Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens Imported
Ideal for travel, mid-range nature/wildlife and general photography, the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a lightweight, compact all-purpose "standard" zoom lens. Equivalent to a 28-135mm lens in 35mm format, this EF-S lens brings 5x wide-angle to tele coverage to EOS 20D and Digital Rebel shooters.
This lens features Canon's latest optical Image Stabilizer technology, providing up to 3-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. The lens has a 17 element, 12 group construction, including one double-sided aspherical element for crisp, high contrast corner-to-corner detail.
A ring-type USM means both fast and silent AF, as well as full-time manual focus when in the AF mode.
Designed specifically for digital photography, the lens has specially shaped lens elements and coatings to suppress ghosting and flare, which can be caused by reflections off digital camera sensors. An exclusive optional lens hood can further reduce the incidence of flare.
Note: Only Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II and 12 II fit on this lens.
Note! Not suitable for 35mm film SLR cameras or digital cameras with an image sensor bigger than APS-C size, this lens fits on the EOS Digital Rebel series or 7D, 40D, 30D and 20D cameras.
- Uses optics designed to take full advantage of the small image circle and short back focus in EF-S lenses
- Features three aspherical lens elements for high image quality at all focal lengths
- Optimized lens coating minimizing flare and ghosting prone occurring with digital cameras
- Image Stabilizer gives equivalent effect of a shutter speed three stops faster during hand-held shooting
- Ring-type USM provides ultra-quiet, super-fast, precision auto focusing and predictive tracking
- Circular aperture diaphragm produces brilliant out-of-focus characteristics
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 - 85 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 - 32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF-S |
| Format Compatibility | Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 78° - 18° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.2' (36 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.2x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/17 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.1 x 3.6" (7.87 x 9.14 cm) |
| Weight | 1.05 lb (475 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 141 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (62)
- Durable (53)
- Easily interchangeable (52)
- Lightweight (50)
- Consistent output (46)
Cons
- Heavy (12)
- Poor in low light (11)
- Lens creep (9)
- Barrel distortion (4)
- Blurry focus (4)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (42)
- General purpose (36)
- Weddings (26)
- Portraits (23)
- Travel (22)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (26), Enthusiast (25), Semi-pro photographer (18), Casual photographer (13), Semi-professional (11)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
This is a great lens
I looked for a long time to find a lens that would meet our everyday needs. I actually bought the Tamron 18-200 lens and found that lens to be quite soft in comparison to...Read complete review
I looked for a long time to find a lens that would meet our everyday needs. I actually bought the Tamron 18-200 lens and found that lens to be quite soft in comparison to the 18-55 Canon kit lens. Although the range is nice and I know that you loose quality with a lens like the Tamron but I expected more from it. I decided to buy the Canon 17-85IS lens even though I read it was about $100 overpriced. After receiving this lens from the store at a good price, I wished I would have bought it earlier and not even bothered with the searching and testing of other lens's. This think really focus's quickly and has good enough range to take action pictures of my son in soccer. Every picture is clear and crisp with the IS functionality. I was told by a camera shop that IS is overrated and I am happy to say that for someone in between a beginner/professional the IS does make a huge difference. This is going to be my all around lens. When you can take a face picture of a kid from 30ft away, load the image onto a computer, digitally zoom in and see the fine hairs on their chin, I think it is a great lens. I recommend this lens!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice compact lens, could be better
I've using this lens of about a month. This are my impressions:
1) Build quality is very nice, with metal construcion, nice weight and tight feeling. A lot better than the fl...Read complete review
I've using this lens of about a month. This are my impressions:
1) Build quality is very nice, with metal construcion, nice weight and tight feeling. A lot better than the flimsy kit lens that came with my 30D.
2) Optical quality is so,so, the lens las heavy fringing issues while at full aperture, you have to stop it down to at least f8 to get rid of it. It also has some heavy barrel distortion at full wide angle, which makes it a no-no for architectural work. Incoming light affects it badly, so be sure to hace the optional lens hood. Lens sharpness is OK, but not up to par with canon's L lenses.
3) It is a nice walk around lens, I find the zoom range to be very adequate for street photo and fot portrait work. I think that the lens is OK for the price, but I'd happily forfeit the Image Stabilizer for somewhat better optics if I had the choice.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 141 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
The lens was chosen because of its wide angle and IS features. It allows the photographer to sharpen in on close-up details and a broader image area. Although we have used the lens only for a few weeks, it has met our expectations.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
LOVE IT
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Auto focus failure
- Barrel distortion
- Faulty zoom ring
- not very sharp
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
It was a great walk-around lens for the first year or so. Decent quality shots, but not sharp. The barrel distortion was severe. The zoom ring jammed/fell loose during a few critical shoots and the lens became unreliable. Sent it in to be fixed twice under warranty. Shortly after it came back the second time, the auto focus failed. It is still usable, but I'm looking into a replacement.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Love it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
great len, really good for starting
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I like to just travel and take pictures all over the country. My Canon 40D came with a 28-135mm lens, which was way too heavy to carry around. This lens is much lighter, as well as being quick and quiet. I haven't found a single thing that I do not like about it. I like this lens so much I bought my son in law one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
If you're in the market for a new multi-purpose lens, this one is great for the price. It's 17-85mm focal length is great for both portrait and wider angle shots. I teach photography at the college level and I will tell all of my students about this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I would consider myself as a semi-professional, I like to shoot senses and Portraits. I have a canon 20d that this lense is on, and it has given me good service until five and a half years ago. The lens now does not focus at all, it jumps back and forth. but it will focus on manuel mode. I liked the wide angle it offers, they say it could be repaired for $95.00 + Shipping and Handling then add in a few other cost factors. So who knows what the end cost would be.
So the motor in the lens in auto can't make up its mind on where to stop to make a well focused picture. End of story.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens. I am a student photographer and was using my cannon rebel's lens that came in the package, and ever since I switched to this new one, my photography has improved x100000. it is worth the cost.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is my everyday lense. My pictures have never been better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Lens Creep
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I´m a wedding photograher in my native land, Brazil and I´ve had this lens repaired only after a few months of using it. Just like some other lenses from Canon ( 18-55; 28-105 to name a couple ),this one is another disposable one!Go for the L lenses from Canon, you´ll be pleased to invest your money once and not again and again!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Love it
Cons
Best Uses
- Any time
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
very usable
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a great walkaround lens upgrade from the 18-55 or as a new lens for your bag! The autofocus is very accurate and fast, and the better glass quality is definitely noticeable over the 18-55. Very Nice bokeh, and it focuses a lot closer than what it says it will, in MF mode.
The only bad thing, which isnt even that bad, is the front element is so heavy that it will pull the zoom barrel out on its own depending on how you carry your camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I USE THIS FOR PORTRAITS. IT HAS A GREAT RANGE AND IS SHARP. YOU CAN WORK PHOTOSHOP TO MAKE YOUR PRINTS SOFTER. BUT I LIKE TO START OFF WITH A SHARP IMAGE.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Landscape, Cityscape, Events, Portraits, Close up and General photography.
I like the sharpness of the lens as well as the ease of use of zooming.
I have not found anything that I dislike about the lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I swapped this onto my 40D from an old 28-80 2.8 lens - very heavy and too limiting. I needed something that was more versatile, especially for wider angle shots. Yes - I lost that wonderful 2.8 but I gained a lighter weight lens, that actually captures the wider angle. I turn the IS off to save battery power.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is the only lens I have had for 5 years. It is a great general purpose lens. It's wide range lets you use it in a wide variety of situations. I am now purchasing a 70-200 lens but this one has served me well.
Not great in low light. Pictures of dance recitals were too blurry and had to be deleted. However, in situations where you can use your flash it performed well.
Some reviews commented on lack of durability. This lens has traveled the world and never gave me a problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Lense was everthing I expected it to be.
Great lense for around use!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Great lens, good built quality, impressive optical quality. Great lens! powerful USM Great with low light
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is the most versitile lens I've ever owned. I cover all kinds of events, do commercial work and portraits without having to change the lens.
Photo's are always sharp and colorful. Easy to use. Fast focus. I've had one for the last several years. I luv it so much I just ordered another one as a backup.
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What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
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