The new EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM sets a new standard for everyday photography on APS-C sensors. With a focal length range equivalent to 24-136mm in 35mm format, image stabilization and high-precision optics, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM offers stellar performance from wide-angle through to telephoto.
33Perfect everyday, walk-around zoom lens for APS-C cameras
Focal length range equivalent to 24-136mm in 35mm format
Image stabilization and robust build quality
High-precision optics offer stellar performance from wide-angle through to telephoto
With a focal length range equivalent to 24-136mm on a full frame camera, this lens could satisfy the majority of my needs. I bought a used copy, thinking that it had the potential to replace my 24-105L. The 24-105L is a great lens but is not always wide enough on a cropped sensor body. I was satisfied with the quality of construction on the EFS 15-85mm and could forgive the occasional lens creep but the optics didn't measure-up. My copy was soft, particularly so at 35mm. My 18-55mm IS kit lens is sharper. I've read a number of reviews with raves about the lens and a few where people have had issues. Maybe my copy was not a good example or perhaps I was just expecting too much. The lens is now with its third owner and I have gone back to my 24-105L. I would recommend this lens to a friend with the caveat that it should be thoroughly tested before they decide to keep it.
Pros: desireable zoom range, sharp images, fast af, quiet, no barrel rotation
Cons: no enviromental sealing, narrow manual focus ring
Of the non-L lenses, this one stands head and shoulders above the others in the standard zoom category. The image sharpness and general quality is close to that of my 70-200mm f/4L USM. While I can still discern a difference in image quality between the two lenses, the 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM is closer to the L-series quality than what I have observed from the other EF-S lenses. Under some low-light conditions notable vignetting occurs, but generally is not noticeable. Some color aberration can be seen but does not generally detract from the photo. Adobe Lightroom 3 does have a lens profile for correcting images shot in RAW with this lens. The AF is fast and quiet. The lens "feels" good and has a remarkable performance to price ration.
I HAVE USED THIS LENS WITH A T3I CAMERA TO TAKE MORE THAN 500 PICTURES AND THEY ALL TURN OUT TO BE GOOD. FRIENDS CALL ME A PRO MEANWHILE I JUST USE POINT AND SHOOT. AGAIN I PRINT MY OWN PICTURES AT HOME WITOUT RETOUCHING THE PICTURES
Pros: fast focus, quiet, sharp, great all around lens, has a good feel and weight
Cons: lens lock needed
I bought this lens (I have two) about 5 years ago and I have shot a lot of weddings with it along with other photo sessions. It has been my all around lens for travel. It has been a great all around lens. I had other 3rd party lenses and they don't work half as well. This lens is quick to focus, quiet, and sharp. Like everyone else usually comments, this lens would score a perfect 5 if it had a lens lock. It has a little problem at times focusing in really low light (receptions), but many lenses do. It has really been a work horse for me.
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