Nearly "L" quality at a full "L" price

The Canon 17-55 IS lens seems to be a bit of a conundrum. Priced in "L" territory the 17-55 falls short in a few key areas that will leave veteran photogs scratching their heads trying to figure out just what Canon was thinking.

This new lens is currently the best, professional class lens that Canon makes available that is designed specifically for the compact EFS sensor size (referred to as APSC) cameras like the 40D, 30D, 20D and Rebel. The 17-55 focal length translates into an actual 35mm equivelant focal length of 27-88mm. This is an excellent "all around" focal length that comes very close to Canons extremely well regarded 28-105mm F4 "L" zoom that is the main stay lens of many, many professional photographers.

The 17-55 employs "L" grade optics and Canons latest and best image stabilization system. The USM ring motor on this lens is super fast and virtually silent. Photos that I've taken with the lens have the same rich quality that I have gotten with my L lenses in the past.

So what's not to like? Well, for some inexplicable reason Canon seems to have decided that they must stop short of making this an attractive option to professional photographers. The first thing Canon has done is hobble the lens with a jaw dropping $1179 retail price. At this price Canon has the nerve to not even provide a lens hood (that'll be another $60 please). It seems that Canon feels that pricing the lens up this high will prevent scores of pros from ditching their expensive 1Ds and 5Ds and going with the (relatively) inexpensive 40D coupled to this 17-55 lens.

The lens is not weather sealed and does not have the nearly indestructable aluminum body that L lenses are known for. Some users have reported problems with dust build up behind the front element of this lens (a common problem in push/pull zoom lenses without weather seals). While the problem can be prevented with the addition of a quality UV filter (another $75 please) it's really unaccepteable in a lens that is this expensive to have these sorts of shortcomings.

This lens is also no feather weight, tipping the scales at nearly 1.5 lbs. Some photographers who have grown used to the weight of their camera with the featherweight EFS kit lens will find the extra size and bulk unbearable, even if the pictures they take are much better.

For those willing to swallow the crazy price, there is currently no truly accepteable alternative to this lens IF you want all the goodies. The Canon 17-40 F4 L lens is beautiful, and $400 cheaper, but lacks the reach of 17-55, is slower (F4) and lacks image stabilization... The 17-55 is also sharper in the corners than the older 17-40 design. The Tamron 17-50 F2.8 lens is a truly worthy competitor, but still lacks USM focusing speed and the big benefit of image stabilization. The Tamron though is a very reasonable $449.

So, if you've got the bucks (or don't mind maxxing your plastic) then this lens currently cannot be beat. There are some decent alternatives though (see above). Canon really should have priced this lens at $799 and included the lens hood in my opinion... then this lens would be a home run effort from Canon.

In the performance department this lens gets a 4.5 or 5 star rating. Due to the build quality of the lens and the excessive price, I'm forced to only give a 3 star rating.

If price isn't an issue, then by all means indulge yourself with this lens, or, wait for Canons soon to be released replacement to the 5D, and couple that with the 28-105 IS L lens.

If price is an issue, then consider the Tamron lens, or if you're willing to sacrifice the beatiful color and sharpness of this lens, consider the Canon 17-85 IS lens. It takes good pictures too, it just can't match the 17-55 in speed, sharpness or color accuracy.