Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM
CanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2004March 2005
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22–36
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups11 elements in nine groups; Canon's EF Lens Work III records exterior design changes from type I while optical performance remains the same
Special elementsOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera MuseumOne precision aspherical element; Canon's EF Lens Work III identifies the tenth element
DiaphragmSix 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′–15°25′, vertical 48°–10°25′, diagonal 78°30′–18°25′ according to Canon JapanDiagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to Canon's EF Lens Work III
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 compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to approximately 29–88 mm on full frame
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USMCanon Micro USM II ultrasonic motor
Focus distance detailMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to PhotozoneFront-group rotating extension focusing; minimum distance 0.28 m throughout the zoom range according to Canon's EF Lens Work III
Stabilisation detailCanon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction–
Design
Filter diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter78.5 mm68.5 mm
Length92 mm66 mm
Weight475 g190 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings–
Zoom designExtending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm–
Dimensions detail78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length; 190 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale dayCanon Camera Museum records March 2005 marketing; no first-sale day is given by this source

More comparisons