Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon
62 Overall Score
vs
Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS 300mm
Sigma
98 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
72 out of 100 high confidence 130 reviews
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
Image quality 35
Build quality 28
Dust intrusion 18
Value for money 15
Autofocus performance 12
Image stabilization 10
Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS 300mm
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Landscape
Budget
Macro
Travel
Portrait
Video Cinema
Wildlife Sports
Professional
Street
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM | Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 20 |
| Groups | 12 | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | water- and oil-repellent coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-6.7 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.64 kg | 0.61 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | USM★ | HLA |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 3 stops | 6 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 351 mm | 170 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 1:2★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
- Strong af (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS 300mm
- Strong versatility (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong bokeh (88th percentile)88th %ile
Verdict
Winner: Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS 300mm
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.