Canon 15-85mm lens?

[calloyd]

Hi everyone,
I've been using the Canon EF-S 17-85mm lens as a walkabout lens for about 4yrs but for some time have been wanting to upgrade. Would love the EF 24-70mm F2.8L but think it would be much too heavy for me to enjoy using (I have problems now carrying my load around) plus of course it's a lot more expensive.

Has anyone had experience with the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6? Or can someone recommend a lens which will give sharp results (barring the odd camera shake or OOF issue) but won't break my back or the bank balance. If the 24-70mm was lighter I think I would even consider spending the extra but...

My other zoom is 70-300mm so I'd like something which leaves no gap if possible, have searched the net for months and I'm still no further forward in deciding. I (try to) sell photos on Alamy so I'm afraid I tend to be a bit of a pixel-peeper :o

Any help would be appreciated.

[soulman]

If you're considering a 24-70, why not the 24-105? It is smaller & lighter, somewhat cheaper, has IS and is generally considered to be a very good all purpose lens. I have one and find it quite good. When I was using it on a crop body, I thought it was outstanding - most of its faults are around the edges, which you don't see when you use it on a crop body. Either way, it's a big step up from what you're using now. I got mine from D-D Photographic, who are selling them for about $1300 at the moment.

[RaoulIsidro]

Try out the EF 28-135mm IS.
Still in production and available brand new in shops. (less than $500 in some...)
Great all rounder, and can be used Full Frame if you switch to a FF body.
Your EF-S 15-85mm behaves in a close proximity to this (24-136mm).

[calloyd]

Thank you for your replies - I have to admit I hadn't considered either but will definitely look into them.

[soulman]

Try out the EF 28-135mm IS.Yep, it's also quite a good lens. I had one before I got the 24-105. Not as good of course, but only a bit over a third of the cost. If you want a really good lens though and can afford it, the 24-105 is definitely in a different class in terms of sharpness, colour, contrast and build quality. Be aware that it will make your 70-300 seem poor by comparison though! :p It will only be a matter of time before you have to replace that with a 70-200 or something similar...

[calloyd]

Be aware that it will make your 70-300 seem poor by comparison though! :p It will only be a matter of time before you have to replace that with a 70-200 or something similar...

LOL Looks like I'll have to get a second job - and a camera bag on wheels :eek:

[twister]

Try out the EF 28-135mm IS.
Still in production and available brand new in shops. (less than $500 in some...)
Great all rounder, and can be used Full Frame if you switch to a FF body.
Your EF-S 15-85mm behaves in a close proximity to this (24-136mm).

Nopes...the 15-85 acts like 24-136 on a crop, but the 28-135 will be more like a 45-216mm lens on a crop...which is nowhere near wide enough on the short end...

[MarkChap]

The Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 DC OS Macro HSM

About $600.00 from DCW (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod6718.htm)

[ApfDaMan]

perhaps the EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5 - 5.6 USM IS? it isnt a great lens but its OK, and a good price.

[twister]

18-135 is not a USM lens

[Mircula]

+1 for the Sigma, I have the old one without the HSM, but it is a really nice lens....

[calloyd]

Thanks again to all for your advice. There's a "Camera Expo" in Brisbane on Sunday so hopefully I'll be able to check all suggested lenses out and make a decision.

[Art Vandelay]

The 24-105 is an nice lens, but be sure you're comfortable with losing the wide end.

Leave your current lens on 24 for a while and see if it suits.

The 15-85 is a nice, crisp, versatile, walk around lens for a crop body. More like the equivalant field of view a 24 to 105 gives on a full frame. It lose a bit of favour with some because it's not constant apperture. It doesn't lack in image quality by any means.

I recently bought the canon 17-55 f/2.8 with the intention of selling my 15-85 but can't bring myself to do it.

[andylo]

If you also need the wider end:

If got $$: EF-S 17-55 IS
If got less $$: Tamron 17-50 BUT the non VC version.

I have the 17-85 IS myself and tried the 15-85 IS. I really can't see there's huge difference to justify the cost for upgrade.

[gje38752]

Check out all the various reviews, the 15-85 is a far better lens than the 17-85, very clearly a nice upgrade , got mine hanging on the front of a 50D

[7Ddude]

I've just recently purchased a 7D kit which included the EF-S 15-85mm lens in the beginning I was tending towards getting the L series 24-105mm but was not comfortable with losing the wide end of things.

I have to say I have only taken a few photos with this lens but to me its impressive how sharp it is.

I still have to play around with it more but for now take a look at this review hope it helps:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EF-S_15-85mm_IS_USM/

[canonboy]

i recently got a 50d & I was also thinking of the 15-85 as it seemed like a good range equal to approx 24-135 on a crop camera.
Canonboy.

[FilthyAmatuer]

I have the 15-85mm on my 500D and it is a excellent lens. Very useful range - never leaves the camera except when I need long telephoto (or playing with a macro or nifty fifty). Very sharp lens with good IS. Very happy with my purchase.

[phbk]

I bought the 15-85 to replace the 18-55 kit lens and have been very happy with it. It's a great walk around lens with very good image quality. For the price though it's a pity it doesn't have a red ring on the end