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Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS 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-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USMCanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2006September 2004
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–55 mm17–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon JapanOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′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 27–88 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–136 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatible–
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UKUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USM
Focus distance detailInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone
Magnification detailMaximum 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 three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBISCanon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm78.5 mm
Length110.6 mm92 mm
Weight645 g475 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ringAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzineExtending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm
Weather resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance–
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-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 hoodEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied
In the boxLens, E77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon 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.Canon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale day

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