Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is widely praised for its excellent image quality, fast constant aperture, and effective image stabilization, making it a favorite walk-around lens for APS-C shooters. However, many users report significant dust intrusion, lens creep, and a build quality that feels below its premium price point. While optical performance rivals L-series glass, the lack of weather sealing and occasional autofocus or IS failures over time are common frustrations. Overall, it is a top performer optically but has notable durability concerns.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Fast constant f/2.8 aperture
- Effective image stabilization (3 stops)
- Versatile 17-55mm focal range for APS-C
- Fast and quiet USM autofocus
Cons
- Significant dust intrusion inside lens
- Lens creep over time
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build quality feels cheap for price
- Expensive for an EF-S lens
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
This Nikon 18-300mm lens is widely praised for its versatility, sharpness, and value. Users love the all-in-one zoom range that replaces multiple lenses, especially for travel, events, and photographing kids. A few note the autofocus can be slow or imprecise, and some received the wrong item initially, but overall satisfaction is very high.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Sharp images across zoom range
- Great value for money
- Lightweight and compact
- Effective vibration reduction
Cons
- Autofocus can be slow or imprecise
- Some units shipped with wrong lens
- Not sharp at full zoom (past 150mm)
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Autofocus not silent
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 80 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 17 |
| Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.64 kg | 0.50 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | USM★ | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 3 stops | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 350 mm | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.22x★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average macro (34th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.