10/07/2010

*The* Walkabout Lens ~~"Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras"

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras

 

 *The* Walkabout Lens2008-08-02
Considering that my camera came with a lens that has almost the same focal length (my kit lens is the EFS 18-55 3.5-5.6 IS), I was wondering if this lens was really worth the shocking price.
It took all of one afternoon to convince me just how much better this lens is. I still think that the lens is on the pricey side, but performance wise this is an L lens. Images are stunningly sharp, and colors are fantastic. Wide open it produces beautiful bokeh, and because it is a fast lens you can use it indoors as well as out-doors. Since the 17-55 mm range (since it only can be used on a 1.6 FOV body, it's actually a 27-88 mm lens) covers my favorite focal length (35-50mm) it is my favorite walk-about lens. Wide-angle shots (especially inside buildings) are handled equally well as portraits by this lens.

Compared to my kit lens -- well, there really is no comparison. The fixed 2.8 aperture through the whole focal range alone puts the kit lens to shame. Mounted on a 450D this lens produces a nicely balanced composition that is easy to handle. AF is quick and silent, and the image stabilisator helps to steady those shots that otherwise would require a larger aperture. As with the kit lens, it can't do miracles, though, as too many marginal pictures unfortunately prove (I should have upped the ISO on those). The much larger (compared to the kit lens) body is easier to operate, and frankly, also looks better. The 77mm filter thread may be an annoyance to you if you don't have any other lens with that size, as you have to purchase new filters and can't share them with other lenses (most of my other lenses, not being L type, have 58mm threads).

Although the barrel extends with zoom, it does not turn during zooming, nor during focusing. This helps a lot when you are shooting outdoors with a circular pol filter and have to get the right focal length fast.

Although the lens has a nice weight (650g), I am a bit disappointed that the barrel is made from plastic instead of metal - I would expect that a lens with this price tag would have a quality feel to match. The plastic does feel a bit cheap. I'm also disappointed that this lens did not come with a lens hood. Again, at that price I would expect these things to be included.

When deciding to purchase this lens it is important to also consider the fact that this lens is an 'EF-S' type and will only work on 1.6FOV cameras, not on full frame bodies. It will therefore stay with your 1.6 should you get a full body later.

Personally, I think it is an excellent lens, and I happily recommend it to anyone who shoots in the same focal range.
Reviewed By A1F50KG7O9A0JD

This review was cited from Amazon.com.


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