EF-S 17-55 f2.8

[dansoh]

So what do you all think of the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 as a replacement of my Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5. I loose 15mm but gain a fixed f2.8 throughout. For the price, can get used 17-40 f4L. Do any of you have both of these and like to share with me what your feelings are towards the 2, likes and dislikes.

Reviews for the 17-55 is that it is the best compared to Tamron 17-50, Sigma 18-55, and Canon 17-85. Very sharp and can create that 3D effect in photos.

Thanks in advance.

[Denosha]

I have the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS as well as the EF 17-40 F4 L and EF 24-70 F2.8 L and between the 3 on a 1.6x crop body, I'd say the 17-55 is by far the most versatile. Image quality wise the 17-55 is also tack sharp wide open at any focal length. Colour and contrast is also very good (though I think it loses out to the 24-70 by a bit). The IS is surprisingly very useful even on the short focal length. Only downside is the build quality. The barrel is plastic and the focusing ring is a joke. The L lenses feel much nicer to use.

If you don't intend to upgrade to full-frame in the future or will be keeping ur 1.6x crop cam as a backup after upgrading, I'd say that the 17-55 is a very good buy. 

[dansoh]

Thanks for sharing. Can you share what you mean by the "focussing ring is a joke". Is it like the 10-22 that I have plastic but image is very good. A little bit closer to getting it. Anyone got bad experience with this lens.

[hwchoy]

just curious how much is this lens going for now?

[Denosha]

Yes the focusing ring is like the 10-22 one (which i also have as well).

I think it's about $1200+ if you get it from the Oracle on Clubsnap. I paid 1888 for mine when it was released. Didn't expect the price to drop so drastically. So i actually ended up paying quite a bit more for my 17-55 than my 24-70. 

[dansoh]

Not the same as an L lens definately, but if the IQ is as good as L than its all that matters to me, unless someone can say otherwise
Price still around 1400+ w gst, I guess grey sets cheaper. Used one only about 300+ less than new ... how to sell off. Rather get new lol. But I guess if like Denosha paying $1888 than its a bit to loose.

TIA

[hwchoy]

as long as you don't upgrade to 1.3x or FF body then is no issue.