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18-55 kit lens vs my new 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM

Started Oct 15, 2016 | Discussions thread
MikeJ9116 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,958
Re: 18-55 kit lens vs my new 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM

The version of the 18-55mm lens you have is not all that good.  I have the 17-55mm and the 18-55mm STM f/4.0-5.6 that is the kit lens that came with the SL2.  The 18-55mm kit lens matches, or exceeds, the sharpness of my 17-55mm at the same aperture.  Actually, the 18-55mm kit lens I have is incredibly sharp regardless of its price.  I rarely use the 17-55mm these days because it is just too heavy to carry around. I also have an EF-S 15-85mm which I prefer over it as a walk around lens due to its small size, lighter weight and wider range.  These days I would rather take 2-3 prime lenses than the 17-55mm.  In its hay day the 17-55mm was an incredible lens.  My wife and used the heck out of ours and have thousands and thousands of good photos using it.  These days though it just has too much competition that performs as good as it that costs less, weighs less, is smaller and gives better IQ.

With all the above said, it will run circles around your 18-55mm kit lens in all respects but price, size and weight.

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