17-55 alternatives

If PhotoZone is right, this is the best wide-angle, autofocus lens available for the Canon EOS mount. What's amazing is that it is even better in the standard range, and plenty good enough in the short telephoto range as well.

This is the first lens I've heard of that looks to be too much lens for a Digital Rebel - a Rebel won't reveal its full resolution nor low-light autofocus capabilities. The ideal matchup is an EOS 30D + EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM + external flash (this lens blocks the pop-up flash). But what are the alternatives?

1. A 30D with battery and EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM weighs less than and costs about one-third as much as a 1Ds MkII with battery but no lens.



2. A 30D + 17-55 is two-thirds the price of a 5D + EF 24-105mm f/4L IS, with better image quality and a full stop wider aperture (but slightly less range).



3. A Nikon D200 with AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 costs $400 more than the 30D + 17-55, lacks IS, and has significantly worse high ISO noise performance, but makes up for it with more megapixels, slightly wider focal lengths, and better convenience specs.