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Canon EF 70–200mm 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 70–200mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018May 2006
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm17–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groups19 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon Japan
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcementSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view–Horizontal 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 mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–88 mm on full frame
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders are not compatible
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.27×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus overrideUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera WorldInternal 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 detailFive-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjectsCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBIS
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm83.5 mm
Length176 mm110.6 mm
Weight780 g645 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera WorldAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera WorldExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant constructionCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon
Lens hood–EW-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
Weight detailApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount–
Tripod mountOptional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory–
In the boxLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UKLens, E77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.Canon 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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