Canon EF-S 17-85mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM review

January 2008 | Andy Westlake and (updated July 2008)

First announced in August 2004 to coincide with the launch of the EOS 20D, the EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM is Canon’s logical upgrade from the basic 18-55mm kit lens supplied with its APS-C dSLRs. With a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 27-136mm, it covers a decent wideangle to telephoto range, making it a useful ‘walkaround’ lens which will cover a wide range of photographic opportunities. It also sports Canon's 2nd-generation optical image stabilizer, which allows hand-holding at slower shutter speeds than usual before the image-degrading effects of camera shake become apparent. This lens is clearly an attempt by Canon to replicate the success of their earlier 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM, which gained a strong reputation as an excellent performer on 35mm film; so is the 17-85mm up to scratch?

Headline features

27-136mm equivalent focal length range; F4-5.6 maximum aperture
Optical image stabilization – 3 stops
Ring-type USM focusing with full-time manual override
EF-S mount for Canon APS-C dSLRS only

Angle of view

The pictures below illustrate the focal length range from wide to telephoto:

17mm (27mm equivalent)	85mm (136mm equivalent)

Canon EF-S 17-85mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM specifications

Street price	• US: $520 • UK: £360
Date introduced	August 2004
Maximum format size	APS-C
Focal length	17-85mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C)	27-136mm
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C)	78º - 18º
Maximum aperture	F4-5.6
Minimum aperture	F22-32
Lens Construction	• 17 elements/12 groups • 1 Aspherical element
Number of diaphragm blades	6
Minimum focus	0.35m
Maximum magnification	0.20x at 85mm
AF motor type	• Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor • Full-time manual focus
Focus method	Internal
Image stabilization	• 3 stops • Single mode (no panning)
Filter thread	• 67mm • Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps
Optional accessories	• EW-73B Hood • LP1116 Case
Weight	475 g (16.7 oz)
Dimensions	78.5 mm diameter x 92 mm length (3.1 x 3.6 in)
Lens Mount	Canon EF-S only
Other	Supplies distance information for E-TTL II flash metering

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

Foreword / notes

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