I have broken Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 and looking for replacement, any idea?

After looking at the How to Pics. It makes me want to buy the 18-135 STM. I had Canon fix my lens a few years ago - it is starting to act up again. I didn't take a lot pics. over the years, I'm surprised it is acting up again. I wish Canon had a permanent fix for that cable.

Thanks for posting those links.

Thanks for tip. Yes you right I like projects like this, I'm handy guy so I thing I can do it. I'm still thinking about new lens as well. Since you guys are right 17-85 doesn't have really good reviews but looks good to me I just want to try one what have excellent reviews a specially inexpensive STM line.
I still thinking about those STM, 15-85mm or 17-55mm model now. Let me ask you this I like watch my pictures on 65" 4K TV so if this is important part what overall lens for 60D?
Archibald did nice reviews on STM and 18-55mm looks amazing results.

Best quality would be a EF-S 24mm 2.8 STM, 50mm 1.8 STM and 85mm 1.8. All 3 can be had for $500 combined if you shop around....


I hate zooms with a passion though so don't listen to me.

I been playing today with broken 17-85mm and I find out as long as I'm indoor in lower light lens works like a champ. One shoot outdoor and give me Error01. Do you guys still think it can be POWER APERTURE DIAPHRAGM UNIT? It is like one guy here said $20 or so for it.

what mode are you using it in? it could be that the lens is wide open while indoors and then stopping down while outdoors...but again, it all depends on the mode you are shooting with...try AV f8 indoors

You can go running around in circles trying different things to figure out when and where the lens is broken, and you'll end up spending all your time worrying about it and no time taking photos

It's pretty easy to disassemble, and there's not much that you can mess up. From the symptoms you describe the flex cable is the most likely culprit and is probably cracked, Eventually it will completely fatigue and snap and they lens will be pretty much useless from then onwards.

It's a common problem with the kit level of lenses, I've had it happen to my 17-85 (while my mum was uing it on a once in a lifetime trip around Europe unfortunately) and I've also repaired 2 family member's 18-55 lenses that have failed in a similar way.

Just chiming in that I have the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens and I find it more useful than my EF-S 15-85mm IS lens, particularly for studio applications, or for outdoor locations. A fantabulous optic at Av ~ f/8, and a very large zoom range. The build quality for this plastic lens seems very good, it feels quite solid.

Archibald wrote in post #17697007
No idea which lens "that lens" refers to. Several lenses are being discussed in this thread. I had to click on your link to determine that you meant the 17-85mm. OK, I don't have that lens myself, so can ignore this potential issue.

Look at the topic title "I have broken Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 and looking for replacement, any idea?"

Went for work trip, will try that when I will get home, thanks for your post.

I agree and i already bought flex cable is coming from China so I will try to replace it and will see if this will fix issue. At same time I decide to give it a try to this lens Canon EF-S 15-85 mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens. From what I'm reading it should be better lens then 17-85mm one.

I don't think it is worth either fixing or replacing with a used lens. My 17-85 failed twice with the same problem - it would not autofocus. The first time I had it repaired; the second time I replaced it with something else. After trying several different "something elses", I finally settled on the 15-85. The 17-85 was a good lens when it worked, but the 15-85 is better.

Thanks for post, so 15-85 is working better for you? Do you think it have better picture quality as well?