It *may* break the bank (depending on our budget and where you buy it because prices vary) but as a replacement for the 18-55 the 17-55 2.8 IS is stellar.


Not only is it tack sharp (it delivers L glass quality, it really does) it also has a 2.8 aperture with nice bokeh (across the entire 17-55, which served me well in low light situations when I still had a crop body).


It may seem like 'the same' but between the lenses the 17-55 is a WORLD of difference. I was blown away by the quality and only wish Canon would make one for a full frame body with the same quality and range. I miss that lens.