Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Canon

EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM

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Canon

EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

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Verdict at a glance

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is faster by 1 stop (f/2.8 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM is lighter by 170g.
Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM reaches further (85mm vs 55mm).
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the newer design (2006 vs 2004).

Specification comparison
Spec	EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM	EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Brand	Canon	Canon
Mount	Canon EF-S	Canon EF-S
Type	Zoom	Zoom
Focal length	17-85mm	17-55mm
Max aperture	f/4.0	f/2.8 (faster)
Released	2004	2006
Blades	6	7
Format	aps-c	aps-c
Groups	12	12
Af motor	USM	USM
Elements	17	19
Weight g	475.0 (lighter)	645.0
Filter mm	67	77
Length mm	92.0	110.6
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	78.5	83.5
Min focus m	0.35	0.35
Max magnification	0.2	0.17

Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM

An older stabilized standard zoom for Canon APS-C cameras, wider-ranging than the basic 18-55 kit lens. USM focusing; succeeded by the 15-85.

Pros

Image stabilization
USM focusing
Useful range

Cons

Visible distortion at the wide end
Variable aperture
Superseded by the 15-85

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

A constant-aperture standard zoom for Canon APS-C cameras with stabilization and USM focusing. Often seen as the APS-C counterpart of a 24-70mm f/2.8.

Pros

Constant f/2.8
Image stabilization
USM autofocus
Sharp, with good contrast

Cons

Not weather-sealed
Large for an APS-C lens (645 g)
APS-C only

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