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Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro 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 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2006March 2005
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length17–55 mm60 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups12 elements in eight groups; three-group floating internal-focus system
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon Japan–
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKCanon describes optimised coatings to reduce flare and ghosting from sensor reflections
Aperture detail–Camera-displayed aperture assumes infinity focus; effective maximum aperture becomes f/5.84 at life-size magnification according to Canon's manual
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades according to Canon Camera Museum and Canon Japan
Angle of viewHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′Horizontal 20°40′, vertical 14°10′, diagonal 24°30′
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 96 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatibleCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II 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 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.17×1×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UKUSM autofocus; full-time manual focusing after One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfway
Focus distance detailInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to Photozone0.2 m minimum focus measured from the focal plane; approximately 90 mm working distance from the lens front at life-size magnification
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 supportedEF12 II extension tube gives 0.20–1.28×; EF25 II gives 0.44–1.61×. Optional 250D close-up lens gives 0.25–1.33× and 500D gives 0.12–1.18×
Stabilisation detailCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBISNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter77 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm73 mm
Length110.6 mm69.8 mm
Weight645 g335 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ringAF/MF switch; distance window with magnification scale
Filter detail–Front filter thread accommodates a filter and compatible macro flash together; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine–
Weather resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon73 mm maximum diameter × 69.8 mm from mount surface to lens front; cap and rear cap excluded
Weight detail–Canon's manual specifies 335 g for the lens alone
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 hoodET-67B hood and LP1016 case sold separately according to Canon's manual; Canon Japan's later accessory listing includes hood and case without clarifying regional package differences
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 records March 2005 marketing. Canon Japan's February announcement planned 17 March, while its later exact-model support sheet records 19 March 2005 as the Japanese release date. The headline retains month precision; no UK first-sale day is established.

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