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Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Macro Lens

The Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a 17–85mm f/4 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $99.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Macro Lens

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Macro Lens

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Canon EFS 17-85mm IS #19042 O4 M5 C4
Canon EFS 17-85mm IS #19042 O4 M5 C4

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Lens OverviewCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

The Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Macro Lens is a standard zoom lens built specifically for APS-C format Canon DSLRs. Mounted via the Canon EF mount, it covers a versatile focal length range from 17mm to 85mm, making it a practical choice for photographers who need flexibility across a wide variety of shooting situations — from wider environmental shots to closer, more compressed compositions at the longer end. The lens offers both auto and manual focus modes, giving shooters control over how and when they engage the focusing system.

Optical image stabilization is built in, which helps manage camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at the longer end of the zoom range or in lower light conditions. With a maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end, the lens delivers a reasonable amount of light gathering capability for a standard zoom in this class. The filter thread measures 67mm, a common size that makes it straightforward to pair with a wide range of circular polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories.

Weighing in at 475g, the lens sits in a manageable range for everyday carry on an APS-C body. It is compatible exclusively with Canon EF mount cameras, meaning it is best suited to Canon's APS-C DSLR lineup.

Key FeaturesCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

17-85mm Focal Length Range: Covers wide-angle through short telephoto on APS-C bodies, equivalent to roughly 27-136mm full-frame, making it a practical walk-around zoom.

Built-In Optical Stabilization: Canon's IS system helps compensate for camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at the longer end of the zoom range.

Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual focus override without switching out of AF mode.

APS-C Exclusive Design: Engineered specifically for Canon's EF-S mount APS-C DSLRs, optimizing image quality for the smaller sensor format.

f/4-5.6 Variable Aperture: Opens to f/4 at the wide end, providing reasonable light gathering for a zoom of this range in well-lit conditions.

Close-Focus Capability: Achieves a maximum magnification of 0.2x, allowing moderately close shooting of small subjects without a dedicated macro lens.

Lens SpecificationsCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Landscape, Portrait, Macro
Lens TypeZoom
FormatAPS-C
Zoom/PrimeZoom
Focal Length17–85mm
Maximum Aperturef/4
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountCanon EF
AutofocusYes
Focus TypeAuto, Manual
Image StabilizationOptical
Filter Thread67mm

DescriptionCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

The Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Macro Lens is a zoom lens designed for APS-C format Canon DSLRs using the Canon EF mount. It spans a 17mm to 85mm focal length range, covering a broad standard zoom territory suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios. The lens includes optical image stabilization, helping to reduce the impact of camera shake when shooting handheld.

Both auto and manual focus modes are supported, giving the photographer the flexibility to choose their preferred focusing method for any given situation. The maximum aperture reaches f/4 at the wide end of the zoom range. For filtration and accessories, the lens accepts 67mm filter thread attachments — a convenient and widely available size.

At 475g, the lens is a reasonably manageable option for APS-C DSLR users looking for a versatile zoom. Mount compatibility is limited to the Canon EF mount, so it is best paired with compatible Canon APS-C DSLR bodies.

ProsCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

  • Wide 17–85mm focal length range offers genuine versatility for standard zoom shooting on APS-C bodies
  • Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting
  • Supports both auto and manual focus modes for flexible operation

ConsCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

  • Maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end is not particularly fast for a zoom lens, limiting low-light performance
  • APS-C format and Canon EF mount limit compatibility — not usable on full-frame Canon bodies or other systems
  • Variable maximum aperture means light gathering decreases as you zoom toward 85mm

VideosCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens review (with samples)Christopher Frost

Resources & DownloadsCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Frequently Asked QuestionsCanon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

What cameras is this lens compatible with?+
This lens uses a Canon EF mount and is designed for APS-C format Canon DSLRs. It will mount on Canon EF-mount camera bodies within the APS-C DSLR system.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization, which helps compensate for camera shake during handheld shooting. This is particularly useful toward the longer end of the zoom range.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 67mm filter thread, a widely used size that gives you easy access to a broad range of compatible filters including polarizers and ND filters.
Can I use this lens in manual focus mode?+
Yes, the lens supports both auto and manual focus modes, as listed in the specifications. You can switch between the two depending on your shooting needs.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 475g, which is a manageable weight for a standard zoom covering the 17–85mm focal length range on an APS-C body.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The lens has a maximum aperture of f/4, noted as the widest available aperture in the specifications. As is typical with zoom lenses, the maximum aperture may vary across the focal length range.

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