Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS

For EF-S compatible cameras only: Digital Rebels, 20D, 30D, 40D. This lens provides a very wide f/2.8 aperture, three-stop third-generation image stabilizer, and a zoom range that makes it an ideal walkaround or everyday lens for 1.6 crop cameras. Its gotten universally excellent reviews for sharpness and usability; its an L-quality lens, both in build and sharpness.

We continue to add copies (currently 35) as the demand seems to be growing almost weekly. Several people have rented it for a second time now, so obviously they like it.

Roger’s take: A remarkable lens. It’s very sharp. The combination wide aperture and Image Stabilization let you shoot nearly in the dark: If the camera can focus on it, you can probably shoot it handheld. For those shooting a crop camera this is the ultimate ‘wedding zoom’ and one of the few zoom lenses that can be shot indoors in ambient light.

High Risk Lens: The Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS lens has a higher failure rate than most lenses in our lineup.

• How high? The 17-55 f2.8 IS lens has a problem rate of 1.5% of rentals, despite being checked out thoroughly before it leaves us.
• Why? We can’t be sure but we think perhaps the IS system packed in such a small lens is an issue – the electronics may be more densely placed than in a larger lens.
• What’s the point? We’re letting you know on the front end make sure you order this lens in time to check it out before you leave for vacation or schedule your big shoot. We can send a replacement if it has a problem, but we can’t send a replacement Friday night to get to you you Saturday morning.
• Type of problem: Image Stabilization and Autofocus circuitry issues resulting in “Err99” messages.

_Note: There have been numerous reports in various photography forums that this lens often gives ERR99 and ERR00 with Canon 20D and Rebel XT (not XTi or XSi) cameras. Not all of these cameras have problems with this lens (older models seem more prone to the problem), and updating to the most recent firmware reduces the chance of problems. However, we do NOT recommend the 17-55 f2.8 IS lens be used with 20D or XT cameras.