Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens - in Pristine Condition in Victoria, British Columbia for sale

This versatile lens is optically the fastest medium range zoom lens Canon has produced for EF-S digital SLRs - i.e. non full-frame bodies. The 17-55mm focal length delivers an equivalent range of 27-88mm on these bodies, making it a brilliant walk-around zoom lens.
The smaller focal ratio and circular aperture of the 17-55mm allows it to deliver shorter depths of fields with more pleasing bokehs than other EF-S zoom lenses, making it ideal for portrait or dramatic macro work.
The additional light gathering capability also allows the 17-55mm to focus under darker conditions than optically slower lenses, while the brighter view through the viewfinder makes it easier to frame when the light is poor. This, combined with the lens' 3 stop image stabilization, means that you can take hand-held shots in dim lighting conditions.
The front face does not rotate during zoom, allowing a polarizing filter to be used without adjustment during zooming operations.
The lens focus can be manually adjusted without turning off autofocus.
Lens Specs:
*Focal length: 17-55mm (35mm equivalent of 27-85mm)
*Image stabilization 3 stops
*Maximum aperture: f/2.8
*Lens construction: 19 elements in 12 groups
*Diagonal angle of view: 78 degrees (at 30 feet) to 27 degrees (at 50 feet)
*Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual
*Closest focusing distance: 1.15 feet
*Zoom system: 5-group helical zoom (front group moves 27mm)
*Filter size: 77mm
*Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter, 4.4 inches long
*Weight: 22.8 ounces
For a series of reviews and pricing see: http://www.amazon.ca/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-Lens-Cameras/dp/B000EW8074
This is an expensive lens to buy new, with prices usually in the range $1,100+. The unit is in pristine condition, having been stored in a clean, dry environment.
I am offering this unit for $700 firm, with a lens hood included, plus front and rear lens caps - filters not included.
The unit is in pristine condition, having seen very little use, as I tend to work with other lenses.
Prospective buyers are welcome to view the unit and try it on their camera.