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Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2006April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–55 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon JapanAspherical lens element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven 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′ according to the exact Canon manual
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; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatibleCanon extenders cannot be used
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 magnification0.17×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UKLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
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 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBISFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm66.5 mm
Length110.6 mm61.8 mm
Weight645 g215 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring–
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzineBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance–
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
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-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
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's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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