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Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2004March 2016
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–85 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22–36
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera MuseumOne UD and one aspherical element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 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 27–136 mm on full frameCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USMNano USM; Canon claims up to 4.3× the STM predecessor's focus-lens driving speed when focusing from minimum distance to infinity at 135 mm through the viewfinder
Focus distance detailMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to PhotozoneElectronic manual focusing requires an awake camera; manual override in One-Shot AF requires a half-pressed shutter and enabled electronic manual focusing (The Digital Picture)
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detailCanon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correctionFour-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
Video features–Optional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter78.5 mm77.4 mm
Length92 mm96 mm
Weight475 g515 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom ringsFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom designExtending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mmExtends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
Weather resistance–No full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
Dimensions detail78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not suppliedOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the box–Lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale dayMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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