Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized USM SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR's

Canon EF-S 17-85MM f4-5.6 IS USM Lens is possibly the best single lens to own with your Canon Digital Rebel SLR Camera. Equivalent to a 28-135mm lens, this new EF-S lens brings true wide-angle to tele coverage to EOS 20D and Digital Rebel shooters. It has Canon's Image Stabilization system, allowing safe hand-holding at speeds up to three stops slower than otherwise possible. And of course, it's optically optimized for digital SLRs. A ring-type USM means both fast and silent AF, as well as full-time manual focus when in the AF mode.

Technical Details :
* 17-85mm standard zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for EOS digital SLR cameras.
* Image Stabilization system reduces camera shake to extend use in low-light levels.
* Aspheric element and 2 aspherical surfaces deliver excellent optical quality.
* Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor(USM) for superior autofocusing; 1.15-feet close focusing.
* Measures 3.1 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches long; weighs 16.8 ounces; 1-year warranty.



Features :
* Compact, lightweight design with a 5x zoom ratio -- 28 to 135mm equivalent.
* Excellent optical quality: Aspheric element with two Aspherical surfaces utilized.
* Close-focusing to 1.15 feet -- at 135mm, fills the frame with subject 3 x 4.4 inches.
* Ring-type Ultrasonic motor for superior AF performance; allows full-time MF.
* Image Stabilization extends the lens's usefulness in low-light levels.
* Circular aperture design -- natural highlights, even stopped down two stops.
* Non-rotating front element; lens length does not change during zooming.
* EF-S lens mount -- exclusively for EOS 20D and Digital Rebel bodies.

Customer Feedback :
I have been using this lens for a week and getting absolutely flawless pictures - no flares, fringing etc. I also did some semi-controlled tests with Image Stablizer and it works as advertised, resulting in much sharper pics indoors. USM focusing works great too, and the lens is/feels well built.
One gripe - at the price mentioned, I would have liked it to come with a hood ("sold" separately but not available yet) and a case (also "sold" separately).