Canon Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens Review
The Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 delivers pro-level sharpness and stabilization for Canon APS-C cameras, but its autofocus shows its age. It's a brilliant yet dated workhorse.
Overview
The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the classic 'workhorse' zoom for Canon APS-C shooters. It's been around for a while, but it's still a serious lens for serious photos and video.
You get a constant f/2.8 aperture across a super useful 27-88mm equivalent zoom range. That means you can shoot in lower light and get better background blur than with a kit lens. It's a proper step up.
Performance
The optics are the star here, ranking in the 94th percentile. Images are sharp and contrasty, and the image stabilization is top-notch at the 90th percentile. That's great for handheld video and low-light shots. The autofocus is the weak link, landing in the 48th percentile. It's not slow, but it's not the fastest or quietest by today's standards, especially for video.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Super sharp optics and great image stabilization. 94th
- Constant f/2.8 aperture is a huge upgrade from kit lenses. 90th
- The 27-88mm equivalent zoom range is incredibly versatile. 90th
- Build quality feels solid and reliable for the price.
Cons
- Autofocus is showing its age and isn't the quietest. 33th
- It's heavy at 635g and not weather-sealed.
- Bokeh and macro performance are just average.
- It's an EF-S lens, so it won't work if you upgrade to a full-frame Canon RF body.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 |
| Focal Length Max | 55 |
| Elements | 19 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Canon EF-S |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 351 |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x |
Value & Pricing
At around $860, it's a tough call. The image quality is absolutely worth the money if you need this specific zoom range on a Canon APS-C camera. But you're paying for optics from an older generation. There's no fancy new coatings or silent AF motors here. It's a lot of cash for a lens that locks you into an older mount.
vs Competition
Compared to prime lenses like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or Meike 55mm f/1.8, this Canon zoom gives you flexibility and stabilization, but you lose out on that super fast aperture for low light and blur. Against modern zooms from other brands, like the Sony 15mm f/1.4 G, it often lacks the latest autofocus tech and is heavier. It's a trade-off: unparalleled optical performance for its Canon niche, versus newer, more specialized options.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Canon APS-C shooter (like on a 90D or 7D) who needs a pro-level, all-in-one zoom for photos and controlled video work, and you plan to stick with that system for a while. Don't buy it if you prioritize lightning-fast autofocus for sports, need weather sealing, or think you might switch to Canon's full-frame RF system down the line.