Canon EF-S 17 - 55 mm F2.8 IS lens

I have been reading a few reviews and would love to get some thoughts from anyon who actually has ever used this lens.

I f you have not used it, thanks anyway, but i really want replies from people who have used it, not theoreticals.

.

My question:

I have a 50d body only.
I was going to get the 18-200 zoom that came with it then thought, i really need a lense allows a great amount of light when needed and has a minimun zoom of 20mm...

So, i was looking at this lens.
Canon EF-S 17 - 55 mm F2.8 IS lens
Canon EF-S 17 - 55 mm F2.8 IS lens

My purpose - i do social events around sydney, I basically mostly take photos of people at social events like major parties or corporate functions where there are speeches, group shots, people havig fun in posh venues and function centres. I sometimes get ambience shots but mostly people shots so for me, the biggest problem i have has in past was obtaining as much natural light as possible, (hwn i say natural, using the lighting the venue already has as much as i can opposed to harsh external flash only. opposed to relying 100 percent on my 580 series 2 flash.

i am figuring tha app 2.8 is really good for low light and i can not have a fixes lens, i need to zoom in and out a fair amount but i am thinking zooming between 17mm - 55mm is pretty good for the purpose of social events.

so, my question is - is this lens below a really good choice?

keep in mind i have to get a canon lense, no other brand, it has to be canon australia only for economical reasons

the lens below reatils at about $1700 in australia at the monet and that is still after 2 years of being on the market

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

EF 28-105mm f/4-5.6

EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM

EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II

EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS

EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM

EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

EF 90-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM

EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

EF 90-300mm f/4.5-5.6

EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM

EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

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having said all that,

will i have issues with when i want great depth o field?

i often use a app of about f8 or f11 when taking group shots or wanting to make entire frame all in focus with NO blury background.

so when i up my f stop for f8 or f11 instead of f2.8 (the lowest)

will i have issues more so ?

reading stuff like this comment below

i am confused by what they say when talking about constant app of 2.8

this is just the internals of the lens right, oposed to me chaning my settings on camera body from 2.8 to f6 or f8 or f11 right?


//

"For example, when zoomed-out to wide angle, the 17-55mm at f2.8 gathers twice as much light as the 17-85mm can at f4.0, allowing you to halve your exposure or ISO. With both lenses zoomed-in to their longest focal lengths, the differences become even greater. Thanks to a constant aperture of f2.8 throughout its range, the 17-55mm gathers four times more light than the 17-85mm can at f5.6. "

AussieCat wrote in post #6986470
I have been reading a few reviews and would love to get some thoughts from anyon who actually has ever used this lens.

I f you have not used it, thanks anyway, but i really want replies from people who have used it, not theoreticals.

.

My question:

I have a 50d body only.
I was going to get the 18-200 zoom that came with it then thought, i really need a lense allows a great amount of light when needed and has a minimun zoom of 20mm...

So, i was looking at this lens.
Canon EF-S 17 - 55 mm F2.8 IS lens
Canon EF-S 17 - 55 mm F2.8 IS lens



My purpose - i do social events around sydney, I basically mostly take photos of people at social events like major parties or corporate functions where there are speeches, group shots, people havig fun in posh venues and function centres. I sometimes get ambience shots but mostly people shots so for me, the biggest problem i have has in past was obtaining as much natural light as possible, (hwn i say natural, using the lighting the venue already has as much as i can opposed to harsh external flash only. opposed to relying 100 percent on my 580 series 2 flash.

i am figuring tha app 2.8 is really good for low light and i can not have a fixes lens, i need to zoom in and out a fair amount but i am thinking zooming between 17mm - 55mm is pretty good for the purpose of social events.

so, my question is - is this lens below a really good choice?

keep in mind i have to get a canon lense, no other brand, it has to be canon australia only for economical reasons

the lens below reatils at about $1800 in australia at the monet and that is still after 2 years of being on the market

Previous Next >

• Press Release
  
• Specifications

Press Release:
Constant aperture EF-S zoom a great low-light performer

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 21 February, 2006: Canon today strengthens its EF-S lens series with the Image Stabilized wide angle EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. With image quality and construction approaching that of Canon’s renowned professional lenses, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM becomes the fastest standard focal length zoom for EF–S mount cameras such as the new EOS 30D. Combining constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range with Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabilizer, it delivers outstanding wide angle performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions. Specialist optics such as UD glass and aspherical elements help deliver exceptional clarity, sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy.
EF-S mount
The lens fits exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – the new EOS 30D, EOS 350D, and earlier EOS 20D and 300D models. (see appendix ‘Technologies Explained for further information on the EF–S mount). The 1.6x multiplication effect of these cameras’ APS-C size sensor gives the lens an effective focal length of approximately 27-88mm.
Image quality
To improve image clarity over the total image area, two Ultra-Low Dispersion glass (UD) elements are employed to eliminate secondary chromatic aberrations that otherwise reduce sharpness and introduce colour fringing. To ensure crisp, high contrast from one corner of the frame to the other, two aspherical lens elements have been introduced to avoid spherical aberrations that can soften images, especially at wider apertures. In combination with digital EOS CMOS sensor and DIGIC II image processor technologies, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM delivers image quality surpassing that required for many commercial applications.
Fixed f/2.8 from 17 - 55mm
Superb optical quality with no change in aperture over the full focal length range allows photographers to set exposure at the widest aperture and concentrate on framing, without concern for adjusting shutter speed at longer focal lengths. The lens employs an almost perfectly circular barrel aperture, helping create attractive, even background blur.
Image Stabilizer
The lens features Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) for dramatically reduced image blur caused by camera shake. IS significantly extends scope for shooting in low light conditions without flash, or for gaining depth of field. The 3-stop advantage allows a photographer shooting in low light to use a shutter speed of just 1/15 sec instead of 1/125, with no perceptible increase in image blur.
IS automatically detects when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabilizer motor vibrations.
(See more information on Image Stabilizer, see appendix ‘Technologies Explained’).
Fast, silent auto-focus
The lens’ USM motor employs ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with speed and near-silent operation. The constant torque motor moves the focus group at high speed, stopping with precision, accuracy and without overshoot the instant the lens arrives at the correct focus point. Photographers can switch to manual focus instantly and at any time simply by moving the manual focus ring without first having to switch out of auto focus mode.
Harmful reflections eliminated
By optimising Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, Canon’s engineers have been effective in suppressing flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
EOS system integration
When used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units and the internal flash of the EOS 350D, EOS 20D and new EOS 30D, the lens passes distance information to the E-TTL II flash algorithm to improve flash exposure metering.
An optional lens hood, made exclusively for the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, and pouch are available.
In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

when they say constant aperture they mean if you "can" make it f2.8 at any FL. Some lens as you zoom in more and more the aperture gets smaller.

And yes the 17-55 is great if not perfect for social events and low light event and such. the f2.8 and the IS really help out. But if you planning to just shoot at f8-f11 then don't waste ur money and get the 18-55 IS kit len would do good also

ur question goes on and on so i don't really know if this is ur answer but hope it helps out and i do own the 17-55 btw

hahha

my question goes on an doin\
intereting

thanks.

yes, u answere my question

samurairx7 wrote in post #6986851
when they say constant aperture they mean if you "can" make it f2.8 at any FL. Some lens as you zoom in more and more the aperture gets smaller.

And yes the 17-55 is great if not perfect for social events and low light event and such. the f2.8 and the IS really help out. But if you planning to just shoot at f8-f11 then don't waste ur money and get the 18-55 IS kit len would do good also

ur question goes on and on so i don't really know if this is ur answer but hope it helps out and i do own the 17-55 btw

The lens will work perfectly for your appication IMO. You can do tighter cropped portrait type shots with the 55mm end and more group shots with the wide angle. IS and F/2.8 will be great in low light, though be careful of going too slow on shutter or else peoples movements will be captured. Not to mention, excellent IQ too. I've had mine for like 3 months, but the previous owner said it hardly left his camera body in the 18 months or something that he had it for.

hey man

what sis IQ and IMO

wow

sounds like a perfect lens for me after all

been doing a bit of research in reviews on lens and this one sounds awesome

.

it sells for $1640 in sydney at some stores

pretty damn dear !

daleftw wrote in post #6987019
The lens will work perfectly for your appication IMO. You can do tighter cropped portrait type shots with the 55mm end and more group shots with the wide angle. IS and F/2.8 will be great in low light, though be careful of going too slow on shutter or else peoples movements will be captured. Not to mention, excellent IQ too. I've had mine for like 3 months, but the previous owner said it hardly left his camera body in the 18 months or something that he had it for.

In my humble opinion -
The lens is great for single portraits at closer ranges, and general wider shots, but f/2.8 is not great for social gatherings at all, and if that's what you need it for - you'll find yourself using f/4 and bounced/diffused flash more often than not after the first few outings.

lol whoooww here you go

IQ = image quality
IMO = In My Opinion
IHMO = In My Humble Opinion
FL = Focal Length

well that's what i know it as but there could be a chance i'm wrong

Its the almost perfect all round lens on a crop camera. Ive had mine for just over two years now and its on my 40D (30D before that) 90% of the time. The rest is my new 24-105L but i find i dont tend to use it much at the moment.
I see no reason not to get it for the type of shooting required.
I agree with some others, its not perfect at everything but no other single lens can beat it in my experience.
I dont agree that the new kit lens will do just as well. The 17-55IS is a better lens in almost every way. Yes, you dont have to use it at f/2.8 but the focusing is faster and quieter (maybe not an issue for most people) and better in low light. Downside is of course it costs way more and is bigger and heavier.
Ive been playing with a mates kit lens recently and im going to get one to take on holiday with me instead of my 17-55IS, it is very comparable to the 17-55IS but it would in no way replace it.

Also wroth thinking about is the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. IME its very close to the Canon, no IS of course but its smaller, lighter and less prone to flare.

It will work perfectly for what you're looking to do. It is sharp at all focal lengths at all apertures. The 17-55 is one of the best lenses that I had ever had the pleasure of owning. It focuses extremely quickly, the IS is useful, and above anything, the image quality is superb.

Tobe honest there is not a better lens available. You'll find yourself just taking pictures and not worrying about your lens because its so good across the board, sharp wide open and super fast focusing.

I think for the type of shooting you are planning on using it for the 17-55 can't be beat. The 2.8 is excellent and the IS is a big plus for low light.
This lens lives on my 40D for almost all indoor shooting.

Yes
the 17-55 IS , is THE perfect social lens, lowlight zoom, portrait zoom, mid range focal for a crop body.

It is basicaly a L quality lens (except the weather sealing ) on a EF-S format.
It behaves as a 27mm to 88mm , pretty much the standard (read used a lot)lens fashion photographers use for glamour and portraits on theyr Full frame body (as the 24-70 f2.8 L ).
This lens has a great and very efective IS system and has become the reason many crop body owners keep theyr xxD body when thinking on going Full frame.
Just a great lens... Other options you might consider are the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and the Sigma 18-50 f2.8, but they lack the IS system and some copies / users have reported issues on focusing on low light situations.

This is pretty much what you have read already, but I just wanted to chime in and comment on how happy i am with this lens.
I use it on my XSI, your 50D should be able to focus even better and faster on low light.
Good luck!

I reckon you dont need to use a aperture smaller than f8.
based on focal length 17mm, f8, subject distant of 2m, you got 0.98m to infinity in focus.
there is no points to get everyone in focus for scene shots (except group portraits). also, to get a proper exposure for every faces is almost impossible in a party.

i just got this lens and highly recommend it to prospetous owner.

This lens only works on Canon models with a 1.6x cropped sensor and an EF-S mount, such as the 400D, 350D, and the 20D. I believe that the 50D also meets that requirement but definitely confirm before you buy!

That said, this is an excellent lens--very sharp (near L quality) and with excellent color fidelity. The images that my 17-55 produces show very slight vignetting in the corners which is easy to correct with software if that bothers you. Barrel distortion at the widest focal lengths is comparatively modest. I highly recommend getting the lens lens hood since the lens is otherwise prone to lens flare when shooting outdoors.

At f2.8, the lens can be a little soft so if you are using this lens to shoot indoors, you will often want to use flash as well or shoot at a higher ISO (say, 800).

Flickr has a group devoted to this lens so you might want to look at pictures there to see how the lens performs in settings comparable to what you have planned:

http://www.flickr.com/​groups/canon_17-55mm/