Canon EF-S 17-85mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM review
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
In stock
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 28, 2008
|
Jan 26, 2011
|
Jan 26, 2011
|
Jan 20, 2011
|
This is what happens when a Canon 17-85mm F4-5.6 lens meets 60,000 PSI of water pressure. Spoiler Alert: the water jet always wins.
Canon has today announced two new digital SLR lenses and a flash with digital features. The EF-S 17 - 85 mm F4 - F5.6 IS USM lens (US$600) provides an equivelant field of view of 27 - 136 mm (5x zoom), the EF-S 10 - 22 mm F3.5 - F4.5 USM lens (US$800) provides and equivelant field of view of 16 - 35 mm. Currently these new lenses can only be used on the Canon EOS 20D and EOS 300D digital SLR's (the only camera's to support EF-S lenses). Additionally Canon has also announced the Speedlite 580EX flash (US$480) with digital specific features such as zoom linked to sensor size and control of camera white balance.
Canon's new EOS M50 mirrorless camera offers 4K video capture, expanded Dual Pixel AF coverage and improved connectivity. We've taken a closer look at these features and more in our in-depth review.
As digital imaging technology finds its way into more consumer devices, we here at DPReview do our best to keep you on the cutting edge. With that in mind, here's our first official review of a camera that can also shoot dog treats across the room.
Our review of the Sony a7 III is well underway and, as part of this, we're publishing our studio test scene. We'll be building out the review in the coming weeks as we test and shoot the camera in a series of situations.
Photographers shopping around for Lightroom alternatives have likely encountered Alien Skin's Exposure X3. Here's an overview of its organization and editing controls, and how they differ from the competition.
The Fujifilm X-H1 is a top-of-the-range 24MP mirrorless camera with in-body stabilization and the company's most advanced array of video capabilities. We've tested the X-T2's big brother extensively to see how it performs.
What's the best camera for a parent? The best cameras for shooting kids and family must have fast autofocus, good low-light image quality and great video. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for parents, and recommended the best.
What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.
If you're a serious enthusiast or working pro, the very best digital cameras on the market will cost you at least $2000. That's a lot of money, but generally speaking these cameras offer the highest resolution, the best build quality and the most advanced video specs out there, as well as fast burst rates and top-notch autofocus.
Video features have become an important factor to many photographers when choosing a new camera. Read on to find out which cameras we think are best for the videophile.
What's the best camera for shooting sports and action? Fast continuous shooting, reliable autofocus and great battery life are just three of the most important factors. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting sports and action, and recommended the best.
Comments