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

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

Published Jan 28, 2008 | Andy Westlake

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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

Tags: review

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Jim Sims

I purchased the Canon 17-85 with a Canon 20D in early 2005. I have never been satisfied with its sharpness, but that may be due to a malfunctioning IS when I received it (I thought it was working because I heard something running, but it seemed to slow down and finally stop, or I stopped hearing it). I have, in time, come to realize that the IS is indeed not working. Also, the contacts have are worn out. I get out to shoot pictures, maybe once a week, and change between this lens and a Canon 70-300, f:4-5.6 IS USM that functions well. Since these are the only two lenses that I use with this camera I can assume they have received the same amount of wear. The lenses were purchased at the same time from Adorama at the same time I purchased the 20D. Because of the problems with the IS and the phenomenal wear on the contacts. I will contact Canon in order to determine a ballpark idea of the cost to put this lens lens in good working order, or purchase a new, and perhaps faster lens.

8 months ago*permalink

Wrightphilip

After I read review of Canon EF 85mm Medium Telephoto Lens on http://bonomax.com/camera-photo/canon-ef-85mm-medium-telephoto-lens-review.html! I purchase the Canon 85mm lens with the purpose of taking indoor volleyball pictures of my daughter. The f/1.8 has made a world of a difference in comparison to my other lens which was a f/2.8. The pictures came out bright and clear with the perfect boker to emphasize the subject. I have received many compliments on my pictures. The only downside is the fixed focal point but that’s why you have legs to move around to capture the right moment. You can’t go wrong this lens!
Canon EF 85mm Medium Telephoto Lens has become my new favorite lens!

10 months agopermalink

piet nel

I like the canon 17-85 lens it work wonderful for landscape photos

Feb 27, 2015permalink

san go

I like EF 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6

Jan 19, 2015permalink


Canon EF-S 17-85 mm F4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review Jan 28, 2008	Just posted: Olympus XZ-1 review Jan 26, 2011	Olympus XZ-1 Review Jan 26, 2011	Just posted: Update to 2010 Enthusiast Compact Group Test Jan 20, 2011


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