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Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, Black - 1242B002

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 656 ratings

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Brand Canon
Focal Length Description 17-55 millimeters
Lens Type Wide Angle
Compatible Mountings Canon EF-S
Camera Lens Description 17

About this item

  • 17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon DSLR cameras
  • AD and aspherical elements deliver impressive image quality through entire zoom range, Closest focusing distance : 1.15 feet
  • Image Stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for image shake even in dim lighting
  • Large circular aperture produces shallow depth of field; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
  • Measures 3.3 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long; weighs 22.8 ounces; 1-year warranty
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Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, Black - 1242B002
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, Black - 1242B002
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Price$879.00$199.00-39% $531.99
New Price:$879.00
$1,669.95$199.00$149.00
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Customer Ratings
Auto focus
4.5
4.5
4.3
4.4
4.6
Image stabilization
4.7
4.1
4.2
4.4
Picture quality
4.6
4.6
4.4
4.7
Quality of material
4.6
5.0
3.5
4.8
Sold By
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
PR Renewed
Web Offers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
lens type
Wide Angle
Macro
zoom
Telephoto
Telephoto
Wide Angle
compatible mountings
Canon EF-S
Canon RF
Canon EF-S
Canon EF
Canon EF
Canon EF-S
lens design
Zoom
Prime
Zoom
Prime
Zoom
Prime
focus type
Ring-type ultrasonic
Auto Focus
Manual Focus, Auto Focus
Auto/Manual
Auto Focus
Manual Focus
minimum focal length
17 millimeters
50 millimeters
17 millimeters
85 millimeters
75 millimeters
24 millimeters
max focal length
55 millimeters
50 millimeters
55 millimeters
85 millimeters
300 millimeters
24 millimeters
fixed focal length
55 millimeters
50 millimeters
55 millimeters
85 millimeters
1 millimeters
0 millimeters

From the manufacturer

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras

To meet user demands for a fast EF-S zoom lens, Canon has specially designed a 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 light. With a Ring-type USM, inner focusing and AF algorithms, this lens achieves autofocus quickly and quietly, and with full-time mechanical manual focusing, manually adjusting the focus is possible even in AF mode.

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Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]

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Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, Black - 1242B002


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What's in the box

  • Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
  • E-77 II 77mm Lens Cap
  • Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
  • Warranty
  • Product guides and documents

    Product Description

    From the Manufacturer

    Designed to meet consumer demands for a fast EF-S zoom lens, the EF-S 17-55mm offers image quality on par with Canon's highly regarded L-series lenses. The lens features a large circular aperture that produces a shallow depth of field, creating background blur that draws special attention to the photographic subject. The lens construction, meanwhile, includes UD and aspherical elements that deliver impressive image quality throughout the entire zoom range. And thanks to the Image Stabilizer lens groups--which shift to compensate for camera shake--the image appears crisp and clear on the image plane, eve in dim light. Finally, the lens offers a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM), inner focusing, and new AF algorithms to help achieve autofocus quickly and quietly, along with full-time mechanical manual focusing that makes it possible to manually adjust the focus even in AF mode. As with all Canon lenses, this lens carries a one-year warranty.

    • Focal length: 17-55mm
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Lens construction: 19 elements in 12 groups
    • Diagonal angle of view: 78 degrees (at 30 feet) to 27 degrees (at 50 feet)
    • Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual
    • Closest focusing distance: 1.15 feet
    • Zoom system: 5-group helical zoom (front group moves 27mm)
    • Filter size: 77mm
    • Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter, 4.4 inches long
    • Weight: 22.8 ounces The EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM offers image quality on a par with Canon's highly regarded L-series lenses. It has a large maximum aperture which, combined with higher shutter speeds, can minimize subject motion blur. Shallow depth-of-field separation of a subject from its background is much easier to achieve and the f2.8 maximum aperture allows a bright finder and extremely precise focusing with f2.8 compatible AF sensors. The internal stabilization has a sharpness benefit equivalent to a three-stop faster shutter speed, making this lens outstanding in low-light situations. Smaller and lighter than lenses of similar specifications, the EF-S 17-55 mm f2.8 IS USM lens has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27-88mm and is compatible only with the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS Digital Rebel XT, and EOS Digital Rebel SLRs. 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 light. With a Ring-type USM, inner focusing and new AF algorithms, this lens achieves autofocus quickly and quietly, and with full-time mechanical manual focusing, manually adjusting the focus is possible even in AF mode.

    Customer reviews

    4.6 out of 5 stars
    4.6 out of 5
    656 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the quality, performance, and sharpness of the lens. For example, they mention that it takes beautiful images, is blazing fast, and performs well in low-light situations. That said, they like the focus and zoom. That being said, opinions are mixed on the value and weight.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    156 customers mention141 positive15 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lens. They mention that it has an L-quality construction, and is an excellent lens. The image quality is really good and very sharp, and it's not unwieldy. Overall, customers find it to be a great lens for everyday use.

    "...The construction has been critisized, but it feels pretty solid to me. It's not metal, but it's heavy, hard plastic...." Read more

    "...Everything else about this lens is the highest quality. I would not let this one minor thing stop you from buying it.2...." Read more

    "...1. Image quality: really good and very sharp, as good or a little better than my 50mm f1.4 prime which I use much less now only when I really need..." Read more

    "...drives an internal lens group and AF is blazing fast, silent and surefooted on my 70D. The front element doesn't rotate or extend during focusing...." Read more

    124 customers mention107 positive17 negative

    Customers like the image quality of the lens. They mention that it takes beautiful images, with clear, actual colors. The lens produces vivid, detailed images with great bokeh.

    "...It is extremely sharp, very fast and equipped with the image stabilizer function making the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM lens a force to be..." Read more

    "...of zoom range, low light capability, depth of field control, image stabilization, fast and quiet auto-focus, and superior image quality rivaling..." Read more

    "...That's what you get here.1. Optical quality. So far, it seems unambiguously better than the 18-55. No surprises there...." Read more

    "...2. Image Stabilization (seem to work to at least 3 stops...maybe 4)3. Large constant aperture (F/2.8 all the way through)4...." Read more

    82 customers mention76 positive6 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the performance of the lens. They mention that the AF is blazing fast, silent, and surefooted. It performs well in low-light situations, and the nice, wide aperture blurs. It'll catch your shot quickly and well each time. The Canon focus seems to be much faster. The quality is amazing and the ability to shoot in low light is outstanding. The lens is quite helpful in lowlight situations without needing a flash.

    "...It is extremely sharp, very fast and equipped with the image stabilizer function making the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM lens a force to be..." Read more

    "...digital cameras that gives you the sweet spot of zoom range, low light capability, depth of field control, image stabilization, fast and quiet auto-..." Read more

    "...It's wide enough that you get a pleasant bokeh and take pictures in pretty low light...." Read more

    "...4. USM focus (quick and quiet. Does the job fine.)..." Read more

    50 customers mention50 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. They mention that it is extremely sharp, very fast, and is equipped with an image stabilizer. They also say that it's super sharp in all lighting situations, and that the shutter speeds inside with no flash were tack-sharp.

    "...In many cases the image quality was better with this lens. It is extremely sharp, very fast and equipped with the image stabilizer function making..." Read more

    "...hand-held at 1/10 to 1/15 sec shutter speeds inside with no flash were tack-sharp (Thanks to the IS)...." Read more

    "...1. Image quality: really good and very sharp, as good or a little better than my 50mm f1.4 prime which I use much less now only when I really need..." Read more

    "...- Image quality: very sharp and even at F/2.8. I rarely shot at f/2.8 with my old sigma 18-50Macro and normally I have to go to F/4.0...." Read more

    46 customers mention33 positive13 negative

    Customers like the focus of the camera lens. They mention that the autofocus is effective, and fast enough for them. The lens focuses quickly and silently, and rarely hunts. The autofocus on it works great, and it uses internal focus, which is useful. Overall, most are satisfied with the focus performance of this lens.

    "...The auto focus is brilliantly fast and quiet. I didn't think that with f/2.8 on an APS-C sensor that I would be able to get such shallow DOF...." Read more

    "...This lens focuses fast and sure--even in low light, no hunting around to lock onto a subject...." Read more

    "...Focus: this lens focuses quick and accurate, maybe I am lucky but I'd say all my canon lenses are good...." Read more

    "...Another advantage this lens has over the kit lens is it uses Internal Focus (IF), which is a useful feature if you're using a polarizing filter..." Read more

    37 customers mention26 positive11 negative

    Customers like the zoom of the camera lens. They say it has a great zoom range, is versatile, and has extra zoom power. They also appreciate the smooth zoom and focus rings. Customers also mention that the zoom action is damped and does not creep. They appreciate the large zoom ring and the sharpness of the lens. Overall, customers say the lens is an all-in-one lens with a wide focal length.

    "...That's not much time, so we'll see. The zoom ring is very large. It practically begs you to use the zoom instead of walking back and forth...." Read more

    "...Zoom action is damped and does not creep, but has slightly more resistance in the middle of the range...." Read more

    "...The 20-35mm is too narrow a zoom range for all-purpose work (i.e. too narrow on the wide end and too short on the long end)...." Read more

    "...a good looking piece of equipment and I'll tell you this too, it's pretty big. Like a soup can...." Read more

    59 customers mention33 positive26 negative

    Customers are mixed about the value of the lens. Some mention that it's well worth the cost, while others say that it is rather expensive.

    "...With all it's features and resale value you simply can't loose...." Read more

    "...Also this is an expensive lens so I'd never take it somewhere where it might get hurt...." Read more

    "...Also, the price is reasonable when comparing to L-series lenses that have IS. If I have to have only one lens, I will choose this one." Read more

    "...cost big bucks The Canon 17-55f 2.8 is a great lens and affordable for the amateur parents, aunt, and grandparents wanting to capture the memories..." Read more

    46 customers mention19 positive27 negative

    Customers are mixed about the weight of the camera lens. Some mention it has a nice weight to it, while others say it's a little heavy and bulky.

    "...It's an excellent design.3. Weight. It's heavy. There's a huge difference between this and the kit lens...." Read more

    "...It's a hefty lens, mostly due to the constant F2.8 aperture and image stabilization mechanism...." Read more

    "...I have found this lens more than good in the month since I got it. It weighs a lot but I have taken hundreds of pictures and hundreds of videos with..." Read more

    "...This though will always be my walk around lens. It's got a nice range and isn't too heavy to take with you about everywhere you go...." Read more

    The best Lens for 1.6x Crop Canon DSLRs
    5 Stars
    The best Lens for 1.6x Crop Canon DSLRs
    I received my Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens today (12/28/06). It feels heavier by far than the 18-55mm kit lens, but lighter than I expected. Feels good (well-balanced) cradling the lens in the left hand near the base of the lens when mounted to my Canon Digital Rebel XT. I put the lens on the camera right away in a manner that would limit the opportunity for dust to intrude on the back of the lens or into the camera, since I've read about this lens not being sealed as well as "L" series Canon lenses. I may never take it off. 8-)This lens focuses fast and sure--even in low light, no hunting around to lock onto a subject. Pictures taken with the camera hand-held at 1/10 to 1/15 sec shutter speeds inside with no flash were tack-sharp (Thanks to the IS). With F2.8 and IS, this lens opens up a whole new world of natural low-light photography. Not only are more inside shots possible, you also have the versatility to create gorgeous bokeh. You create these bokeh effects generally zoomed to 55mm (where the kit lens' max aperture is F5.6). Since the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 has a constant F2.8 max aperature, you don't have to worry about the depth of field increasing as you zoom. It is so confidence-inspiring to walk around and set your aperture where you want it to give you the depth of field you want, and not really worry about the shutter speed being too slow. Some of my outside dusk (low-light) shots at 1/6 sec shutter and F22 came out sharp (Thanks again to IS). I almost got vertigo when I first looked at my pics uploaded to my PC--they were so realistic. Images really pop!The decision to go with this lens instead of some of the "L" grade lenses involved the following criteria:1. Focal Length Range. I wanted at least the range of the 18-55mm kit lens.2. Max Aperture. I wanted f/2.8, since f/4 is too confining for low-light situations. Also, f/4 doesn't give you the depth of field limiting ability of f/2.8. Trade-off is size and weight (and price).3. Constant Max Aperture. I wanted a constant max aperture throughout the zoom range. I don't want to set the aperture and have the camera stop it down due to the max aperture decreasing as you zoom in (as is the case with the kit lens).4. USM. I wanted the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) feature, since this is known to be the fastest and quietest autofocus technology.5. IS. I wanted Image Stabilization (IS), since this effectively makes your lens faster, because you can shoot in lower light at lower shutter speeds without fear of blur (provided the subject is still). Also, zoomed-into 55mm, camera shake can be more of a problem than at shorter focal lengths. IS has got you covered there as well. This lens only has one IS mode (no mode for panning).6. Full Format or Crop-optimized. It is true that going with a full format lens would mean that you could use it on any DSLR (35mm film, APS-C DSLR, and Full Format DSLRs such as the 5D and 1Ds Mark II). However, full format lenses are not optimized for the 1.6x crop of the Canon DSLRs Rebel through 30D. The crop-optimized lenses (designated by the "EF-S" in the model name) are tailored to the smaller image sensors of the APS-C camera bodies. The lens elements and coatings are designed to minimize the ghosting and flare that can come from reflections off of the image sensors in digital cameras. Also, the crop-optimized lenses tend to be smaller, lighter and less expensive than otherwise identical full format lenses. I considered the EF 17-40mm f/4L, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L and the EF 24-105mm f/4L. But, none of these had the focal length range I wanted, and two of them weren't fast enough (f/4), and the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L was very heavy (2.1 lbs). I determined there was no need to sacrifice performance now for some possible benefit later on if I purchase a full format camera. If I ever do, I would hope there would be full format lenses that have been designed to limit chromatic aberrations and introduce other digital optimizations currently provided by the crop-optimized APS-C format-only lenses. Besides, you can always continue to use your old camera and lens as a back-up, or you can sell them to help purchase the new ones.7. Grade ("L" series or Advanced Amature). Of course, if all else is equal, take the "L" lens with the red stripe. But, all else is not equal. I'd rather have an optically superior lens that is well-built (although not as well as an "L" series) that meets all my other criteria, and just be careful to keep the dust out. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is expensive (I paid $[...] on [...]). But, I'm sure if there were an "L" series version of this lens, it would be even more expensive.Conclusion: This is one great lens! There's nothing else out there for 1.6x crop digital cameras that gives you the sweet spot of zoom range, low light capability, depth of field control, image stabilization, fast and quiet auto-focus, and superior image quality rivaling prime lenses. And to put the considerable weight (22.8 oz.) into perspective, it is still 3.8 oz. lighter than the very good digital-only Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8, and the Nikon does not even have image stabilization (and costs more to boot). Game, set and match!UPDATE 2/3/07: I've taken 1000+ pictures. I'm impressed with battery life given that I thought IS would use a lot of power. But, since flash is nearly never needed (due to f/2.8 and IS), battery life has seemingly been extended. I didn't realize how much I would grow to expect a stable image through the viewfinder until I looked through a viewfinder with a lens without IS and saw the image shaking. Note that cameras with built-in image sensors (such as Sony Alpha) don't stabilize the viewfinder. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM autofocus locks-on amazingly fast even in low light. No apparent optical weak spots at any focal length or aperture. Lens hood (optional) eliminated most, but not all, flares from bright sun. I think this is the best, most versatile walk-around lens you can get. I wish Canon would make an EF-S 55-200mm f/2.8 IS USM lens to pair it with so I could zoom in closer on distant wildlife, etc.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2011
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
    55 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2006
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best Lens for 1.6x Crop Canon DSLRs
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2006
    I received my Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens today (12/28/06). It feels heavier by far than the 18-55mm kit lens, but lighter than I expected. Feels good (well-balanced) cradling the lens in the left hand near the base of the lens when mounted to my Canon Digital Rebel XT. I put the lens on the camera right away in a manner that would limit the opportunity for dust to intrude on the back of the lens or into the camera, since I've read about this lens not being sealed as well as "L" series Canon lenses. I may never take it off. 8-)

    This lens focuses fast and sure--even in low light, no hunting around to lock onto a subject. Pictures taken with the camera hand-held at 1/10 to 1/15 sec shutter speeds inside with no flash were tack-sharp (Thanks to the IS). With F2.8 and IS, this lens opens up a whole new world of natural low-light photography. Not only are more inside shots possible, you also have the versatility to create gorgeous bokeh. You create these bokeh effects generally zoomed to 55mm (where the kit lens' max aperture is F5.6). Since the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 has a constant F2.8 max aperature, you don't have to worry about the depth of field increasing as you zoom. It is so confidence-inspiring to walk around and set your aperture where you want it to give you the depth of field you want, and not really worry about the shutter speed being too slow. Some of my outside dusk (low-light) shots at 1/6 sec shutter and F22 came out sharp (Thanks again to IS). I almost got vertigo when I first looked at my pics uploaded to my PC--they were so realistic. Images really pop!

    The decision to go with this lens instead of some of the "L" grade lenses involved the following criteria:

    1. Focal Length Range. I wanted at least the range of the 18-55mm kit lens.

    2. Max Aperture. I wanted f/2.8, since f/4 is too confining for low-light situations. Also, f/4 doesn't give you the depth of field limiting ability of f/2.8. Trade-off is size and weight (and price).

    3. Constant Max Aperture. I wanted a constant max aperture throughout the zoom range. I don't want to set the aperture and have the camera stop it down due to the max aperture decreasing as you zoom in (as is the case with the kit lens).

    4. USM. I wanted the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) feature, since this is known to be the fastest and quietest autofocus technology.

    5. IS. I wanted Image Stabilization (IS), since this effectively makes your lens faster, because you can shoot in lower light at lower shutter speeds without fear of blur (provided the subject is still). Also, zoomed-into 55mm, camera shake can be more of a problem than at shorter focal lengths. IS has got you covered there as well. This lens only has one IS mode (no mode for panning).

    6. Full Format or Crop-optimized. It is true that going with a full format lens would mean that you could use it on any DSLR (35mm film, APS-C DSLR, and Full Format DSLRs such as the 5D and 1Ds Mark II). However, full format lenses are not optimized for the 1.6x crop of the Canon DSLRs Rebel through 30D. The crop-optimized lenses (designated by the "EF-S" in the model name) are tailored to the smaller image sensors of the APS-C camera bodies. The lens elements and coatings are designed to minimize the ghosting and flare that can come from reflections off of the image sensors in digital cameras. Also, the crop-optimized lenses tend to be smaller, lighter and less expensive than otherwise identical full format lenses. I considered the EF 17-40mm f/4L, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L and the EF 24-105mm f/4L. But, none of these had the focal length range I wanted, and two of them weren't fast enough (f/4), and the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L was very heavy (2.1 lbs). I determined there was no need to sacrifice performance now for some possible benefit later on if I purchase a full format camera. If I ever do, I would hope there would be full format lenses that have been designed to limit chromatic aberrations and introduce other digital optimizations currently provided by the crop-optimized APS-C format-only lenses. Besides, you can always continue to use your old camera and lens as a back-up, or you can sell them to help purchase the new ones.

    7. Grade ("L" series or Advanced Amature). Of course, if all else is equal, take the "L" lens with the red stripe. But, all else is not equal. I'd rather have an optically superior lens that is well-built (although not as well as an "L" series) that meets all my other criteria, and just be careful to keep the dust out. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is expensive (I paid $[...] on [...]). But, I'm sure if there were an "L" series version of this lens, it would be even more expensive.

    Conclusion: This is one great lens! There's nothing else out there for 1.6x crop digital cameras that gives you the sweet spot of zoom range, low light capability, depth of field control, image stabilization, fast and quiet auto-focus, and superior image quality rivaling prime lenses. And to put the considerable weight (22.8 oz.) into perspective, it is still 3.8 oz. lighter than the very good digital-only Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8, and the Nikon does not even have image stabilization (and costs more to boot). Game, set and match!

    UPDATE 2/3/07: I've taken 1000+ pictures. I'm impressed with battery life given that I thought IS would use a lot of power. But, since flash is nearly never needed (due to f/2.8 and IS), battery life has seemingly been extended. I didn't realize how much I would grow to expect a stable image through the viewfinder until I looked through a viewfinder with a lens without IS and saw the image shaking. Note that cameras with built-in image sensors (such as Sony Alpha) don't stabilize the viewfinder. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM autofocus locks-on amazingly fast even in low light. No apparent optical weak spots at any focal length or aperture. Lens hood (optional) eliminated most, but not all, flares from bright sun. I think this is the best, most versatile walk-around lens you can get. I wish Canon would make an EF-S 55-200mm f/2.8 IS USM lens to pair it with so I could zoom in closer on distant wildlife, etc.
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    639 people found this helpful
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    Top reviews from other countries

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    Brendan Wiebe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best zoom for crop sensor RF, when using the adapter.
    Reviewed in Canada on January 29, 2024
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
    Brenda Pacheco
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me encanto lo logrado
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 21, 2016
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
    One person found this helpful
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    Pepe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Todo correcto!
    Reviewed in Spain on September 16, 2016
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
    Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 8, 2021
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
    2 people found this helpful
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    Marnach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Acierto de objetivo.
    Reviewed in Spain on December 30, 2017
    Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase