Canon ef s 17 55mm f 2 8 is usm vs canon 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6?

The 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the one to get if you want the brighter lens. Its f/2.8 aperture stays the same across the whole zoom range, so exposure doesn't drop as you zoom in. It's stabilised, and it frames like 27-88mm on full frame. It only fits APS-C Canon bodies, so check your camera first. You can see the full list on its page.

The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II are the lighter, cheaper options. Their apertures narrow as you zoom, so they get darker at the long end. For a general everyday lens that's fine. For dim rooms or more background blur, the f/2.8 is worth the extra cost. The aperture guide explains the difference in more detail.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.