Canon 17-55mm 1.8 Lens worth it?

I have told myself I want to buy this lens, and have been saving up for it - now I almost have enough money for it - i'm doubting the lens being worth the price. I would be using this lens for mainly Music Videos & Short Films. Is it good for this line of work? Or is there a better lens for what I want to do. Thanks!

btw I was looking at the Tokina 11-16mm, and I really like how it looks. Would that be a better choice or not?

Edit - by the way, is the 17-55mm better than the 18-55mm at f 3.5 @ 18mm? What does the 17-55 have over the 18 other than aperture?

It's a great lens. Whether its worth it or not is mainly a decision that you need to make.

If they made a 17-55 f/1.8... I think everyone would be all over it.

va_rider wrote in post #14348118
If they made a 17-55 f/1.8... I think everyone would be all over it.

It would probably be as big as a 200/2 and cost as much though.

I own both the 11-16 & 17- 55. Both great lens, but I think the 17-55 would serve you best for what you would like to do..
However I am going to add to the mix a 15-85 as a thought, as its a bit wider and longer reach. If low light is of concern you can use a flash with it indoors or at venues. Its a tack sharp lens, and more $economical$ than the other two.

Check out the image page here on POTN of the verious lens your interested in, and you be the judge.

if you don't want to spend the money...look at the sigma 17-50f2.8 OS as a cheaper alternative...

Thanks for the help

no i don't think it's worth the asking price.

I'd buy the Sigma 17-50 OS over it.

kin2son wrote in post #14351816
no i don't think it's worth the asking price.

I'd buy the Sigma 17-50 OS over it.

looks like you don't own any crop sensor body now.
how was the comparison of Sigma vs. Canon

I dont think any lens is really worth the cost but the Canon 17-55IS is very good lens, and if you want it you have to pay the going rate for it.
Personally i did and never regretted it and it was the one thing that stopped me going FF.

OriginalProof wrote in post #14348104
I have told myself I want to buy this lens, and have been saving up for it - now I almost have enough money for it - i'm doubting the lens being worth the price. I would be using this lens for mainly Music Videos & Short Films. Is it good for this line of work? Or is there a better lens for what I want to do. Thanks!

btw I was looking at the Tokina 11-16mm, and I really like how it looks. Would that be a better choice or not?

I own the 11-16 and now the 17-55. I had the same decision and tried the Sigma 17-50 and was not happy with it and sent it back after trying several copies for inconsistent focusing. I tried it when they first introduced it so there may have been more copy variation. Seems like folks are happier with the Sigma here on the forum lately . I was disappointed that the Sigma didn't work for me since I own the Sigma 30 1.4 which I am thrilled with.

I am very happy with the Canon 17-55 and won't be sending it back. Fast focusing, sharp, consistent results. I rarely use the Tokina and probably will use it less now that I have the 17-55. I have gotten some cool shots with it... just not as versatile a tool as a standard zoom in my opinion.

Sorry missed in your post your intended usage... looks like the 11-16 or even the Sig 30 1.4 would work. Also maybe consider Zeiss glass if you are shooting video because of the focus ring.

Here's a post I found helpful. http://philipbloom.net …8/20/which-lenses-to-buy/

mules wrote in post #14352142
Sorry missed in your post your intended usage... looks like the 11-16 or even the Sig 30 1.4 would work. Also maybe consider Zeiss glass if you are shooting video because of the focus ring.

Actually i missed that as well. The only downside i can see if the IS is pretty loud if using the built in mic. Probably not a concern if doing things properly but thought i would point it out

mules wrote in post #14352125
I own the 11-16 and now the 17-55. I had the same decision and tried the Sigma 17-50 and was not happy with it and sent it back after trying several copies for inconsistent focusing. I tried it when they first introduced it so there may have been more copy variation. Seems like folks are happier with the Sigma here on the forum lately . I was disappointed that the Sigma didn't work for me since I own the Sigma 30 1.4 which I am thrilled with.

I am very happy with the Canon 17-55 and won't be sending it back. Fast focusing, sharp, consistent results. I rarely use the Tokina and probably will use it less now that I have the 17-55. I have gotten some cool shots with it... just not as versatile a tool as a standard zoom in my opinion.

how long have you been using the Canon 17-55mm ?
i own 7D as well, am still deciding to get 17-55mm or 24-70mm L lens.
Other than sharp image, fast focus, lot of negative review of this lens about dust magnet to the front element as well as zoom creep issue. That is the reason why it hold me back until now. If this is the case, would better go straight to L lens
Would like to get some feedback from you, how long have you been using it?

gunston wrote in post #14352160
If this is the case, would better go straight to L lens

There is no L equivalent.