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:
 |
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| 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
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