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

17-85mm
f/4.0
Zoom
Stabilized
475 g
Min focus 0.35 m

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Quick answer

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Superseded by the 15-85

Verdict

Still usable, but the 15-85mm is a clear improvement.

About this lens

The Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM is an APS-C standard zoom lens covering 17-85mm at f/4-5.6 for Canon EF-S mount cameras, with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.

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

Brand: Canon
Mount: Canon EF-S
Focal length: 17-85mm
Maximum aperture: f/4.0
Lens type: Zoom
Format coverage: aps-c
Released: 2004
Optical construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Aperture blades: 6
Image stabilization: Yes
Autofocus motor: USM
Minimum focus distance: 0.35 m
Maximum magnification: 0.2x
Filter thread: 67 mm
Weight: 475 g
Length: 92 mm
Diameter: 78.5 mm

Specification source: global.canon

What can you shoot with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM?

Travel
Everyday photography
Walk-around use

Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.

Full-frame equivalent and field of view

Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.

Sensor	Crop	Equivalent	Horizontal FOV	Diagonal FOV
APS-C	1.6x	27–136mm	15.1–67°	18.1–77°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Can the Canon EF-S 17-85mm be used on a full-frame camera?

Not on full-frame DSLRs. EF-S lenses are made for APS-C and the rear element would hit the mirror. On a full-frame EOS R body with the EF-RF adapter it works, but the camera crops the image to APS-C size.