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Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
Released2016May 2006
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm17–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in twelve groups19 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsFour aspherical elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon Japan
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmTen blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C DSLRs; EOS M cameras require an EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–88 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes extendersCanon extenders are not compatible
Adaptor supportEF12 II gives 0.60–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.41–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.61–0.27× at 105 mmCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to Photozone
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.17× at 55 mm according to Canon Japan; EF12 II extension tube and 500D close-up lens supported, 250D close-up lens not supported
Stabilisation detailCanon claims four-stop optical stabilisation. The exact manual describes automatic adjustment for still subjects and panning, with correction perpendicular to the panning directionCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBIS
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm83.5 mm
Length118 mm110.6 mm
Weight795 g645 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mmAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring
Zoom designExtending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm positionExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
Weather resistanceCanon UK describes dust and moisture sealing; the manual identifies a rubber mount ring. The Digital Picture recommends a protective filter to complete front sealingCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × retracted length; size and 795 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manual83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageEW-83J hood and LP1219 pouch are optional accessories; Canon UK's box list includes neither. Canon Camera Museum's price table says case and built-in hood, conflicting with the UK package and separately listed removable EW-83J hood
In the boxLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UKLens, E77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum's exact-model table records October 2016 marketing; its later RF 24–105mm page retrospectively says November 2016. The year is used because the maker gives conflicting months without explaining a regional differenceCanon Camera Museum records May 2006 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 22 February and Japanese first sale on 31 May 2006; a separately established UK first-sale day is not published in these sources.

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