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

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

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3 of 3 Ciao users found the following review helpful

davecham

Canon APS-C Upgrade 'Kit' Lens 26/12/2008

User recommends the product

Advantages Compact. Light. Good range. Decent image quality.
Disadvantages Not highest build quality. Slow max aperture. Better option available.

The Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-f/5.6 IS USM lens is a big step up from the cheap n' nasty 18-55mm kit lens supplied with most entry-level Canon APS-C sized sensor DSLR cameras. However, it is far from perfect. Being an EF-S lens (the 'S' standing for short back focus), it cannot be used on full-frame DSLR's or 35mm SLR cameras. It is designed specifically for cameras with APS-C size sensors and has a correspondingly reduced image circle which would vignette on larger sensor cameras. Also, the mirror could strike the rear lens element mounting, causing significant damage. Don't even think about it ... more
6 of 6 Ciao users found the following review helpful

frozenace

All purpose objective for Canon DSLR 11/07/2007

User recommends the product

Advantages very fast AF mechanism, quiet operation, image stabilization
Disadvantages feels a bit plastic, low-light performance not so good

When I bought my Canon EOS 20D, I was thinking about getting a cheaper Sigma or Tamron objective to go with it. But since the optical performance of those 3rd party can't keep up with the Canon ones most of the time, because of the reverse-engineered Auto-Focus interface, I went for the safer option and got myself the 17-85 IS USM instead. The objective is huge and heavy, which in conjunction with the EOS 20D really makes it a weight training exercise. The objective itself can be switched from Auto to manual via switch (you can also turn the image stabilization off) and manually focus using ... more
3 of 3 Ciao users found the following review helpful

justoz

Canon EF-S f17-85mm 4-5.6 IS USM 04/11/2007

User recommends the product

Advantages Excellent image sharpness, fast to focus, image stabilizer.
Disadvantages Slight vignetting at times.

I bought the 17-85mm EF-S IS lens because the standard kit lens, 18-55 mm left a gap of 15mm between it and the 70-300mm lens I already owned. I researched heaps of lenses thoroughly and decided the extra cost of the Canon should give me a better quality lens. It did! It is definitely heavier and more solidly constructed than the 18-55mm. It focuses accurately, is very fast, and has the advantage of an image stabilizer which allows you to hand hold the camera at slower shutter speeds (up to 3 steps). This allows you to retain sharper images in low light without them being affected by camera ... more
0 of 1 Ciao users found the following review helpful

rhubarbthecat

Canon 17-85 mm EF-S IS lens 12/09/2006

User recommends the product

Advantages Improvement on the kit lens
Disadvantages Bigger and Heavier

While the 18-55 kit lens that comes with the Canon 350D, 30D etc is a very good lens for the price, it is a little 'plasticky', and keen photographers are likely to want to trade up to something a little better. The 17-85 IS lens is not the fastest lens in the world, but since it comes with Image Stabilisation, this is not a problem, as long as you're not hoping to stop action. The IS can feel a little spooky at first, as the image in the viewfinder lags as you move the camera, but you get used to it. The IS can get confused when the camera is on a tripod, but fortunately there is a switch ... more
2 of 5 Ciao users found the following review helpful

QSO365

First lens :) 24/04/2011

User recommends the product

Advantages 67mm thread, Metal Mount, Strong, middle focusing ring,
Disadvantages no lens hood included,

I purchased my 17-85mm when I got my Canon 60D last November, at the time the current selling price of the lens alone was £350, it offers the same specification as the Canon 18-55mm and that the same of any kit lens including the Nikon 18-55mm, being F3.5-5.6, up close the lens is big, heavy, has a metal mount, and you have the option of the EW-73B Lens Hood (Optional Extra), Its nice to see the dial moving when you half press and fully press the shutter down, it certainly looks the part, their isnt a lot of difference in focal range between 17 and 18mm, so if its your first lens, this will be ... more
0 of 7 Ciao users found the following review helpful

rowee21

17-85mm IS USM - Great littlel ens for the money 16/12/2011

User recommends the product

Advantages great IS, Well built, great value for money
Disadvantages there are better lenses out there that cover the same range

a great quality lens for the money. very sharp images and the image stabiliser is fantastic! Highly recommended lens for the budget and zoom range. The Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens will not be able to stop action unless you have plenty of light Also, blurred backgrounds are quite difficult with this lens as the apeture only opens to f/5.6 at 85mm. It takes a close up photo and plenty of distance behind the the person you are shooting to get a decent background blur. the blur you end up with if you do manage it is very adaquate thought. bokeh are nice and smooth and the lens performs ... more