EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM

Released September 2004

A Canon EF-S five-times standard zoom with a 27–136 mm equivalent angle of view, three-stop optical stabilisation and full-time manual focus override.

Mount: Canon EF-S
Focal length: 17–85 mm
Max aperture: f/4–5.6
Stabilisation: Yes
Weight: 475 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers value the versatile range, quick quiet autofocus and useful stabilisation, but find severe wide-angle distortion. ePHOTOzine praises resolution throughout the range; Photozone finds weak extreme wide-angle corners and more colour fringing. Photozone criticises wobble and thin construction in its used sample; ePHOTOzine finds little barrel play but a damaged filter rim. Both consider it convenient.

From photozone.de, photozone.de, photozone.de and ephotozine.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Optics

Lens type: Zoom
Focal length: 17–85 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4–5.6
Minimum aperture: f/22–32
Optical construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Special elements: One double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
Diaphragm: Six blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view: Horizontal 68°40′–15°25′, vertical 48°–10°25′, diagonal 78°30′–18°25′ according to Canon Japan

Mount and compatibility

Mounts: Canon EF-S
Image circle: APS-C
Compatibility: Canon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–136 mm on full frame

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 0.35 m
Maximum magnification: 0.2×
Optical stabilisation: Yes
Autofocus detail: USM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USM
Focus distance detail: Minimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone
Stabilisation detail: Canon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction

Design

Filter diameter: 67 mm
Maximum diameter: 78.5 mm
Length: 92 mm
Weight: 475 g
Controls: AF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings
Zoom design: Extending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm
Dimensions detail: 78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon
Lens hood: EW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied
Release detail: Canon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale day

Pros and cons

Pros

Five-times zoom range
Three-stop optical stabilisation claim
Full-time manual focus override

Cons

Variable f/4–5.6 maximum aperture
Hood sold separately

Closest rivals

Model	Mount	Focal length	Max aperture	Stabilisation	Weight	Released
CanonEF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM	Canon EF-S	15–85 mm	f/3.5–5.6	Yes	575 g	Oct 2009
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	No	190 g	Mar 2005
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM	Canon EF-S	18–55 mm	f/3.5–5.6	–	190 g	Mar 2005

Sources

Photo: global.canon

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