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

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EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2004April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length17–85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22–32
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera MuseumAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
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 JapanHorizontal 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 27–136 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USMLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing 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 detail–Maximum 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 approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correctionFour-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
Filter diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter78.5 mm66.5 mm
Length92 mm61.8 mm
Weight475 g215 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 mmBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not suppliedEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale dayCanon 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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