the 18-200, but this 17-55 one has great aperture..
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Big lens deliver results. Love the shoot on Nagi so that proves it with some skill.
I’m just a ‘point and shoot’ guy so I try to make an effort in taking good photo’s.
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i also bought the 17-55mm f/2.8 lens, last month. i see that u have a lens hood as well. how much did u get it for? i wanted one as well but it is so costly! O_O
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Well, it came with the lens as part of a set. It’s nice but I don’t know if it’s $50 nice. There are some generic hoods you can get for less money. Adorama has one here: http://www.adorama.com/LNHEW83J.html
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