My EFS 17-55 2.8 just died, again

I'm pretty fed up with this $1000 lens right now. I bought it new 4 years ago. About 18 months ago it started giving errors, saying there was no communication between the lens and the camera, which at that time was a 30D. I sent it to Canon, $250 later they had reworked the AF and IS. Last weekend I got the same error message on my 70D, no communication. So, do I spend more money for another 18 months of usefulness or cut my losses and buy something else?

You might want to send it in and ask for a quote but if it's going to be another $250 or more, you might just want to pick up a 17-50/2.8 OS from Sigma for $420 now or upgrade to the 18-35/1.8 where you would get a 4 year warranty.

If you don't really need 2.8, I'd spend that $250 on a used 18-135 STM first and see whether you miss the 17-55. I didn't. Or spend only $100 and try out the 18-55 STM.

Kent Clark wrote in post #17890684
I'm pretty fed up with this $1000 lens right now. I bought it new 4 years ago. About 18 months ago it started giving errors, saying there was no communication between the lens and the camera, which at that time was a 30D. I sent it to Canon, $250 later they had reworked the AF and IS. Last weekend I got the same error message on my 70D, no communication. So, do I spend more money for another 18 months of usefulness or cut my losses and buy something else?

Some people get unlucky from time to time, but this sounds too coincidental. What parts did Canon replace for that repair? Have you tried cleaning the contact points of the lens and camera?

For me it sounds like there is aperture (or some other) flex cable failure. Its quite common issue. New part costs $5 or so.. you have been fooled by Canon. I cannot believe it was caused by AF / IS unit, does not make sense.

That might be the problem, I have no idea. But my fine motor skills are not up to disassembling a lens and replacing the cable. I googled this and found a post on DPReview where someone did this to a Canon 17-85 lens. I know my limits, no way I could do this on my own. I have what is called an intention tremor, a tremor that only manifests when you try to do something. It is the opposite of a Parkinson's type tremor which manifests when the person is not trying to do something.

I think it needs to be soldered as well....

I used to have a 17-55. Whilst optically it's superb, the build quality is rather lacking.

If you want a far better build alternative with excellent image quality and can live without the f/2.8 aperture, I'd recommend the 15-85.

Vertigo1 wrote in post #17894630
If you want a far better build alternative with excellent image quality and can live without the f/2.8 aperture, I'd recommend the 15-85.

I've owned both lenses and I didn't see any difference in the build quality. What's makes the 15-85mm better?

Have you considered a tamron 17-50mm non vc? It's super sharp, great colors and the lens I use most for walk around. Its really superb for the money. I'm a tamron believer.

SVT Wylde wrote in post #17895047
I've owned both lenses and I didn't see any difference in the build quality. What's makes the 15-85mm better?

Really? That's very surprising. They're totally different generationally with the 15-85 being a much more solidly built lens. The 17-55's barrel tends to move a little, the design is notorious for sucking in dust and the IS has a reputation for failing.

Vertigo1 wrote in post #17898203
Really? That's very surprising. They're totally different generationally with the 15-85 being a much more solidly built lens. The 17-55's barrel tends to move a little, the design is notorious for sucking in dust and the IS has a reputation for failing.

I could tell the IS on the 15-85mm was smoother and silent but my copy wasn't sharp in the corners, had as much zoom creep as my 17-55mm and almost as many dust bunnies under the front element. Other than the IS, I'd call them close to equal which is a shame considering the price premium of the 17-55.