Support Camera Labs by price checking using the flags below


or by shopping via our affiliate stores
- thanks!

RSS Feed Camera Labs RSS Feed




Latest camera reviews

Olympus E-520
Canon 1000D / XS preview

Sigma DP1
Panasonic Lumix FX500

Olympus E-420
Pentax K20D
Olympus E-3
Sony Alpha A300
Canon EOS 450D / XSi
Sony Alpha A350

Panasonic Lumix FX35

Panasonic Lumix TZ5

Nikon D60
Sony Alpha A200
Nikon D300
Sony Alpha A700
Canon EOS 40D

All reviews ....
   
 
  Latest cameras
     



Canon
Nikon
Panasonic
Sony
FujiFilm
Olympus
Pentax

     
 
  Best Buys: our top models
     



Compacts / Super-zooms
Budget DSLRs / Semi-pro / Lenses
   
 



   
 



Camera Labs Forum

Any questions, comments or a great tip to share? Join our Forum and let everyone know.
   
 
  DSLR Tips



 
Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi kit lens upgrade group test Gordon Laing, September 2006 / updated July 2007
   
Support this site by price checking below

Canon EF-S 17-85 IS USM


Canon EF-S 17-55 IS USM



Canon EF 17-40 L
Canon kit lens upgrade group test video tour

We're pleased to present a short video tour comparing each of the lenses in our group test: the Canon EF-S 17-85mm, EF-S 17-55mm and EF 17-40mm. In this video we'll show you the pros and cons of each model for anyone thinking of upgrading their Canon kit lens. There's no need to download any new software - just press the play button in the middle of the screen below and wait for the video to start; you may need to press the button twice. The quality and any delay before playing may vary depending on your internet connection.




Canon lens upgrade video - 17-85mm Canon lens upgrade video - 18-55mm Canon lens upgrade video - 17-40mm


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

Good points

Flexible 5x optical zoom ratio
Effective Image Stabilisation
Fast and quiet USM focussing motor
Polariser-friendly internal focussing

Bad points
Visible light fall-off and softening in corners
Relatively expensive for specification
Lens hood not included
Only compatible with EF-S bodies


Scores
(relative to 18-55mm kit lens)
 

Build quality:
Optical quality:
Specification:
Value:

Overall:

20 / 25
19 / 25
20 / 25
20 / 25

79%
 

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Good points

Bright f2.8 aperture throughout zoom range
Effective Image Stabilisation
Fast and quiet USM focusing motor
Superb low-light performance

Bad points
Relatively expensive
Construction not 'L' standard despite price
Range shorter than cheaper EF-S 17-85mm
Lens hood not included


Scores
(relative to 18-55mm kit lens)
 

Build quality:
Optical quality:
Specification:
Value:

Overall:

20 / 25
20 / 25
22 / 25
15 / 25

77%
 

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Good points

Canon 'L' build and optical quality
Fast and quiet USM focusing motor
Constant f4 aperture throughout range
Will also work on full-frame body

Bad points
Shorter zoom range than kit lens
No IS (although not particularly necessary)
Overkill if not considering full-frame in future


Scores
(relative to 18-55mm kit lens)
 

Build quality:
Optical quality:
Specification:
Value:

Overall:

22 / 25
21 / 25
18 / 25
16 / 25

77%
 



All words, images, videos and layout, copyright 2005-2008 Gordon Laing. May not be used without permission.

About Us / How we test / Best Buys / Home