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The equivalent of a 28–135mm lens, Canon’s 17–85mm f/4–5.6 digital-only EF-S zoom ($600 street) is a logical upgrade for Digital Rebel and 20D owners ready to step up from Canon’s standard 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 kit zoom. The only EF-S lens with image stabilization so far, the 17–85mm features third-generation IS technology, which promises shorter “wake-up” times, more aggressive subject tracking, and tripod compatibility.
The obvious comparison is with Canon’s 28–135mm f/3.5–5.6 full-frame IS zoom ($405 street, after rebate), which, seven years on, remains popular, if only because it’s the least expensive IS zoom.
HANDS ON: This matte-black lens is noticeably smaller and lighter than the 28–135mm. It has a large, ribbed, and rubberized zoom ring, with a smaller but equally grippable manual-focus collar. The turning action for both is well-damped, if not super smooth. Like the 28–135mm, focusing scales are behind a plastic window, and the white metric scale is more legible than the green U.S. scale. AF action is fast, accurate, and silent. Controls include Canon’s AF/Manual and Stabilizer switches.
IN THE LAB: At the test focal lengths, SQF performance is in the Excellent range. According to DxO Analyzer tests, distortion is well-controlled at 85mm and 50mm (0.44% and 0.49% pincushioning, respectively), moving into the Very Visible range (1.25% barrel) at 17mm. Above average for the field, this is a significantly better showing than the 28–135mm IS lens could muster: 2.70% barrel distortion at 28mm. Light falloff in the corners is gone by f/8 at the longer focal lengths, and by f/5.6 at 17mm—slightly above-average. At the universal close-focus distance of 13.7 inches, maximum magnification ratios ranged from 1:14.1 at 17mm to 1:4.8 at 85mm, about normal for its class.
CONCLUSION: With distortion under control, an IS system that delivers three extra stops of hand-holdable shutter speeds, excellent sharpness, and more, this lens will call out to any Digital Rebel or EOS 20D owner who can afford the price of admission.
What's Hot:
Image stabilizer.
Above-average distortion control.
What's Not:
Expensive.
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