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Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USMCanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018September 2004
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm17–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical construction23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and five UD elementsOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°Horizontal 68°40′–15°25′, vertical 48°–10°25′, diagonal 78°30′–18°25′ according to Canon Japan
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–136 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USM
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone
Stabilisation detailUp to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditionsCanon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.8 mm78.5 mm
Length199 mm92 mm
Weight1,480 g475 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinityAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)Extending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount–
Dimensions detail88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon
Weight detailApproximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 g–
Tripod mountIncluded removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar–
Lens hoodET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storageEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied
In the boxET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual–
Release detailMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018Canon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale day

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