I am not sure about the Canon versions, but I know for Nikon the 17-55mm 2.8 is a DX format lens made for the crop sensors, whereas the 24-70mm 2.8 is full frame format. So if you have a crop sensor camera, and always plan on having one, I'd go with the 17-55mm because it'll be more wide angle. If there's any chance you might get a full frame body, and don't want to have to replace a lens, get the 24-70
I would agree with Heidi. You didn't mention if you had a full frame camera or a crop sensor. All the Rebel line are crop, as is the 7D, 20D, 30D, etc. If it is a crop sensor (APS-C) the EF-S lenses will give you the focal length that is referenced on the lens. As the EF lenses you have to times the focal length by 1.6. So the 24-70 would actually be 38-112. Keep that in mind when buying any lens.
@celly525 what are your kit lens? Usually it is a 18-55mm which is the same lens you are interested in. There is also the 18-135mm, which is a little darker than a 100mm prime, but is a all-around option to leave be on the camera (and it's better than the 18-55).
I would suggest as you are after a ef-S mount you have some form of crop.
I have the 24-70mm EF F2.8 L USM and think it is a great all round lens for me the 17mm would be too wide and would distort the image too much for my style.
Now having said that if you were shooting more landscapes then I would suggest the 17mm.
Oh I have both a cropped and full bodies and use it on both and don't really have an issues, but my style is more of filling the frame than it is of taking a wide photo.
I have the 24-70mm F2.8L USM lens. I have a full body Canon camera. Other than the fact that I have been working mostly with my wide angle lens lately to really learn it, it is a great all around lens. I can use it for most shots. It is incredibly sharp and photos are excellent with it.
Thank you so much for all of your feedback & suggestions! !!!I often forget to consider the crop sensor..wrapping my head around technical stuff is a challenge for me. (@hmgphotos@dvs@gabrielklee@hmgphotos@agima )
As you are considering the 17-55 (ef-s) you must have a crop-sensor camera! I am actually in a similar boat myself, however it is for work and I think the 24-70 is the most appropriate (as I will not be using the wide angle for my product shots)
From what I have read I would go for the 17-55, the difference between 17 and 24 on a crop is actually quite noticeable and you'll get a much nicer range with the EF-S lens. Quality wise - the two are almost on par, the 17-55 is probably one of the best walkabout lenses for crop sensors (and was designed for that purpose!) They both have the same stop value of 2.8 however the 17-55 also has IS which gives even better low light performance.
If you are anything like me, you will be thinking purely about having an 'L' lens, but I think in this situation the 17-55 is the better choice!
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I have the 24-70mm EF F2.8 L USM and think it is a great all round lens for me the 17mm would be too wide and would distort the image too much for my style.
Now having said that if you were shooting more landscapes then I would suggest the 17mm.
Oh I have both a cropped and full bodies and use it on both and don't really have an issues, but my style is more of filling the frame than it is of taking a wide photo.
From what I have read I would go for the 17-55, the difference between 17 and 24 on a crop is actually quite noticeable and you'll get a much nicer range with the EF-S lens. Quality wise - the two are almost on par, the 17-55 is probably one of the best walkabout lenses for crop sensors (and was designed for that purpose!) They both have the same stop value of 2.8 however the 17-55 also has IS which gives even better low light performance.
If you are anything like me, you will be thinking purely about having an 'L' lens, but I think in this situation the 17-55 is the better choice!