Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM

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Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM compared with EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
CanonEF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2009September 2004
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–85 mm17–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22–32
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon JapanOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flare–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSix 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′–15°25′, vertical 48°–10°25′, diagonal 78°30′–18°25′ according to Canon Japan
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 27–136 mm on full frame
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.2×
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; Photozone identifies ring-type USM
Focus distance detailInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and The Digital PictureMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone
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 approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction
Design
Filter diameter72 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter81.6 mm78.5 mm
Length87.5 mm92 mm
Weight575 g475 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to PhotozoneExtending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm
Dimensions detail81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon
Lens hoodOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon JapanEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied
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 and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale day

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