

The EF-S 17-85/4-5.6IS USM was the standard mid-range ("prosumer") class general purpose for crop sensor DSLRs until it was replaced by the new EF-S 15-85/3.5-5.6IS USM. The new lens has a wider range (15mm vs 17mm) and upgraded optics, but at an upgraded price (as of 03/10 $725 vs. $450). The 17-85 is a good lens. Center sharpness is good and the edges sharpen up if the lens is topped down a little. It does show significant barrel distortion at 17mm but fortunately this is pretty easily digitally corrected. Here is my link to a full review of the EF-S 17-85/4-5.6IS. As of 03/10 the EF-S 17-85/4-5.6IS USM is still available new, but it's no longer listed as a current lens on Canon's website, so expect the supply to dry up once stocks have run out. With a saving of around $275 over the 15-85IS, it's still certainly worth considering.
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| Model | Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM |
| Link to Current Pricing | EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM |
| Production Dates |
2004 - current |
| Comments | Good general purpose lens for APS-C crop sensor DSLRs with true wide-to-telephoto coverage (equivalent to 27-136mm on full frame). IS works well and together with useful zoom range it makes a very convenient lens for travel. Distortion is a little high at 17mm, but that can be digitally corrected. A full review of the EF-S 17-85is can be found HERE |
| Format Restrictions |
APS-C (crop sensor) only |
| Field of View
(degrees) Horizontal,Vertical, Diagonal Full Frame - 36x24mm APS-C - 22.5x15mm |
APS-C Wide : H - 67 : V - 47.6 : D - 77 APS-C Tele : H - 15.1 : V - 10.1 : D - 18.1 |
| Full Frame FOV equivalent with lens on APS-C body |
27.2-136 mm (1.6x multiplier) |
| Image Stabilization |
up to 3 stops |
| Length | 92 mm (3.62 inches) |
| Weight | 475 gm (16.06 oz.) |
| Maximum Diameter | 78 mm (3.07 inches) |
| Lens Mount Material |
Metal |
| Lens Color |
Black |
| Filter Size | 67 mm |
| Filter Rotation |
Filter does not rotate |
| Internal Zooming |
No (extends on zooming) |
| Focusing |
Internal Focusing (Length constant) |
| Focus Range Setting(s) |
No, always uses full focus range |
| AF motor |
USM |
| Distance Scale | Yes, has distance scale |
| Closest Focus | 0.35 m (1.15 ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.2x |
| Canon TC compatibility |
No, Canon TCs can not be used |
| Weathersealing |
Not weathersealed |
| Lens Hood |
EW-73B |
| E-TTL II Support |
Yes |
| Elements/Groups |
17/12 |
| Aspheric Elements |
Yes, 1 aspheric element |
| Diaphragm Blades |
6 (circular) |
|
Check Current Pricing and Availability at Amazon.com |
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With the large number of entries contained in the Canon EOS Lens database it's inevitable the some of presented here may not be complete and/or may contain errors. If you find an error or missing data, please contact me and I will add or revise the data as necessary
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