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R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

Started 1 month ago | Questions
DivaDreamer New Member • Posts: 20
R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

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Canon EOS R10 Canon EOS R7
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Alastair Norcross
Alastair Norcross Veteran Member • Posts: 9,874
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

I have a vague recollection of that lens being tested on the M6II, when it (the camera) was first released, and it not impressing. I could be wrong, though. I would (and do) use fast primes indoors on the R7 (or R10). My RF 35 and RF 50 F1.8 work very well on the R7, and the 16 F2.8 is a good moderate wide angle too.

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OP DivaDreamer New Member • Posts: 20
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

Thanks for your time and info! I am definitely working with primes currently. I have the ef-s 24 pancake and the rf 50. However, often I am resorting to the rf-s 18-150 when I can’t zoom with my feet (working around 30 tables in the lower hall or during service when I have to be subtle). It is ok but a bit soft. That is why a faster zoom might be in order. I am definitely interested in the rf 35, having heard so many good things, but it is tough to justify with having the 24 and 50 already.

RLight Senior Member • Posts: 4,418
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

DivaDreamer wrote:

Thanks for your time and info! I am definitely working with primes currently. I have the ef-s 24 pancake and the rf 50. However, often I am resorting to the rf-s 18-150 when I can’t zoom with my feet (working around 30 tables in the lower hall or during service when I have to be subtle). It is ok but a bit soft. That is why a faster zoom might be in order. I am definitely interested in the rf 35, having heard so many good things, but it is tough to justify with having the 24 and 50 already.

RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM is a favorite of mine on FF, from the samples I've seen it does well on the R10. It's also f/1.8 vs your EF-S 24mm is f/2.8, and, has IS. IS and an extra stop? That's an easy decision, especially on sale.

.

Regarding the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, I've tried it, twice, on the EOS M6 Mark II adapted. I don't recommend. Poor resolution, good contrast, erratic AF due to older AF motor and older AF algorithms on the lens itself have trouble complying with DPAF, it just wasn't built in that era. I recommend passing. I tried to love it myself, twice. Couldn't. There's no reason to believe the R10 will fair any better. Yes, DIGICX, but the M6 II sensor has faster readout. Pretty safe to say it's going to perform the same on the R10.

.

About that RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM...

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bodeswell Senior Member • Posts: 1,378
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8
2

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

It’s my ef-s lens of choice for my R7 when indoors. You can get good used copies for under $500. Look for reviews with pictures. Wishing for an rf-s version.

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ZX11
ZX11 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,156
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

I wanted it but I moved up to full frame before the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 IS dropped in price so I never got it.  I thought it was $600 or so on sale new which I would have snapped up.

It was the lens to get for crop.  It was everything the expensive EF 24-70 2.8 L was (UD, lens groups, lens coatings, Ring Type USM AF, IS) but didn't have the build quality and weather sealing.  It was known for dust getting inside the front element but there are easy videos on YT showing how to remove and clean the front.

Even if Canon does eventually make a RF-S 17-55 2.8, you know it will be crazy expensive versus the EF version.

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ZX11
ZX11 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,156
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

bodeswell wrote:

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

It’s my ef-s lens of choice for my R7 when indoors. You can get good used copies for under $500. Look for reviews with pictures. Wishing for an rf-s version.

RF-S 17-55 f2.8 would be cool but can you imagine the price these days?  $1500?  $1500 when factoring how pricey the RF 24-70 f2.8 is.

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OP DivaDreamer New Member • Posts: 20
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

Thanks all for your insights. I so appreciate your time and help. Looks like, as per older reviews, this is quite a polarizing (pun intended) lens. I will work with what I have, but keep both this lens and the rf 35 and 16 primes in mind. I have a number of events coming up, and will hopefully get a clearer picture (yup, yet another pun) of exactly what gap I need to fill.

LXI_Martin Regular Member • Posts: 125
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8
6

They seem to be a miserable lot on this forum these days.  This was always regarded as a top performer on crop, and I see no reason why it should not be very useful and very nice to have if you can pick up a decent used copy.   It's from 2006, so it's not from film days and I bet you'd be very happy with it.

bodeswell Senior Member • Posts: 1,378
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

LXI_Martin wrote:

They seem to be a miserable lot on this forum these days. This was always regarded as a top performer on crop, and I see no reason why it should not be very useful and very nice to have if you can pick up a decent used copy. It's from 2006, so it's not from film days and I bet you'd be very happy with it.

Totally agree. Got mine second hand and I think it is very good, best Ef-s zoom Canon ever made.

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MikeJ9116 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,955
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8
1

I have owned the 17-55mm for about a decade. I don't use it much these days. It is a good lens as far as IQ but doesn't have the best build quality.  The problem with buying a used 17-55mm these days is many copies have probably have been heavily used and maybe abused.  This lens is horrible for video use if this is important to you. If you can get a decent copy at a decent price then it might work for you but only for stills. I suggest you look into third party EF lens options (or maybe EF L lenses) because there are likely better choices with them.

Sittatunga Veteran Member • Posts: 5,406
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

ZX11 wrote:

bodeswell wrote:

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

It’s my ef-s lens of choice for my R7 when indoors. You can get good used copies for under $500. Look for reviews with pictures. Wishing for an rf-s version.

RF-S 17-55 f2.8 would be cool but can you imagine the price these days? $1500? $1500 when factoring how pricey the RF 24-70 f2.8 is.

The EF-S lens is still available new for £940 from https://store.canon.co.uk/canon-ef-s-17-55mm-f-2-8-is-usm-lens/1242B005/, so ZX11's estimated price isn't pessimistic. It is the only f/2.8 APS-C zoom that Canon have ever produced for still cameras, which must say something about the economics of lenses like that.

R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,531
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8
1

DivaDreamer wrote:

often I am resorting to the rf-s 18-150 when I can’t zoom with my feet (working around 30 tables in the lower hall or during service when I have to be subtle). It is ok but a bit soft. That is why a faster zoom might be in order.

Hi D’D, welcome!

These two statements above give me a little pause.  I have to ask if the 18-150 that you have is what’s soft (have you tested it in good light)?  Or is the softness coming from the slow shutter speeds that you’re being forced to use causing the softness?  Do you normally use flash in these situations?  Is your depth of field sufficient?

Are your ISOs getting high?  Could the softness be coming from the noise, or (poor) noise reduction that might be robbing detail?  There’s some really outstanding software out there (that works with RAW files) that does a great job eliminating noise while preserving detail.  I find it indispensable.

I apologize for asking, as I don’t know your experience level yet, or techniques.  Maybe post some samples (of fails) if you can.  Best of luck!

R2

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drsnoopy Senior Member • Posts: 1,216
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

Sittatunga wrote:

ZX11 wrote:

bodeswell wrote:

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

It’s my ef-s lens of choice for my R7 when indoors. You can get good used copies for under $500. Look for reviews with pictures. Wishing for an rf-s version.

RF-S 17-55 f2.8 would be cool but can you imagine the price these days? $1500? $1500 when factoring how pricey the RF 24-70 f2.8 is.

The EF-S lens is still available new for £940 from https://store.canon.co.uk/canon-ef-s-17-55mm-f-2-8-is-usm-lens/1242B005/, so ZX11's estimated price isn't pessimistic. It is the only f/2.8 APS-C zoom that Canon have ever produced for still cameras, which must say something about the economics of lenses like that.

The 17-55/2.8 is available used in the UK for £300-350 or thereabouts, as everything EF or EF-S is dropping in price rapidly right now.

As to image quality, I would expect it to behave on an R7/R10 in a very similar way to on an 80D/90D where it was pretty good.  Whether its ring USM focus motor is up to fast tracking is still a question that perhaps someone else can answer.

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J.K.T. Contributing Member • Posts: 512
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

bodeswell wrote:

LXI_Martin wrote:

They seem to be a miserable lot on this forum these days. This was always regarded as a top performer on crop, and I see no reason why it should not be very useful and very nice to have if you can pick up a decent used copy. It's from 2006, so it's not from film days and I bet you'd be very happy with it.

Totally agree. Got mine second hand and I think it is very good, best Ef-s zoom Canon ever made.

I got mine pretty soon after it hit the streets.

It may be the best, but it is still a bit softer than 16-35mm f/4. The 32 MP crop bodies weren't quite available when it was designed. With R10 the situation is somewhat better.

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OP DivaDreamer New Member • Posts: 20
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

R2D2, thanks so much for your thoughtful reply! I will definitely sit down and analyze my fails to identify the exact issues. Off the top of my head, it is probably a bit of everything.
First, no flash as I can’t draw attention away from the action. A nice bounce flash in the smaller rooms would work wonders. Sigh.
Second, post processing and noise reduction/high iso. You are absolutely correct. I am an old film girl, and have been dragged kicking and screaming into the post processing world. Until now I have made do with Canon and Nikon’s free software, but have decided it is time to finally invest, so I am less leery of high iso. I am not keen on the subscription model, so leaning toward DxO PL6. Better noise reduction will allow for slightly stepped down aperture, leading to more DOF. Software before any lenses. (Though gear is more fun!)

Which leads to the main issue - pairs and small groups. I am getting lovely portraits and decent wide angle shots, but small groups is the issue. Set in discussion circles, I can not get everyone in the same focal plane, and so I either stop down and risk slower shutter/high iso or compose so the speaker is in focus and the others soft. Pairs of speakers is particularly tricky as the intimacy of conversations are lost. 
I would post fails, but not sure if my releases extend beyond church business. 
Anyway, reading back over my long post, it feels like software to deal with higher iso is the place to start.

OP DivaDreamer New Member • Posts: 20
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

Hi Mike, I don’t do much video, but could you elaborate on the problems you have encountered? Thanks!

MikeJ9116 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,955
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

DivaDreamer wrote:

Hi Mike, I don’t do much video, but could you elaborate on the problems you have encountered? Thanks!

The auto focus hunts a lot. It will pull towards a focus point and then overshoot it and come back in.  It wanders a lot too.  Also, the IS is very noisy and the camera mic picks it up.  You might be able to compensate for this with a dedicated mic.  You could manual focus to possibly get rid of the AF issues.

KevinRA Senior Member • Posts: 1,457
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8
1

DivaDreamer wrote:

I am pondering keeping an eye out for a deal on the 17-55 2.8 for use in indoor situations. (Christenings, church events, family stuff). Does anyone have experience with this lens on the r10 (or r7)? I know it is getting pretty old now, but I wonder how it performs. Alternative options also greatly appreciated.

Tried a copy on the M6II - was not impressed and sent it back.

Could be a not so great copy - it was fine at f/4 but not brilliant at f/2.8.  Also big and front heavy - would handle a bit better on a R10.

The Sigma 18-35 might just be better - based on Christopher Frost's review - and if you only used the wide end more interesting - but I know that tele end is nice for people.

Not many great options in fast zooms though for Canon APSC    Full frame, the 24-105's EF or RF rock comparatively and with equiv. depth of field too.

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Sittatunga Veteran Member • Posts: 5,406
Re: R10 with EF-s 17-55 2.8

The good news about DxO PhotoLab is that you can try it out free for a month, no watermarks or limitations. After that you need to buy an activation code to keep it running, by then they're hoping you'll be hooked.

The bad news about fast zooms for APS-C is that an f/2.8 APS-C zoom is only effectively as fast as an f/4.5 FF zoom but still as big and heavy. The Sigma 18-35mm and 50-100mm f/1.8s are reputedly excellent, effectively just about as fast as FF f/2.8 zooms and very reasonably priced second-hand, but that's because they're huge and heavy. You will have to stop down to get a whole discussion group in focus, so you might just as well use a slow, stabilised zoom, astronomical ISO numbers and a lot of shots in the hope that some will look good. The 50-100mm would be great to isolate a single speaker, but it weighs as much as the EF 50mm f1.8, 85mm f/1.8 and 100mm f/2 lenses put together.

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