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Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS

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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS
Overview
ReleasedMay 2006September 2007
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–55 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups11 elements in nine groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon JapanPrecision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Canon Camera Museum lists minimum f/22–36; Canon Japan support lists f/22–38
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSix blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–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 27–88 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras
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 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.34×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UKGeared DC motor according to Canon Japan; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneFront element rotates and extends during focusing; select MF before using the narrow manual focus ring according to The Digital Picture and 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 supportedMaximum 0.34× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.64–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× according to Canon Japan
Stabilisation detailCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBISFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/(focal length × 1.6) seconds; automatic panning detection according to Canon Japan. Photozone and The Digital Picture report approximately three stops in their tests.
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm68.5 mm
Length110.6 mm70 mm
Weight645 g200 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring–
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine–
Weather resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance–
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon68.5 mm maximum diameter × 70 mm length
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-60C hood and LP814 case sold separately according to Canon Japan
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 Japan records September 2007 first sale after the August announcement; Canon Camera Museum also records September 2007 marketing. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in these sources.

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