Canon 17-55 f2.8 - worth it?

stokecity_m · 20 Jun 2014 at 02:12

Looking to pick up a 2nd hand Canon 17-55 f2.8 for my 60D.

For similar money is there anything better out there?

Is anything cheaper thats nearly as good?

I'll be going from a 17-85mm so am hoping for a good improvement.

Thanks

Phal · 20 Jun 2014 at 07:00

Well I can't say I've heard bad things about either of those lenses but I don't know which is sharper :E

Vertigo · 20 Jun 2014 at 07:30

The 17-55 is an awesome lens and in a different league t the 17-85. I've owned both in the past.

As for alternatives, I've heard a lot of good things about the Tamron 17-50 which can be had a fair bit cheaper. The Canon 15-85 is another good choice but you'd sacrifice the f/2.8 for a bit more range and better construction.

howler · 20 Jun 2014 at 08:14

I've got a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and I love it, really really sharp

Can't compare it to the Canon though as I have never tried it

Columbo · 20 Jun 2014 at 09:36

Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 OS is every bit as good as the Canon and a decent chunk cheaper.

Janesy B · 20 Jun 2014 at 11:10

It's still a lens from when Sigma's QC wasn't so good. If you can afford it the 17-55 f/2.8 is the best standard zoom for APS-C cameras.

Columbo · 20 Jun 2014 at 13:21

Janesy B said:
It's still a lens from when Sigma's QC wasn't so good. If you can afford it the 17-55 f/2.8 is the best standard zoom for APS-C cameras.

For Canon yes it is but as I've never had a single problem with a Sigma lens I'd have no hesitation in buying one. I only don't own one because the Sony 16-50mm f2.8 SSM I have came with the camera.

D.P. · 20 Jun 2014 at 14:56

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is worth a look. The sharpest wide-standard zoom out there, and shooting a zoom lens at f/1.8 means you don't need several of the prime lenses in that range (18,24,35) , even if they existed

Janesy B · 20 Jun 2014 at 15:41

D.P. said:
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is worth a look. The sharpest wide-standard zoom out there, and shooting a zoom lens at f/1.8 means you don't need several of the prime lenses in that range (18,24,35) , even if they existed

Not a bad shout if you don't need the extra reach, it's just a little heavy.

PU7E · 20 Jun 2014 at 16:01

I've owned both now the 17-55 f/2.8 is definitely worlds apart and a great everyday lens. that rarely left the camera.

Phal · 20 Jun 2014 at 18:16

D.P. said:
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is worth a look. The sharpest wide-standard zoom out there, and shooting a zoom lens at f/1.8 means you don't need several of the prime lenses in that range (18,24,35) , even if they existed

Awesome lens which I don't use enough!

stokecity_m · 20 Jun 2014 at 19:49

Cheers guys - i've gone and bought the lens.

I figured i can always sell it on without losing much if i don't get on with it.