Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
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
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC DN Art lens is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional image quality, fast constant aperture, and compact internal zoom design. Users highlight its sharpness, lightweight build, and excellent autofocus performance, especially on crop-sensor mirrorless cameras like the Canon R7 and Fujifilm bodies. A few questions about compatibility with specific cameras and features like weather sealing and aperture ring are noted, but the overall sentiment is extremely positive.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast constant f/1.8 aperture
- Compact internal zoom design
- Lightweight build
- Sharp and bright photos
Cons
- No weather sealing mentioned
- No manual aperture ring on some mounts
- Compatibility questions with full-frame cameras
- Expensive for some buyers
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 40 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 17 |
| Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.64 kg | 0.54 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | USM★ | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 3 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 350 mm | 280 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 1:4.8★ |
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)
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong aperture (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.