Canon
Canon 1242B002 EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM camera lens
APS-C zoom with constant f/2.8 aperture, image stabilisation and ultrasonic autofocus
- PartSLR Lenses
- TypeZoom Lens
- ColorBlack
- Diameter77 mm
- CompatibilityEOS 7D, 60D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, Rebel T2i, Rebel T1i, Rebel
- Focus TypeAuto Focus
- Constant f/2.8 aperture through the zoom range
- Optical image stabilisation for handheld low-light shooting
- Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus
- 19 elements in 12 groups including UD and aspherical glass
- 77 mm filter thread accepts standard screw-in filters
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM for APS-C
Canon's EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a constant-aperture standard zoom built for APS-C DSLRs. It covers a 27-88mm equivalent range with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout. The lens uses 19 elements in 12 groups, including UD and aspherical elements. Optical image stabilization and an ultrasonic autofocus motor with manual override are included.
Step up from variable-aperture kit zooms
This lens replaces slower variable-aperture zooms that drop to f/5.6 at the long end. The constant f/2.8 aperture maintains brightness across the 17-55mm range, making the jump worthwhile for handheld photography in low-light situations where shutter speed must stay high. It also provides shallower depth of field than typical kit lenses at equivalent focal lengths.
Constant f/2.8 holds exposure while shooting
Under sustained use, the fixed f/2.8 aperture keeps exposure consistent while zooming, avoiding the brightness loss common with variable-aperture designs. The ultrasonic motor drives autofocus quickly and quietly during extended sessions. Optical stabilization assists steady framing at the 55mm end, where camera shake is most noticeable at the 1.15ft minimum focus distance.
Highlights
- Constant f/2.8 aperture through the zoom range
- Optical image stabilisation for handheld low-light shooting
- Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus
- 19 elements in 12 groups including UD and aspherical glass
- 77 mm filter thread accepts standard screw-in filters
Specifications
| Brand | Canon |
|---|---|
| Model | 1242B002 |
| Part | SLR Lenses |
| Type | Zoom Lens |
| Color | Black |
| Diameter | 77 mm |
| Compatibility | EOS 7D, 60D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, Rebel T2i, Rebel T1i, Rebel XSi, Rebel XS, Digital Rebel XTi, Digital Rebel XT, Digital Rebel only |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus |
| Focal Length | 17 - 55 mm |
| Aperture | Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Format | Canon (APS-C) |
| Camera Mount | Canon EF-S |
| Angle of View | 78.3 - 27.5 degrees |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.15ft |
| Magnification | 0.17x |
| Lens Construction | 19 elements in 12 groups |
| Filter thread (Diameter) | 77 mm |
| Specifications | Handheld photography in low-light situations |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Adjustment | AF with full-time manual |
| Zoom System | 5-group helical zoom (front group moves: 27mm) |
| Features | To meet user demands for a fast EF-S zoom lens, Canon has specially designed a new lens with a large aperture of f/2.8 for select Canon Digital SLR cameras. The large circular aperture produces a shallow depth-of-field, creating background blur that draws attention to the photographic subject. The lens construction includes UD and aspherical elements, which deliver impressive image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Image Stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for camera movement so that the image appears steady on the image plane, ensuring clear, crisp images, even in dim |
| Dimensions | 3.30" x 4.40" (Max. Diameter x Length) |
| Weight | 1.40lbs |
| Shipping weight | 0.90 kg |
| Package size | 198 × 137 × 130 mm |
Questions about this item
Does the 77 mm filter thread accept standard circular polarisers?
Yes, the front thread is 77 mm so any 77 mm filter screws on directly.
How do I attach the lens to an EF-S body, and what step is often missed?
Align the white EF-S mount index, twist until it clicks, then set the focus-mode switch to AF or the camera will not autofocus.
When will the image-stabilisation unit need servicing?
The IS mechanism is sealed inside the 19-element optical block; no user-serviceable parts exist, so only a Canon service centre can repair it if it fails.
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