Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS 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 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS

Buy on Amazon

Canon

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

Buy on Amazon

Verdict at a glance

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is faster by 0.6 stops (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS is lighter by 50g.
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM goes wider (17mm vs 18mm).
Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS reaches further (200mm vs 55mm).
Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS is the newer design (2008 vs 2006).

Specification comparison
Spec	EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS	EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Brand	Canon	Canon
Mount	Canon EF-S	Canon EF-S
Type	Zoom	Zoom
Focal length	18-200mm	17-55mm (wider)
Max aperture	f/3.5	f/2.8 (faster)
Released	2008	2006
Blades	6	7
Format	aps-c	aps-c
Groups	12	12
Elements	16	19
Weight g	595.0 (lighter)	645.0
Filter mm	72	77
Length mm	102.0	110.6
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	78.6	83.5
Min focus m	0.45	0.35 (closer focusing)
Max magnification	0.24	0.17
Af motor	n/a	USM

Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS

A superzoom for Canon APS-C cameras covering wide angle to long telephoto in one lens. It has image stabilization and a micro-motor focus drive.

Pros

Very wide zoom range
Image stabilization
One-lens convenience

Cons

Variable aperture
Softer than shorter zooms
Slower focus than USM lenses

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

More comparisons for Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS

Compare other lenses or browse our best-of guides.