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

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 stabilisation – 3 stops
* Ring-type USM focusing with full-time manual override
* EF-S mount for Canon APS-C dSLRS only

Angle of view
17mm (27mm equivalent)














85mm (136mm equivalent)