Real freedom of framing in a lightweight, compact and fast-focusing lens. The EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is an excellent all-purpose lens for EF-S mount EOS cameras.
Features
Exceptional zoom range for all EF-S mount bodies
Superb image quality
Lightweight and compact
Image Stabilizer - up to 3 stops compensation
Fast near-silent USM AF
Super Spectra coatings
Circular aperture
Optional exclusive lens hood
One lens. Many opportunities.
The EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM provides an effective focal length range of approximately 27-136mm in 35mm format. This provides plenty of framing options, making it the perfect all-purpose lens that allows you to express your creativity in a vast range of shooting situations.
Light and fast
The small size and low weight of the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM make it ideal for fast moving photography and travel, where it is not practical to carry around a heavy bag of kit. Its ring-type USM works in concert with EF-S mount EOS cameras to provide super-fast, precision auto focusing and predictive tracking - with full manual override available at any time.
Go steady
Image Stabilizer technology compensates for a full three stops, giving the lens an effective maximum aperture of f1.4-2.0; excellent for hand-held and low light photography.
Designed for digital
Designed specifically for digital photography, the lens has specially shaped lens elements and Super Spectra 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.
Background blur
A circular aperture provides a pleasing background blur when shooting with a wide aperture; ideal for creating a sense of depth and getting your subject or model to stand out from the background.
Read about alternatives to the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM by clicking here for more camera reviews, product comparisons, photography information, digital camera price comparisons, digital SLR cameras, digital compact cameras, film SLR camera, photography books, camera lenses and camera accessories.
Author
Boddie Commander of the Wild Empire
Registered: September 2004 Location: Sunny Doncaster Posts: 4336
Review Date: Sun 8, October, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £400.00| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Image stabilised, Well made, Ultra Silent
Weaknesses:
Another lens I purchased for indoor use but that now gets plenty of work outdoor too. The image stabiliser gives the lens an effective maximum aperture of f1.4-2.0 so it may be used indoor with confidence.
This really is a great all-rounder lens, with the range of 17-85 possible so ideal for many situations whilst out walking and general photography. With the exception of the gap between 85-100 mil I am now covered with image stabilision from 17-400 mil. My handheld technique is not the best so I.S. really is a godsend.
The lens is well made and relatively light so it tends to be my standard fit now and I have to say that the macro is mighty fine too, for those moments that its just not practical to fit my 105mil, or when I dont have a monopod. The macro images I have taken so far have been very crisp indeed.
Focussing is very quick and silent too so its great for portrait work.
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £250.00| Rating: 8
Strengths:
IS, quick silent focusing, zoom range
Weaknesses:
I bought this lens before christmas last year and must say i'm very pleased with it. It takes pretty sharp pictures and I think in the hands of someone with a little more knowhow would take outstanding photos. It focuses quickly and quietly and has an extremely useful zoom range (~28-135mm equivalent on a 1.6x body) meaning I leave it on my camera most of the time. There is some slight vignetting at 17mm and occasionally some chromatic abberation, but nothing that cant be fixed easily in post processing. I think this is probably to be expected of a zoom with this range at this price.
If you want to save up for a juicy L lens but need a decent all-rounder I think this is a safe bet. Highly recommended.
advaitin New Member
Registered: June 2008 Posts: 5
Review Date: Thu 5, June, 2008
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Light weight with very good performance
Weaknesses:
None
I bought this lens as part of a kit for a four-month trip to Europe. I wanted a camera and lens set that would fit in a satchel case and cover every possible situation. My kit was a Canon XTi (USA designation), 10-22mm WA zoom, 17-85mm IS zoom and 70-300mm IS zoom.
Ultimately, while I did have very nice shots from the other two lenses, I could have easily just carried the Camera and the 17-85mm. The camera and lens combination provided 90 percent of my 8600 images and the best of them have been printed to 17X22 inches with no problems.
I may have been lucky with the lens, but I highly recommend it for a walk-around, even for commericial work.