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

I've owned the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS USM lens for about 2 years and personally I don't think there is a better all-round lens for a half-frame body, not even in the L lens series. In terms of quality, the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS USM is without a doubt the very best (all-round) EF-S lens Canon has ever made. Lightweight, 2.8 aperture over the entire zoom range, IS, USM focus, UD glass (synonymous with L quality glass). In short, a beautiful "general purpose" lens. The optical quality of the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS USM (and admittedly its price) even surpasses that of some L lenses. A logical question then is: "Why doesn't this lens get the coveted L letter?". Two main reasons for this. First, the lens cannot be used on a full frame body (like the 5D, 1Ds). Professional photographers also use half-frame devices, of course, but all L lenses are made according to the 35mm film format, so they can be used with all EF bodies. Second, the lens is finished in plastic as opposed to the aluminum finish of an L lens. Although some prefer to work with a lens that feels a bit heavier, this has the advantage / consequence that the lens is lighter than an L lens with similar F value and zoom range. An additional advantage is that the production costs (and therefore also the selling price) are also somewhat lower. Compared to an L lens, the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS USM is also much less dust resistant and there is no water resistance at all. The EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS USM may be the best EF-S lens, the direct consequence is that it is also the most expensive, but I don't think this should be considered a real disadvantage as it is also worth the price compared to other products. Quality does have a price. After 2 years of intensive use I have not experienced the slightest problem with it. The focus speed is impressive and the 2.8 aperture in combination with IS allows even in very dark environments to take pictures without a tripod with acceptable sharpness and noise. In short, if this lens fits your budget, there is simply no worthy alternative in terms of optical quality as an all-round (crop) lens. For me personally, the biggest problem with the EF-S 17-55 F2.8 IS USM is the lack of water resistance, but frankly it doesn't outweigh the beautiful photos this critter can deliver... but everyone's priorities are on that flat different.

I immediately started taking night photos what the intention of this purchase was since the f value is low, these photos are very nice and sharp also no blur in low light

The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lense is a must have for any photographer with an EF-S camera. I found it to be extremely versatile, and compatible to my L-series lenses, even in low light conditions. The image quality is clear and crisp, with the lense fast as anything. I'd give this product two thumbs up any day, as it even looks great on my 50D. This 17-55mm f2.8 is definitely top-of-the-range for EF-S users.