My Canon 17-55mm 2.8 lens has accumulated dust and debris inside the lens do I need to have it cleaned out by a professional or is this something that I can do myself?

A long while ago I did see a YouTube video showing how to do this and it looked pretty straightforward if you are dextrous/used to doing these kinds of things. A quick search on Google should find it. Then you can decide if you feel like doing it. Otherwise send it in to be cleaned.

My Canon 17-55 EF-S is dust free (had it since it was first out) but I do not zoom with it in any obviously dusty environments (e.g. some factories etc.) to avoid it sucking in dust with its "piston effect" and unsealed front.

Good luck!

i found a video on youtube from motleypixel not sure if that's you but i'll have a look thanks mate.

Not me!....but I think that is the video I watched about 18 months or so ago. Embedded below for the convenience of other forum users - and me, if I ever need it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOZRN2mxajk

I also just found this one too (not watched it so no idea if its informative - but you might want to take a look).

Canon 17-55 - YouTube

instead of a rocket blower can I use one of those can dust blower not sure if that would leave a smudge on the lens. Anyway thanks I'll try it myself if I mess up i'll just pack everything and send it off to a professional.