Canon EFS 17-55mm f2.8 and Dust, breathing and focus throw??

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
I'm thinking about dropping the change and getting the Canon EFS 17-55mm f2.8. I've read from quite a few posts that it's a serious dust collector.

Have anyone you guys who own this lens have this problem?

I always have a good UV filter on the lens, and would this help prevent the dust problem?

I have the Tamron 17-50 VC right now, but the focus throw is too short for decent rack focusing IMO. Does the Canon 17-55 have a decent focus throw?

Also, do the canon breath when you do a rack focus?
 
If you already have the tamron it's pointless switching to the Canon. The canon is very sharp, but from all accounts I have heard the tamron is very sharp too. I bought the canon back before the tamron was out and available and had a UV filter on from day 1. Dust definitely still collects, but a UV filter helps. Focus throw is absurdly short on the canon as well, so you won't see much difference there. I wouldn't call the dust a problem at least not in my experience.

So unless you really want canon glass for your 7D, there's no point in spending the extra dough
 
OK, so I went to the camera store today to check out the Canon EFS 17-55mm vs. my Tamron VC 17-50.

Although I cannot comment on the image, since I only messed around with the Canon in the store, I can say that the Canon is MUCH better mechanically than the Tamron.

1) While the Focus throw on the Canon is not long, it is about 2 times as long as the Tamron (which is EXTREMELY short).
2) The focusing on the Canon is better. It feels more subdued and precise, while the Tamron feels too loose and quick
3) It breaths quite a bit less than the Tamron on Rack focusing.

Dang... I had a feeling I just spent the extra $400 and got the Canon from the start. Just the mechanics makes it worth it.

But the Dust issue with the Canon still bothers me a bit, since I've heard it is an issue.
 
Last edited:
I haven't had the dust issue. Although I'm one of those paranoid types who checks the lens every five minutes and blows it off. I've probably never let enough time pass to let some megalodon dust accumulate. BTW, I love my Canon 17-55mm. I also plan to pick up the Tokina 11-16 and the Canon 70-200, but for every day use, the 17-55 is getting her done. Love it!
 
It is a great all around lens for sure. Never used the tamron, so I just assumed the focus was as a short or as long as the canon. Compared to my primes the canon is still far too short a throw for my liking.

I'd get a damn tokina if I could ever find a fairly priced canon mount. They love to mark it up these days. Except for at B&H but then it's never in stock AAARRRGGHHHH
 
You know what's weird? I have a Nikon 70-200 AIS which has a super long focus throw. I wished that lens had a bit shorter focus throw because by hand, it can be very hard to do a rack focus because you have to rotate the focus ring so much. It's too much of a good thing at times. LOL. But I don't use that lens that much except to film surfing, so it's not that big of a deal.

But I do wish the Canon 17-55 was a bit longer. But believe me, it's considerably longer than the Tamron 17-55 which has the shorter focus throw I've ever used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top