It is not only sharpness, don't forget colors and contrast.


My friend bought a 24-70L on his 50D for a month ago and I bought a 17-55 for my 50D and I must say that I like my lens better then his. The IS is really helpfull. Winters here in Europe aren't really really sunny, so it comes in handy for a lot of things. Also my mate had a slight issue with minor chromatic aberration on his 24-70 and really I haven't had any trouble with my lens whatsoever. The only thing I can think of is bending lines when you shoot at 17mm. I don't know the proper word for them :P


I suggest the 17-55, especially for the money. I don't think the extra cost for the 24-70 is worth the price, since you don't have a fullframe or weathersealing, but that's just my opinion. Good luck