fantastic optics, very out of date packaging

Croomrider wrote:

akustykmagmanetpl wrote:

bottom line: it really is the best standard zoom for APS-C Canon, and the optics designed in the age of 8Mpix bodies is still magic on 24Mpix bodies, which is quite a feat. if you're OK with the size/weight, then it is an amazing combo with modern 7D/xxD body

This has been well known since 2006.

I think the part about the lens performing great on 24Mpix hasn't really. and before I bought the lens it was one of the open question that I very much failed to answer it with those online reviews pretty much all dating back to 8-10Mpix cameras.

It has long been considered that it should have been designated an L lens except for sealing and being EF-s. It was discussed heavily over a decade ago, I'm surprised it's not well understood now.

you're obviously right on most points, but a decade in digital sensor evolution is still a lot, and also a 10+ year old lens may not perform the same as the out-of-the-box one. if you're considering 17-55/2.8 today, you're not very likely be buying new one, but rather lens that already has some years of usage. so there will be a question how the lens that is not L holds in terms of mechanics too (heck, even L lenses can show some trave of wear, mine 70-300L does for sure).

so yeah, I'm not sure how my quick review is relevant today, ie. how many people are still considering 17-55 nowadays. but for someone looking for one 2022 AD those questions about mechanical durability and optics on 24Mpix will be very valid. and difficult to answer with reviews using 20D.