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Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS 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-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2009May 2006
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–85 mm17–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups19 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon JapanThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon Japan
CoatingsCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flareSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′Horizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frameCanon 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 distance0.35 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital PictureUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and The Digital PictureInternal 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 states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 mmCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBIS
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter81.6 mm83.5 mm
Length87.5 mm110.6 mm
Weight575 g645 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to PhotozoneExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
Weather resistance–Canon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Dimensions detail81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon
Lens hoodOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon JapanEW-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 box–Lens, E77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.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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