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Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi kit lens upgrade group test Gordon Laing, September 2006 / updated July 2007
   
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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%
 



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